'Disability workforce boosts Nation's development'

Employers will benefit significantly from hiring persons with disabilities as the Government moves to launch an Inclusive Employment Guidebook in March.

This was highlighted by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran at the closing of the National Validation Workshop for the guidebook yesterday.

Ms Kiran stressed that inclusive employment was not charity but a mutual benefit for both employers and the nation.

"When you look at some of the amazing work and innovation that people living with disabilities do, whether they're deaf or people on wheels, we've seen some amazing talent," she said.

"The nation should benefit from them. That can only happen if we can make adjustments in our transportation sector, in our employment sector."

Ms Kiran said hospitality industry employers had reported that workers with disabilities were exceptionally diligent and focused.

"I've worked with hotels who have been taking on people with special needs and they themselves talk about how diligent and focused these workers are," she said.

"It's not an act of generosity. It's an act of justice for you, but it is the whole organisation that can progress."

The guidebook, developed through consultation with government ministries, employers, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities, will guide recruitment, workplace adjustments and creating inclusive workplace cultures.

Office Manager for United Blind Persons of Fiji Josaia Suqesuqevanua said the guidebook would be finalised after incorporating feedback from yesterday's consultation and would be officially launched in March.

Key recommendations included accessible job advertisements in multiple formats, confidential application processes, flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs and embedding inclusion into organisational culture as standard practice.

The guidebook supports Fiji's National Disability Policy 2025-2035, the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050.

Ms Kiran said employers would be encouraged to adopt the guidebook as good practice, with awareness and education support from Government.