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Agenda

Day One - Tuesday, 3 September 2024

8:20

Registration and Welcome Coffee 

8:45

Welcome to Country

8:50

Houskeeping 

8:55

Chairperson Introduction

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Ross Joyce, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations  

Laying The Foundation For Inclusive Employment

9:00

Keynote: How legislations, government policies and industry standards can be reformed to better support disability employment and inclusion

  • Explore strategies for governments to implement new policies that incentivize businesses to actively recruit and accommodate individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive work environment

  • Discussing the role of industry standards in setting benchmarks for disability inclusion practices and prioritizing accessibility and accommodation measures

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Graeme Innes AM, Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner

9:30

Fostering an inclusive culture to support employees with disabilities

  • Establishing clear guidelines and policies to support the inclusion and advancement of employees with disabilities 

  • Incorporating flexible adjustments seamlessly into the workplace to accommodate diverse needs and abilities 

  • Implementing accessibility training for all employees to foster empathy and inclusion

  • Integrating universal design principles to ensure accessibility from the outset, enhancing organizational reputation and customer satisfaction

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Corene Strauss GAICD, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Disability Network

10:00

Keynote Presentation: Equipping managers and organisations with practical strategies to support neurodivergent staff members in the workplace

  • Learn of the challenges faced by neurodivergent employees and how Yenn has overcome some of these challenges in the workplace 

  • Uncover actionable strategies for managers and organisations to promote inclusion and diversity and accommodate to diverse needs of employees

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Yenn Purkis, Author and autism advocate

10:30

Networking Bingo

10:45

Morning Tea

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Metrics, Measurements, And Technology

11:15

Leading workplace inclusion through human rights

  • Looking at how to meaningfully bring the human rights of people with disability into boardrooms and workplaces 

  • Examining how confidence in applying rights-based principles of equal participation and non-discrimination can create inclusive workplace cultures Highlighting ways of promoting inclusive employment through co-design, communities of practice and customised employment

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Siobhan Tierney, Director, IncludeAbility, Disability Rights Team, Australian Human Rights Commission 

11:45

Discussing methods and metrics for measuring the impact of disability inclusion initiatives

  • Providing tools for evaluation and organizations by demonstrating the business case for investing in disability inclusion

  • How conducting regular employee feedback surveys provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of disability inclusion initiatives, allowing organisations to make data-driven improvements

Harleen Oberoi

Harleen Oberoi, Group Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Talent, Crown Resorts

12: 15

Supporting employees with disabilities from a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) perspective

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Rosie Valencia, Managing Director, Insight PBS 

12:25

Lunch

Advancing Employment through Inclusive Technology and Intersectional Strategies

1:20

How to deliver a ‘barrier free’ digital workplace for employees with disabilities

  • What are the attributes of a ‘barrier free’ digital workplace

  • What are benefits for all staff (particularly employees with disabilities) as well as the organisation?

  • How can AI play a role for good?

  • How can any organisation easily integrate accessibility into policies, key business processes, organisational culture, and management structures in a consistent, repeatable, and measurable fashion?

Greg Alchin

Greg Alchin, Principal Accessibility Specialist, Service NSW

1:50

Explanation of Mini-Workshops 

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two workshop sessions. Each session will run for 30 minutes

2:00

2 x 30 min Mini-Workshops

Emma Bennison
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Breakout Session A: Discussing strategies for creating an empowering and workplace inclusive leadership

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Breakout Session B: Striving for the same goal, how can people with disability, employers and employment service providers best work together! 

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Michael Dobbie-Bridges, Specialist Disability Advisor, APM  

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Rick Kane, Senior Advisor, APM

Emma Bennison, Chief Innovation Officer, Life Without Barriers 

3:00

Afternoon Tea

Supporting Disability Employees

3:30

Building supporting structures and systems that empower employees while minimising hurdles

  • Fostering a flexible work environment that prioritises performance over rigid time-based measurements that promotes a healthier work/life balance for you employees

  • Discussing how a flexible approach can better cater to individual abilities and limitations, fostering a more inclusive and understanding workplace culture

  • Embracing diversity and fostering a supportive workplace where employees feel safe sharing their strengths and weaknesses, to provide opportunities for individuals to thrive based on their unique abilities

  • Encouraging organisations to adopt a purpose-driven approach that allows all employees to leverage their skills and work towards a fulfilling lifestyle

Mark Pietsch

Mark Pietsch, NSW Director, Physical Disability Australia

4:00

Building a business case to show the strategic advantage of neurodiversity in the workplace

  • How to convey the benefits of neurodiversity to senior leadership and decision makers 

  • Providing actionable insights on how neurodiverse individuals contribute to innovation, problem solving, and productivity

  • Implementing targeted outreach programs in increasing accessibility, and attracting neurodiverse talent

  • Exploring the benefits of collaborating with disability advocacy groups to build trust and access a pool of qualified candidates, enriching the talent pipeline and organizational culture

Catherine McNair

Catherine McNair, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing, QBE Insurance

Kimberley O'Reilly

Kimberley O’Reilly, Portfolio Manager, Technical & Specialty & QBE Pride Co-Lead, QBE Insurance

4:30

Chairperson’s Closing Address 

4:45

End of Forum Day One & Networking Drinks 

Day 2

Day Two - Wednesday, 4 September 2024

8:30

Registration and Welcome Coffee 

9:00

 Opening Address

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Ross Joyce, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations  

