The top four career paths for people with disability

Key points:

• The most common employment contract type for employees aged 15 – 64 with disability is permanent employment, followed by casual employment and fixed-term employment
• People with disability are more likely to work as labourers than people without disability
• People with disability are also somewhat more likely to be self-employed than those without disability

Suppose you’re seeking a job or know someone keen to get their career started. In that case, it’s encouraging to know that the Australian workforce is becoming more diverse and embracing the amazing strengths of people with disability.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 provides legal protection for everyone in Australia against discrimination based on disability.

The DDA prohibits discrimination against people with disability throughout all stages of the employment process, from advertising and recruitment to training, as well as terminations.

As stated in the DDA, there is no legal obligation for a person with disability to disclose information about their disability unless it is likely to affect:

• their ability to meet the inherent requirements of the job
• their ability to work safely; and
• the safety of their co-workers.

You can request workplace modifications or reasonable adjustments to assist with your day-to-day tasks at work.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Well-being, the most commonly identified occupations among employed people aged 15 – 64 with disability are:

• professionals (23 percent or 222,000)
• technicians and trades workers (15 percent or 150,000)
• clerical and administrative workers (13 percent or 130,000); and
• labourers (12 percent or 121,000).

These are the most common job roles for people with disability, according to the eight categories of the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations.

Professionals

‘Professionals’ are categorised as having a bachelor’s degree, higher qualification or at least five years of relevant experience in their field. These jobs often involve thinking, planning and problem-solving.

Types of jobs

Jobs in this category include:

• doctors, nurses and medical specialists;
• teachers and educators;
• lawyers and solicitors;
• accountants and financial analysts; and
• IT professionals.

Why is this category popular for people with disability?

People with disability who have a strong educational background and the ability to work in roles that require deep thinking and knowledge can thrive in professional environments.

These jobs often allow for flexible working hours, remote work options and higher-level problem-solving, which can be beneficial for those who need more autonomy or adaptability in their work environments.

Many professionals also work in roles that are based on personal expertise and less reliant on physical ability, making them a great fit for people with disabilities.

Technicians and trades workers

‘Technicians and trades workers’ are highly skilled in specific trades or technical areas. These jobs usually require hands-on work, with people performing tasks that involve using tools, equipment or technology.

Types of jobs

Examples of jobs in this category include:

• electricians;
• plumbers;
• carpenters;
• chefs;
• mechanics; and
• IT technicians.

Why is this category popular for people with disability?

For people with physical disability, trades and technical roles may be appealing because they often involve more independent work and focus on skills rather than physical strength.

These jobs can be adjusted to suit specific needs, such as working in a more controlled environment or having specialised equipment that helps accommodate physical challenges. Some roles can be performed indoors, reducing the risk of injury or other challenges associated with outdoor or strenuous labour.

Apprenticeships and training programs make it possible to gain the necessary skills in a structured way, providing a clear pathway into these types of jobs.

Clerical and administrative workers

‘Clerical and administrative workers’ handle tasks that support the day-to-day operations of businesses and organisations. These jobs may involve office work, managing information and providing administrative assistance to keep things running smoothly.

Types of jobs

Jobs in this category may include:

• receptionists;
• data entry operators;
• customer service representatives;
• office administrators; and
• human resources staff.

Why is this category popular for people with disability?

Clerical and administrative roles are well-suited to people with disability who may require a quieter or more flexible working environment. Many clerical tasks can be done from a desk or office, without much physical labour.

Technology, such as voice recognition software or screen readers, can assist those with mobility or vision impairments in completing tasks. These roles can often be done remotely or part-time, which allows for flexibility in work hours and location.

Labourers

Labourers are people who perform physical, manual work that requires basic skills. This category typically includes roles that are more physically demanding and involve tasks such as lifting, cleaning or moving materials. However, there are different types of labouring jobs that may not require intense physical effort.

Types of jobs

Examples of jobs in this category include:

• construction workers;
• warehouse labourers;
• cleaning staff;
• factory workers; and
• landscapers.

Why is this category popular for people with disability?

Some people with disability may find jobs in the labouring category appealing because they provide an opportunity to work in a hands-on environment without the need for complex intellectual tasks. These jobs can be less mentally demanding and more focused on practical skills.

People with severe or profound disability are even more likely to work in labourer occupations. As many as one in five employed people with severe or profound disability aged 15 – 64 are labourers.

What sort of field would you like to get into? Are you currently in education, training, employment or the application process? Let the team at Talking Disability know and subscribe to the free newsletter for weekly updates, information and advice.

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