Good Sammy lived experience key to IncludeAbility
Good Sammy staff member Ian Chapman recently took on an important role as a key member of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s IncludeAbility project.
The Australian Human Rights Commission created IncludeAbility to increase meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability, and to close the gap between people in the workforce with and without disability.
The IncludeAbility project relies on the leadership and guidance of people with disability and proactive employers to help create meaningful change in employment outcomes for people with disability.
Ian (pictured with staff member Lily) has been employed at Good Sammy for 32 years, and has gained significant experience working across our retail and warehouse locations, and in open employment. He currently works at the Canning Vale Containers for Change depot.
Ian joined the IncludeAbility co-design project in July 2024 and attended 3 workshops, openly sharing his experiences with the team which consisted of people with disability from across Australia.
“People with disability should have the opportunity to try anything, and be included in decision-making when it comes to finding work,” said Ian.
“As part of the IncludeAbility co-design team, I shared the barriers I have faced in being accepted for work, and how I have been treated because of my disability. In our group we discussed how we could be accepted as part of a team, and not be treated as just a number. I also spoke about how Good Sammy treats me well, and I feel included.”
“We are all equal, nobody is perfect,” he said.
As a result of the IncludeAbility co-design team’s work, 3 tools were created which will lay the groundwork for the next phase of IncludeAbility, guiding the project’s efforts to promote equal employment for people with disability.
Learn more about IncludeAbility
Visit the IncludeAbility website to:
- Find resources for job-seekers, employees and employers.
- Meet the IncludeAbility Ambassadors and Employer Network.
- Learn about the IncludeAbility pilot employment programs.
