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Post by bear on Jun 24, 2021 7:36:15 GMT 7
Inherently unsafe, says former disability commissioner, calling for an end to Australian Disability Enterprises
Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes, says Australia must phase out Australian Disability Enterprises, formerly known as "sheltered workshops".He rejects claims they help people with disabilities transition to open work, saying the evidence is that segregated environments are not as safe for people with disabilities. He says there is also a strong argument that people are paid very poorly in ADE's and is critical of the close monitoring of individual productivity in the enterprises. He says he understands parents want a protected environment for children with disabilities, but he says open employment is a safer and fairer option. Transcript is available on website. Duration of podcast: 6min 41sec www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/pm/fmr-disability-commissioner-calls-for-an-end-to-ades/13409510
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Post by bear on Jun 24, 2021 8:00:22 GMT 7
I used to have a modicum of respect for Innes. Has he sold out or just being politically correct in the broadest terms?? Parts of his arguments seem perfectly sound until you drill down. For instance his $2.50 p/h wage claim. The safety of participants working in ADE's vs open employment?? Is he for real?? For some parents they are just like much needed childcare services and even at the rate of pay being claimed, with that on top of DSP it's not to be sneered at. Open employment may not even pay as much if only part-time is offered; with loss of DSP into the bargain. Besides; the intellectually disabled I've had contact with in ADE's love being there with all their friends. The fact is not all disabled people are suited to main stream society; to try and force them into it must breach some law, charter or other such thing!! And forcing it is, through wanting to close ADE's!! Ah; lightbulb moment.... Or is he just doing his bit to help his political masters dismantle welfare for the disabled; i.e. DSP, or is my paranoia showing?? Cheers bear www.wagejustice.org.au/www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/about/media-centre/media-statements/2019/historic-109-million-settlement-paid-to-workers/ |
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Post by tasjo on Jun 24, 2021 10:50:06 GMT 7
Bear - I agree, there are people who fit into this type of working who are not being exploited in any way. In the same way as integrated schools seem to be the best option for all children, for some the reality is that it can be more beneficial to have these environments. As long as they aren't abused either way I don't see an issue.
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Post by bear on Jun 24, 2021 11:50:59 GMT 7
Bear - I agree, there are people who fit into this type of working who are not being exploited in any way. In the same way as integrated schools seem to be the best option for all children, for some the reality is that it can be more beneficial to have these environments. As long as they aren't abused either way I don't see an issue. Yes tasjo ; people impacted by this are most likely to be the ones least likely to appreciate being uprooted from their well worn and loved routine; sure not all, but I'd put money on it, it'd be the vast majority of participants. Having all of those impacted, acting out all together in one place, would be something to behold, and not something the uninitiated could easily come to terms with!! There's so much not understood; non verbal for instance, certainly doesn't mean non vocal!! Observation also suggests high functioning intellectually disabled persons wouldn't take a placement at a DSE unless it was salaried; i.e. management, HR, supervisor etc. position; which then would make it a main stream job, IMHO anyways. Then there's the questions of what becomes of firstly the participants, then the staff, company/associated infrastructure and the vast amount of real estate involved; and the profits from it if sold. Rather than wrecking a perfectly good model; educating companies could be a much better way to go. We've seen many reports where HR personnel can't see past the disability; even when an applicant has honours or distinctions in their chosen fields.... Perhaps the former commissioner should review how fortunate he is that his impairment is blindness and he's not intellectually impaired himself. I smell the odious scent of judgement somewhere in that mix!!I also thought it had been legislated all businesses must provide disabled access to the general public; which would also includes staff and job applicants. There's another thing that's not worked out at all well; again going on reports we've seen posted here. Picking on the low hanging fruit is not only lazy, it's also immoral......more so when done by a peer!! Bear  |
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Post by tasjo on Jun 25, 2021 19:18:25 GMT 7
I absolutely agree on the non verbal not being non communicative! And the higher functioning disabled not working in this environment. I can think of a number of examples for whom this model works, and has been working for a long time - and has given the person with (usually very severe) disabilities, a purpose and work. I don't believe it was ever intended to be compared to a standard wage, due to the level of support needed.
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