Webinar Recording
Our next kōrero is focused on employment because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Employment accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities are essential for building a fair and equitable society. An inclusive workforce not only provides equal opportunities but also fosters diverse perspectives, innovation, and stronger communities. Barriers to employment, whether physical, digital, or attitudinal, limit potential and exclude talented individuals who have valuable skills to contribute. By ensuring workplaces are accessible, from recruitment to career development, we create environments where everyone can thrive. Accessibility isn’t just about compliance, it’s about recognising that inclusion benefits businesses, employees, and society as a whole. When workplaces are truly inclusive, we move closer to a world where ability, not disability, defines opportunity.
Join this important kōrero as we collaborate with businesses, organisations, government, and recruitment agencies to explore actionable steps toward inclusive and accessible workplaces in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Download the Webinar Transcript
Date: Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Time: 9am to 12pm
Where: via Zoom
Master of Ceremonies: Julie Woods, Creator of That Blind Woman
Speakers: Prudence Walker, Disability Rights Commissioner, Disability Rights Commission; Juliana Carvalho, Project Manager, Access Matters Aotearoa; Lucy Langston, Manager Disability and OSCAR, Ministry of Social Development; Richard Wagstaff, President of New Zealand Council of Trade Unions; Andrew Craig, Policy Director, Employment, Skills and Immigration Policy, Labour, Science and Enterprise Group, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Paul Mackay, Manager of Employment Relations Policy, Business New Zealand; Dr Katherine Ravenswood, Professor of Industrial Relations, Human Resources & Employment Relations Curriculum Lead, Auckland University of Technology; Dr Katie Bruce, CEO Hui E!; Dr Gretchen Good, Associate Professor Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Massey University; Dr Pam MacNeill, Managing Director and Founder of Disability Responsiveness NZ DRNZ Ltd; Phil Turner, CEO New Zealand Disability Employer's Network NZDEN; Maretha Smit, CEO for Diversity Works New Zealand; Philip Hendry, CEO for Workbridge; Jennifer De Bel, Managing Director & Founder of Downlights New Zealand; Kate O'Leary, CEO for Will & Able; Sonia Thursby CEO for Yes Disabilty, iLead; Georgina Kirk, Director and Organisational Psychologist for Kindred Work; Lesley Slade, former Organisational Change and Leadership Development at Be.Lab.
Moderators: Debbie Ward, National Disability Leadership Coordinator, CCS Disability Action; Patti Poa, Disabled Person's Assembly (DPA) Policy Advisor; Philip Patston, Managing Director at Diversity New Zealand; Sarah Mitchell, Head of Employment and Youth Pathways, Blind Low Vision New Zealand
Registration: via Zoom
Attending: Anyone who wants to gain insights, share experiences, and be part of the movement toward a more inclusive workforce.
Programme: Word Doc, Large Print, PDF, EASY READ. NZSL, Audio, Braille
Contact: Kimberly Graham via [email protected]