IDPwD is seen as a time for employers to make a commitment within the workplace to break down barriers, promote disability inclusion and reinforce workplace health and safety practices.
Paralympic champion and icare speaker Scott Reardon is among the inspiring para-athletes who have experienced a workplace injury and visit businesses free of charge to raise awareness of workplace health and safety through the icare Paralympics Speakers program.
Run in partnership with Paralympics Australia, the program provides businesses and their employees with free access to current and former Paralympians who sustained their disability through a work-related injury.
Many have overcome serious, debilitating work-related injuries themselves, but went on to overcome many obstacles to master a sport. They now share their stories to make other workplaces better and safer.
Reardon, a Paralympic gold medal winning sprinter and world champion water skier, suffered a devastating farm accident that resulted in the loss of his right leg at the age of 12.
As a leader in sport and safety advocacy, Scott exemplifies this year’s IDPwD theme of amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.
Businesses can access the icare Paralympics Speakers program.
More information on the United Nations International Day of People with Disability, including resources which can be used in businesses, workplaces, community groups and individuals can be found at International Day of People with Disabilities.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis says:
“International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a great time to make a commitment within your workplace to break down barriers, promote disability inclusion and commit to practices that keep your workers safe from serious injury and disability.
“I’m pleased to show my support and help raise awareness of workplace safety, and the inclusion and leadership of people with a disability.
“All workers have the right to a safe workplace and to go home to their loved ones at the end of their workday.”
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington says:
“On International Day of People with Disability we celebrate the contributions of people with disability, especially those leading the way in workplaces, paving a more inclusive path for others to follow.
“While we honour the successes of our Paralympians on the world stage, we know that disabilities sustained through workplace injuries are far too often the start of a Paralympian’s journey – and this needs to change.
“This year, the Minns Labor Government is calling on employers to take leadership by making their organisations safe and free from workplace injury, whilst also creating inclusive environments where people with a disability have an equal opportunity to succeed.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch says:
“As the Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion and a Paralympic Gold medallist, inclusiveness in the workplace for people with a disability or recovering from serious injury is of paramount importance.”
“Paralympians like Scott Reardon are to be commended for helping build awareness around disability inclusion and workplace health and safety.”
icare Group Executive for Workers Compensation Tony Wessling says:
“The Paralympic Speakers Program is one of a number of prevention programs icare offers to support employers and workers to reduce the risk of injury and help build wellbeing in the workplace.
“Prevention is obviously critical to ensuring everyone gets home safe after work each day, but it also can result in lower employer premium contributions and help businesses stand out as an employer of choice.”
