An information session focusing on employing people with disabilities was held on Tuesday February 21 at Central Queensland University Rockhampton.

Aimed at human resource and management personnel, the information session aimed to explain the recent legislative changes associated with the employment of people with disabilities.

“With the recent changes to legislation – learning or earning and welfare to work – I hope this information session acted as a timely incentive to update employers’ knowledge in this area,” Acting CQ Regional Disability Liaison Officer Samantha Frost said.

The session was provided by the CQ Regional Disability Liaison Office (which is based at CQU Rockhampton) with support from Community Employment Options, Queensland Apprenticeship Services, CRS and Centrelink.

Ms Frost said she believed the information session was relevant to many employers as there had been an influx in the number of disabled persons applying for positions in the region.

The session focused on traineeships and incentives; adaptation and coping with disabilities in the workplace; people to contact; and anecdotes from employers who already successfully employ people with disabilities.

“I hope the session will break down some barriers and create opportunities for people with disabilities and for employers to gain support and network," Ms Frost said.

For more details contact Samantha Frost on 4930 6394 or s.frost@cqu.edu.au .

Photo (above): Meda Black (red blouse) from Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services and Shelly Major (black blouse) from Education Queensland - Youth Pathways - Capricornia.

Photo (left): Participants had the chance for informal networking. including a chat with Veronica Cowley from Queensland Apprenticeship Services.