International Seminar Update on Employment of People with Disabilities Patrick Maher

1. International Seminar Update on Employment ofPeople with Disabilities Patrick Maher President Workability InternationalEmail: patrick.maher@workability-international.org

2. What we will cover • Workability International • Global perspectives on disability employment • The Workability International survey • The Workability International global challenge

3. Workability International Workability International is proud to be the world's largest body representing providers of work and employment services to people with disabilities. More than three million people with disabilities are engaged in work programs accessing employment and work, delivered by more than 130 member organisations in more than 40 countries. Workability International encourages the sharing of expertise and resources between a world with diverse economic and social requirements.

4. Global perspectives on disability employment Source: World Report on Disability: WHO and World bank 2011 Access to employment will break the cycle of poverty for people with disability

5. Global perspectives on disability employment Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on theRights of Persons with Disabilities recognises: “The right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.”

6. Global trends on disability employment

7. Workability International survey • Survey purpose: • “What programs do you have to grow employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors?” • Survey collected information in four areas: • Quota systems: Public sector • Quota systems: Private sector • Preference in public sector for organisations that hire people with disabilities • Incentives/subsidies/tax breaks provided to private sector firms that may hire people with disabilities • Survey participation: • 18 countries globally • Workability Asia: Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, Japan, Nepal and Taiwan

8. Survey results

9. Workability International survey • More extensive data in Zero Project Report • Purpose: Extensive review of worldwide practices implemented to address needs of people with disabilities • 82 countries reviewed • 10 indicators including: • Promotion of employment in the private sector • Quota for employment in the public sector • Several other employment indicators • Numerous innovative practices • Practices that support principles of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

10. Workability International survey • What’s next? • Review Workability International survey and Zero Report • Take advantage of this International Seminar and any ppportunityto exchange ideas • Assess your own programs vs. your changing environment • Is change needed? • What degree of risk tolerance do you have?

11. Workability International global challenge Workability International challenges all G20 nations to:Set a goal of a two per cent rise in the employment participation rate for people with disabilities by 2019

12. Workability International global challenge • How do we get there? • Investigate and listen • Use a different lens • Take some risk • View change as opportunity • Keep focus – look long term • Be persistent “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember… you haven’t” – Thomas Edison

13. Workability International global challenge • An example: AbilityOne Program • Across the United States • Resulted in 44,000 jobs for people with disability • Achieved an amendment to the Americans with Disability Law • They are successful by: • Marketing the capabilities of people with disabilities • Creating partnerships This challenge can be met.

14. Questions? Patrick Maher President Workability InternationalEmail: patrick.maher@workability-international.org