Vasse Village employers step up for disability

Vasse Village businesses were raising awareness of employing people living with health conditions, disability or injury for WorkABILITY day on Tuesday.

Coles, the Little People Place, and Hanson Property were among the businesses inviting local community members for work experience opportunities.

The Forrest Personnel WorkABILITY Day is an annual event intended to bring local employers and jobseekers together, showcasing the abilities and enthusiasm of people living with disability or injury.

Forrest Personnel is a not-for-profit disability employment services provider.

Participants gained experience in roles such as customer service, retail assistant, kitchen hand, childcare, admin assistant, social media, cleaning and maintenance.

The Vasse Village event also gave businesses the opportunity to show support to people living with a health condition and looking for work by providing valuable experience.

Forrest Personnel chief executive Anna Bagshaw said WorkABILITY Day was aimed at showing employers people with a range of health conditions could add value to organisations.

“We want to dispel the myth that employing a person with a disability would create further complications,” she said. “Our participants gain a lot from having the opportunity.

“Studies show individuals with health conditions, disability or injury take less sick days, stay for longer hours, and are good for productivity.”

Hanson Property Group director Zara Newman said she gained great perspective from the experience.

“It’s pretty amazing to see the Village come together and support one another,” Ms Newman said.

“It’s a fantastic event.”