A pilot program designed to bring together businesses with an interest in training and employing people with disabilities has launched in Western Australia, backed by the WA Government and Tourism Accommodation Australia.
Created by the Hospitality Disability Network of Western Australia (HDNWA), which itself launched earlier this year, the program will support the introduction of people with disabilities into careers with hospitality businesses throughout the state. The organisation also aims to create a community among employers to share advice on how best to support the introduction of disabled people into various roles throughout venues.
Currently, HDNWA consists of six major industry groups as employers – Marriott International, IHG, Crown Perth, AHS Hospitality, The Hospitality Group and Venues Live. The program also works closely with the state’s Disability Employment Services and the NDIS program to assist people into hospitality career pathways.
Crown Perth Executive General Manager of Human Resources, Damir Kucan, said its CROWNability program was evidence of the importance of employment to social inclusion and empowerment. The program has provided support and career development to 479 people with disabilities so far.
“The HDN network aims to build confidence among key industry stakeholders to be the leading industry in disability employment – we know that this is both aspirational and achievable.”
HDNWA has so far helped 49 people to gain employment and to be ably supported into their roles with ongoing training and assistance.
“What we do know is that when we empower people through employment, the benefits go well beyond just the individual – gainful, sustainable employment delivers benefits to families, the broader community and importantly, employers derive long-term benefits as well,” Kucan added.
See below to view the organisation’s launch video.