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About the DREAM Employment Network
“The key to achieving genuine inclusivity in Australia lies in empowerment, collaboration and the breaking down of stereotypes.”
The DREAM Employment Network bridges the gap between young people with disability who want to work, and forward-thinking employers who recognise that diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and success. The aim of the Network is to build leadership skills, inclusive employment pathways, and opportunities for leadership positions for young people with disability.
The Network aligns with the broader Australian Disability Strategy and was made possible by funding from the Disability Youth Leadership Grant.
How did it work?
From September 2023 to September 2024, members of the DREAM Employment Network were invited to attend free, online networking events and workshops, and received a monthly newsletter with updates and links to Network resources.
The resources can be found here.
For young people with disability, this was an opportunity to:
- build leadership skills
- connect and network with employers
- advance careers
- identify what kinds of adjustments work for them
- develop confidence when talking about access needs
- learn about their rights and obligations as employees
For employers, this was a unique opportunity to:
- connect with young people with disability
- hear from young people with disability in leadership positions
- learn about benefits of having young people with disability in the workforce and in leadership roles
- learn about reasonable adjustments
- find out how to access funding and support to make your workplace accessible
- get tips on how to support young people with disability to thrive in the workforce
Stats and facts
26% of young people with disability are unemployed (compared to 10% of their non-disabled peers).
Up to 20% of people with disability looking for work are under 25 years.
45% of employed people with disability report unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace.
Young people talk about employment
A hand-drawn map
When mainstream employment is inaccessible, and the usual advice isn’t working, sometimes a passion project can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Where is the stable work for young people?
When formal training and years of experience still don’t lead to ongoing work – Ashleigh Keating writes about the struggle to find stable employment as a young person with disability.
The Disabled Employee Podcast – Episode 4: When the contract ends
Young people with disability often find that the work available to them is short-term contract work. So, how do you deal when you are regularly facing unemployment at the end of your latest contract? Dureece, Thanh and Britt talk about finding the next opportunity, the impact of being of being in limbo between jobs, and the pitfalls of the Disability Support Pension.
The Disabled Employee Podcast – Episode 3: Reignite your spark
Britt, Dureece and Thanh talk about leaving bad work situations as young people with disability, the emotional impact of being without work, and reigniting your spark.
The Disabled Employee Podcast – Episode 2: Ableism and Adjustments
Thanh, Britt and Dureece talk about accessing reasonable adjustments in the workplace, overcoming internalised ableism and dealing with discrimination in the workplace.
The Disabled Employee Podcast – Episode 1: Jobseeking
Dureece, Thanh and Britt talk about discrimination in recruitment, how they prepare for job interviews, and advocating for their rights in the workplace.
Accessible work day tour
Izzie Choate takes us on a tour of YDAN, talking about accessibility in the workplace as part of CYDA’s DREAM Employment Network.
Leadership
Louise Weekley talks about how her idea of leadership has been influenced by her experience of disability and changed over time.
The lifesaving impact of representation
Grace Garrahy talks about the lifesaving and life-changing impact of disability representation in leadership and employment.
Young disabled advocates honoured during award season
We’re seeing a shift toward young people with disability being acknowledged for their achievements in mainstream award categories (not disability specific!), and we are absolutely here for it.
The disabled stage managers’ guide
Dylan McBurney offers tips and advice for the workplace, based on their experience as a professional stage manager with disability.
Enough with low expectations for students with disability
Ashleigh Keating writes about her school experience, and disadvantages faced by young people with disability seeking a career in education.
The constant unknown – what is it like to be a young, disabled jobseeker?
Thanh Autran writes about the difficulty of not knowing if discrimination has occurred after your job interview.
CYDA as my first employer
Xander Wroblewski talks about the difficulty of finding an after-school job, and his experience on CYDA’s Youth Council.
Lessons from my first employer
“In my first job, I, unfortunately, experienced a lack of support as a disabled person. I believe that this came from their lack of awareness, not necessarily a place of malice.” Emily Unity reflects on their first experience of employment, what they’ve learned, and what they would do differently now.
My first job
Bethany Cody talks about her first job, and the value of diversity in the workplace.
We would love your feedback!
We are always looking for ways to improve! Let us know what you think about our website (the part about DREAM) by filling out a super-quick anonymous survey.