Community And Stakeholder Engagement

9:10

Supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities through initiatives that enhance employment prospects and foster career advancement

  • Highlighting the significance of tailored skill development programs designed to enhance the employability and career readiness of individuals with intellectual disabilities

  • Ensuring individuals with intellectual disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and can perform to the best of their abilities

  • Advocating for inclusive policies and practices within organisations to remove barriers to employment and promote equal opportunities

Catherine McAlpine

Catherine McAlpine, Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Australian (National Council on Intellectual Disability)

9:40

Case Study: Westpac’s strategy and vision for integrating accessibility and inclusion into their corporate culture

  • Setting strategic roadmaps and working with business stakeholders and supply chain vendors to implement successful accessibility and inclusive initiatives  

  • Hearing success stories at Westpac and metrics demonstrating progress towards inclusion goals and how they set the roadmap for the future  

  • Learning and how to continuously improve and innovatively drive forward the corporate DNA  

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Majella Knobel, Head of Access and Inclusion, Westpac 

10:10

Morning Tea

10:40

Virtual Keynote: Increasing disability employment for a more inclusive and skilled workforce

  • Taking advantage of the organisational and business benefits of hiring and retaining employees with disabilities  

  • Ensuring your workplace is accessible and inclusive so that employees with disability feel safe and supported and can build a career 

  • How the Federal Government's new specialised disability employment program will support employers to hire more people with disability 

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Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, Australian Government 

Employment Strategies and Practices

10:55

Entrepreneurship as the greatest untapped opportunity for diverse talent and your organisation

  • Supporting the long-term employment prospects, economic freedom and independence for people with disability

Anja Christoffersen

Anja Christoffersen, Chief Executive Officer, Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network

11:25

Inclusive disability employment projects and the key fundamentals of how to go about setting up successful disability inclusion initiatives

Amber o'shea

Amber O'Shea, Head of Strategy, Australian Disability Network 

11:40

Panel:  Exploring effective career pathways programs and disability advocacy initiatives

  • Insights from leading Australian organisations on structuring and executing career pathway initiatives (a look into the 18-month program)

  • Discussing the importance of collaborating with industry experts and disability advocates to ensure the success and relevance of career pathway programs

  • Exploring strategies for measuring the impact and success of the career pathways program, including tracing career progression, retention rates, and overall satisfaction of participants

  • Exploring the role and impact of the Australian Disability Network facilitated by the Business Council of Australia

Amber o'shea

Moderator:

Amber O'Shea, Head of Strategy, Australian Disability Network 

Panellists:

Marcelle Harrison

Marcelle Harrison, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Kmart & Target

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Josie Fakira, General Manager Organisation Development, Coles Group

12:25

Lunch

Mental Wellbeing

1:25

Understanding the Wellbeing Needs of Employees with Disabilities  

  • Discussing the unique wellbeing needs of employees with disabilities, including physical, mental, and emotional aspects, and the importance of tailoring support and resources accordingly  

  • Discussing the importance of providing accessible healthcare benefits, including insurance coverage, preventive care services, and accommodations for medical appointments, to ensure equitable access to healthcare for employees with disabilities 

  • Promoting work-life balance among employees with disabilities, such as flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and paid time off policies that accommodate medical appointments and caregiving responsibilities 

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Jeff Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Advocacy Network Australia

1:55

Panel: Nurturing a Healthy Work Environment for Employees with Disabilities highlight session 

  • Creating a supportive work environment that promotes the wellbeing of employees with disabilities 

  • Implementing inclusive wellness programs that address the diverse needs of employees with disabilities, such as accessible fitness programs, mental health support services, and stress management workshops 

  • Fostering social connections and a sense of belonging among employees with disabilities through networking events, peer support groups, and inclusive team-building activities 

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Moderator: 

Ross Joyce, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations  

Geoff Trappett

Panelists: 


Geoff Trappett, Disability Inclusion Lead Australia & NZ, Woolworths Group

Courtney Pond

Courtney Pond, Group Inclusion & Diversity Manager, The NRMA

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Felitia Finette, HR Manager, Insight PBS 

2:45

Afternoon Tea

Driving Inclusive Leadership and Career Advancement

3:15

Panel: Exploring inclusive workplace strategies and leadership development, with insights from Hotel Etico and Fairmont Resort’s collaborative efforts

  • Challenges, opportunities, and best practices in fostering inclusive workplaces and cultivating leadership among individuals with disabilities

  • Insights from Hotel Etico and Fairmont Resort into the collaborative approach to support career progression for individuals with disabilities

  • Discussing strategies implemented to create inclusive work environments, provide skill development opportunities and promote leadership growth

  • Hear examples of successful career advancement stories and the impact of the partnership on employee’s professional journeys

Andrea Comastri

Moderator:

Andrea Comastri, CEO and Co-founder, Hotel Etico

Panellists:

Saraya O'Connell

Saraya O’Connell, General Manager, Hotel Etico Australia

Charlie Young

Charlie Young, General Manager, The Fairmont Resort

4:00

Incorporating diverse voices and underrepresented challenges into inclusive policy to foster career advancement

  • Emphasize the significance of actively seeking input from diverse voices to inform policies, practices, and initiatives

  • Provide insights into the challenges and barriers faced by underrepresented groups

  • Develop strategies to promote career advancement opportunities

Mary Teague

Mary Teague, Director Access, Equity, and Inclusion, UNSW

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Caitlyn McLoughlin, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, UNSW

4:30

Chairperson’s Closing Address & End of Forum

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