Disability

People with disabilities

Anyone can experience a disability at some time in their life.   Figures provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that 20% of the Australian population has one or more disabilities and that proportion is increasing in conjunction with the aging of the population.

What is disability discrimination

The Federal Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992  and the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 make it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of an actual or inferred disability or impairment, whether past, present or in the future, or because of their association with someone who has a disability.

Seeking Advice and Support

The University Equal Opportunity Unit can provide advice and assistance to staff and managers on reasonable accommodations for staff with a disability. Contact Catherine Gow,   Equal Opportunity Unit on 8344 3398 or cgow@unimelb.edu.au.

The Equal Opportunity Unit has published a set of guidelines Employing People with Disabilities: A Guide for Managers and Supervisors [pdf].   A printed copy of this brochure can be requested by writing to hr-eo@unimelb.edu.au.

The network of Anti-Discrimination Advisers can provide confidential advice and support for staff and students with concerns or complaints in relation to discrimination.

The Federal Government JobAccess is a valuable web and telephone resource for employers and staff and can assist in workplace solutions for staff with disabilities, as well as financial assistance where eligible for workplace modifications, http://www.jobaccess.gov.au/.

Your Human Resources Consultant, the University Health Service and the Counselling Service are also useful contact points.

Documents and Resources

• Discrimination - Who can I talk to [pdf, word]
• Employing People with Disabilities - A Guide for managers and Supervisors [pdf]
• Indirect Discrimination - Fair in form: fair in effect? [pdf]

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