Ability at Work

This review gives a verdict on the book based on three options:

• Bypass: Little of value. Give it a miss.
• Borrow: Some value but insufficient to warrant a purchase so borrow from a library.
• Buy: Valuable ideas and information, a worthwhile investment.

Title: Ability at Work

Subtitle: Tapping the talent of people with disability

Author: Australian Public Service Commission

Publisher: Australian Government,

Date: 2007

Nationality: Australian

RRP: N/A. Available free from www.apsc.gov.au, Publications

Flavour: A practical, informative publication.

Ability at Work was written following the publication of the Management Advisory Committee report Employment of People with Disability in the APS. The report set eight objectives for promoting the employment of people with disability, focusing on improving workplace cultures and policies. Ability at Work is described in the Foreword as a 'toolkit' which was developed "To assist agencies in their efforts to improve the way that they attract and retain people with disability." The toolkit draws on lessons learned from six APS agencies - the Family Court, Questacon, the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Department of Defence, Centrelink and the Royal Australian Mint. 

Ability at Work is divided into four parts. This is a summary of each part:

Part 1: Information

• What is my role as a manager and leader? Definitions. Types of disability. Myths and misconceptions.
• What questions can I ask someone about their disability?
• Who can help us to recruit and support people with disability?

Part 2: Issues for people with disability in staff selection processes

• Legislation and concepts. Applying merit. Advertising. Selection documentation. Assessing applicants. Giving feedback.

Part 3: Better practice strategies

• Promoting a disability-aware culture. Attraction, recruitment, mentoring, training. Accessible workplaces. Creating a supportive work environment.

Part 4: Further information, checklists.

This publication provides a useful summary of key information for managers and selection panels. It defines terms including disability, reasonable adjustment, unjustifiable hardship, inherent requirements; outlines organisations that can assist APS agencies to recruit and support people with disability, provides useful case studies, checklists, and staff training material.

The chapter on myths and misconceptions deals with the false assumptions people can make about people with disability. These are the myths and misconceptions for which facts are provided to challenge their validity:

• The type of work available in my agency/area is not suitable for people with disability.
• Employing people with disability is too costley - I would need to make modifications to the workplace and purchase expensive technology.
• People with disability require more sick leave, are at risk of accident and and will increase my insurance costs.
• People with disability will not 'fit in' in my workplace.
• People with disability are not as productive as other workers.
• People with mental illness are too big a risk to emply, as they may become violent.
• Employing people with disability will mean extra work for my staff, as people with disability need more training.
• As a manager, peopole with disability will require too much of my attention.
• It is too difficult and time consuming to alter recruitment processes for applicants with disability.

None of these assumptions is sound. 

Provides a list of places to go for more information. No index.

Verdict: If you are a manager, selection panel member or applicant with disability, read this publication. Good price - it's free.

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.