Launch of Vision Australia’s Employment Report 2012

Launch of Vision Australia’s Employment Report 2012
09 October 2012

Figures released by Australia's leading blindness agency Vision Australia show that around 58% of the potential labour force who are blind or have low vision are unemployed - that's four times the national average.

And, while this is a slight improvement on the 2007 result, it is clear that there is still much to be done.

Vision Australia's 2012 Employment Report, shows that employer attitude is the key factor that is prohibiting people who are blind or have low vision finding employment.

The 2012 report was officially launched by Mr Charles Casuscelli MP, Member for Strathfield at Vision Australia's Enfield centre on Monday 8 October 2012.

During the event, attendees were treated to some insights from Dr Karen Wolffe, a world renowned expert in the employment of people who are blind or have low vision.

In addition, Tim Pharo from Pharo's cleaning services, shared his experience as an employer of two staff who are blind or have low vision.

2012 Employment Report
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the standard unemployment rate is 5.2% (March 2012).

With the unemployment rate at low levels, Vision Australia thought it timely to re-examine if this has translated into higher level of employment for people who are blind or have low vision.
The 2012 report compares and updates findings from the Vision Australia 2007 report.
Read more below:

The 2012 Employment Report (Word)
http://www.visionaustralia.org/living-with-low-vision/learning-to-live-independently/employment-assistance/download-information-on-employment-services

For further information, please call Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 and ask to speak with the research and measures team.