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Watch our short introduction video to the DREAM Employment Network
What is 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 does it work?
Members of the DREAM Employment Network are invited to attend free, online networking events and workshops, and receive a monthly newsletter with updates and links to Network resources.
Resources can also be found on this website and will be updated regularly.
For young people with disability, this is an opportunity to:
- build your leadership skills
- connect and network with employers
- advance your career
- identify what kinds of adjustments will work for you
- develop confidence when talking about your access needs
- learn about your rights and obligations as employees
For employers, this is 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 your 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
Who can join the Network?
The DREAM Employment Network is for employers and young people with disability.
Young people with disability aged 15-25 years
The DREAM Employment Network is for all young people with disability, whether or not you already have a job. It can support you to develop leadership skills, or to take the next leap in your leadership/employment goals.
Young people with all kinds of disability are welcome. This includes people with:
- neurodivergence
- mental illness
- intellectual disability
- chronic illness
- sensory disability
- physical disability
- any other kind of disability
You do not need to have a medical diagnosis to be part of the DREAM Employment Network.
Employers
An “employer” might be a manger of staff, someone who works in HR, or anyone representing a government, private, non-profit or business workplace that employs staff and pays a fair wage.
Sign up here!
Joining the DREAM Employment Network is easy and free! Just go to the sign-up form that applies to you 👇
Fill in a few details about yourself and/or the organisation you represent, and we will be in touch shortly with updates and invitations to workshops events!
Everyone who joins the DREAM Employment Network must follow a code of conduct. You can download the code of conduct using the links below 👇
The DREAM Network was launched on Tuesday 5 September 2023. You can watch a video of the launch with captions and Auslan here 👇
Upcoming events and workshops
Group Networking Session #1
Online group session, run by CYDA, for young people with disability and employers who want to connect and network.
Workshop for employers: Diversity of disability and access needs
Accomodating access needs is very often easier than it sounds. This workshop is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the diversity of disability, how to communicate openly about access needs, and how to effectively accommodate your disabled employees.
Resumé writing, LinkedIn profiles and how to network
A safe and casual space to speak to the experts, ask questions and practice your skills in resumé writing, LinkedIn and more!
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
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.
