Choice Program is a government funded employment service which helps people with medical conditions and disabilities find and maintain employment.

Currently people wanting to participate in the Choice Program are evaluated by Centrelink and then referred to a Choice Program provider.  Eligibility for the program is dependant on a range of criteria set out by Centrelink.

After 1st July 2006 there will be no guarantees that PEP will be allocated as your preferred agency.  This is due to the fact that Centrelink works on a rotational system to ensure all providers receive the same amount of referrals.  To increase your chances of being allocated to PEP, ask Centrelink for PEP as your preferred agency.

Disclosing your disability means telling prospective employers you have a disability.  It is an individual decision and it is important to remember that you have no legal obligation to do so unless it is likely to affect your job performance.  Choice Program recommends you disclose your disability to your potential employer, in this way it is easier to obtain appropriate assistance should it be required after you commence work.

If you decide to tell an employer about your disability, you should remember to be positive and open, and it may be useful to discuss the strategies you have used and would implement to overcome the disability you have.  Highlight your suitability for the job and discuss funding for workplace modifications if these may assist you in the job.

Here are some tips to remember:

• You are under no legal obligation to disclose your disability unless it will affect your job performance;
• The best time to advise a future employer of a disability is at the interview stage;
• If you need mobility aids for an interview, you may need to disclose your disability before the interview;
• Be open and honest when asked about your disability and how it will affect your job performance;
• Stay positive and remember to highlight why you'd be great for the position;
• If necessary, discuss available funding for workplace modifications.

It is commonly thought that people with disabilities are only able to perform simple, repetitive jobs.  People with disabilities work successfully in all areas of the workforce and some are tertiary qualified and hold senior managerial positions.  With on the job training and support provided by specialist employment services, productivity requirements of employers can be achieved.  Complex tasks can be broken down into easy-to-teach and easy-to-learn steps.

Currently, most Australians with a disability who are employed work at productivity levels equivalent to their co-workers and receive a full award wage.

However, the Supported Wage System (SWS) is for people with a disability, who due to the effects of their disability, are not as productive as their able bodied co-workers.  You can employ a SWS eligible person with a disability at a wage that equates to their independently assessed productivity.

This means that dollar for dollar a worker with a disability is just as productive as a worker who does not have a disability.

The SWS is assessed by an independent person using specialist assessment tools and the percentage of wage paid is linked to an Award or other Industrial Agreement.

The vast majority of people with disabilities in employment require no workplace modifications or job redesign.  If workplace modifications are required they are usually simple and inexpensive.  The Workplace Modification Scheme can provide you with financial assistance for each person with a disability, to assist you with workplace modifications.

Research has shown that people with a disability are subject to fewer workplace accidents than other workers.  However, if required, a consultant can assess and monitor your workplace prior to an employee commencing to ensure it is safe for all your workers.  The consultant can also provide one-on-one training on the proper and safe usage of all equipment in the workplace to ensure safety remains paramount.

All new employees require some training.  Sometimes, depending on the tasks they have been allocated, a person with a disability may need some extra assistance with initial training and on-the-job support.  A range of specialists can cover any extra training and supervision needs of the worker so you are not disadvantaged.

During the interview, questions should be asked in the usual fashion to ascertain the individual's ability to perform the essential requirements of the job.

Questions relating to disability should only be asked in order to identify whether any adjustments will be required to assist the person to do the job.

A Choice Employment consultant can arrange for an expert assessor to look over the workplace before your new employee commences work.  They can then liaise closely with management and co-workers to ensure that any concerns are dealt with appropriately.

Employees with a disability should be treated with as much respect as other employees.  It is important they are included in workplace and social events.

Our Choice Program consultant will maintain contact with the employee and employer once employment has commenced to ensure things are running smoothly.  However, as with any employee, there may be occasions when things don't work out.  In these situations, your normal procedures for dealing with performance problems would apply.

Research indicates that employees with a disability rated average or better on job performance, work safety, attendance, with no increase in compensation costs.

Research indicates that people with disabilities are less likely to be involved in accidents in the workplace.  In Victoria in 1991, only 4% of employees with a disability claimed for accidents, compared with 14.7% claimed by workers without a disability.  (Occupational Health & Safety Report on People with Disabilities, 1991).

In addition, there is no evidence to prove that people with disabilities are more accident prone.  Research has shown that 98% of employees with a disability have a better or similar accident record compared with their co-workers. 

Please call Choice Program on 9470 3096 to discuss any vacancy or human resource requirement you have.