Work and study
Most people with disabilities don’t require additional support to work. But even so, only half of all disabled adults are in the labour force. That compares to three-quarters of non-disabled adults.
Increasing the number of disabled people in the workforce is important. Inclusive workplaces utilise the untapped talents of disabled people and better reflect our communities. Most importantly, employment brings better outcomes for people with disabilities through increased incomes and quality of life.
In this section we look at places people can find help to participate in work or study.
Career guidance
Anyone starting out, or looking to change careers, should check out Careers New Zealand for information about choosing a career and finding training options. There are also lots of tips to help with job hunting.
Looking for a job
Some newspapers still print job listings, but the best place to look for work is online. Try searching for jobs at Seek or at Trade Me Jobs.
Work and Income also has a database of job listings. Users don’t have to be Work and Income clients, but will have to register to use the service.
Work and Income provide other types of support to help find work and meet the costs of starting a new job. Read our page about support from Work and Income.
There are a number of organisations around New Zealand that support disabled people to find employment. Read our page about employment organisations that help disabled people find work and provide access to job support funding.
Modifications to the workplace and assistive equipment can make it easier for people with disabilities to do their job. Read our page about workplace modification.
All employees have rights and responsibilities. Read more about rights at work and what to do if employee rights have been breached.
Learning skills for work
Literacy Aotearoa can provide support to adults who would like to improve their literacy skills. Some polytechnics and institutes of technology also provide free courses on things like literacy and basic computing.
Adult Community Education (ACE) courses provide an opportunity to learn new skills and meet people, and there are lots of things you can learn, from art and music, to computing, cooking and gardening. Find ACE providers throughout New Zealand.
Some people may benefit from volunteering or interning. Read our page about gaining work experience. Others may wish to pursue tertiary study. Read our page about support while studying, including information on student loans, allowances and scholarships.
Information for employers
Employers who would like to make their workplace more inclusive can get advice from the following organisations:
Diversity Works NZ (formerly Equal Employment Opportunities Trust)
Be.Employed is an initiative of Be.Accessible, that helps employers to identify and remove the barriers in their organisation to becoming a fully accessible employer.
The Lead Toolkit from the Ministry of Social Development provides information and resources to guide businesses on employing disabled people.
There is also information available from Employment New Zealand.
The main object of the law is “To build productive employment relationships through the promotion of good faith in all aspects of the employment environment and of the employment relationship”.
My older son with ASD spent about nine months volunteering through Volunteering Waikato until he found employment close to where we live. This was seasonal employment so it ended. His next job I found through a contact – he has been there five years.
The first step is Transition Planning – Start planning for the transition from school at the start of high school. Create a support network. Make a list of strengths and interests.
Find out what drives Genevieve McLachlan – a successful entrepreneur, member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities and new member of the Disabled Leadership Group at Life Unlimited.
Find out about workplace modification funding.
There are a number of challenges to university study for people with autism. Learn more about some of the supports available.
Employment agencies find ways to assist people with disabilities to reach their career goals and participate in the labour market.
Community day programmes provide an opportunity for participants to take part in the community, develop friendships and learn life skills.
All workers have the right to be treated fairly and with respect, but they also have responsibilities too.
Volunteering and internships can provide an opportunity to gain work experience and skills, and to make contact with potential future employers.
