Disability Discrimination

                                  Empowering Diverse Emergency Responders

Disability is diverse, and everyone has unique experiences. People’s experiences of their disability are intersectional. That is, they are influenced by other aspects of their identity and demography, such as age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, religion, location, living arrangements, and marital status.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines disability as including: long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder [a person's] full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is a significant piece of legislation in Australia that aims to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. It makes it unlawful to discriminate in various areas of public life, including employment. It covers a wide range of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, neurological, learning, and psychosocial disabilities.  Social and structural discrimination is compounded for people with disability from CALD backgrounds, due to barriers arising from an intersection of racism and ableism, and other factors relating to language, culture, migration history and experience, visa status, ethnicity and religion. 

People with disability have the right to do meaningful work in a safe environment that is free of discrimination. You’re entitled to access the same opportunities as everyone in the workplace. Emergency Services in Australia have no exemption in restricting access to employment and volunteer opportunities. Specific activities may restrict persons with certain disabilities. There are numerous avenues of assistance in every state and territory: Your employment rights | Disability Gateway

Diversity in Response

   Supporting diverse emergency responders against workplace disability discrimination in Australia.

Caldern welcomes membership from any person with a disability who aspires to seek employment or volunteer opportunities or is currently employed or volunteers in the Emergency Responders Sector and will advocate for your rights and fair treatment in the workplace. Our contact details below or feel free to email dignity@caldern.org or call 0432095618. The below references and resources are listed in relation to CALD people with a disability.

The experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability | Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

What is CaLD? - National Ethnic Disability Alliance (neda.org.au)

Cultural Connections in Disability – Multicultural Communities Council of SA (mccsa.org.au)

Multicultural Disability Hub - Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (eccv.org.au)

Workplace Rights Awareness

Educating responders on their rights regarding disability discrimination in the workplace.

Support Resources Available

Access resources for culturally diverse emergency responders facing discrimination challenges.

Advocacy and Guidance

Providing advocacy support for emergency responders experiencing workplace discrimination issues.

Contact Us

Reach out for support regarding disability discrimination in emergency services. We are here to help culturally and linguistically diverse responders in Australia.

Support

0432095618

Inquiry

dignity@caldern.org