What's Australia like for people with disability
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3
What's Australia like for people with disability
Hello
I've recently started discussing the prospect of emigrating with my wife. I am 40 years old and experienced in IT, the jobs I would be interested in either appear on the SOL or the regional lists, so hopefully that could facilitate a move.
My wife has arthritis and reduced mobility as a result. She currently works full time (finance/accounting), and is capable of continuing to do so.
Apart from the obvious obstacles of her getting past the medical etc, what is Australia like in terms of attitude and acceptance of disabled people in the workplace or in general? I appreciate this may be a rather open question, but would be interested in hearing opinions or experience of others.
Thanks
Dave
I've recently started discussing the prospect of emigrating with my wife. I am 40 years old and experienced in IT, the jobs I would be interested in either appear on the SOL or the regional lists, so hopefully that could facilitate a move.
My wife has arthritis and reduced mobility as a result. She currently works full time (finance/accounting), and is capable of continuing to do so.
Apart from the obvious obstacles of her getting past the medical etc, what is Australia like in terms of attitude and acceptance of disabled people in the workplace or in general? I appreciate this may be a rather open question, but would be interested in hearing opinions or experience of others.
Thanks
Dave
#2
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
Hi Dave- if your wife is still able to work there shouldn't be too much of a problem getting her past her medical. As for the "acceptance" of people with a disability, Aus is not at the forefront of this, though by law they are not allowed to discriminate and have to put in place things which facilitate someone to do their job. However, although you do not have to disclose your disability at interview, I have found that it isn't easy to get a job- I have MS, and to all appearances look normal, but once they know,(I feel I have to declare it,) I don't get past the interview stage, and have had to give up my teaching job as technically I am not capable in an emergency of picking up a child and running with it to safety. Now I deliver junk mail!! There are also cuts to the disability pension if you can't work, which the Govt is trying to bring in. The services are also not as good, especially for children with special needs. If you can afford to go private things are better, but horrendously expensive.
Good luck- sorry to be on a bit of a negative side.
Good luck- sorry to be on a bit of a negative side.
#3
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
Hello
I've recently started discussing the prospect of emigrating with my wife. I am 40 years old and experienced in IT, the jobs I would be interested in either appear on the SOL or the regional lists, so hopefully that could facilitate a move.
My wife has arthritis and reduced mobility as a result. She currently works full time (finance/accounting), and is capable of continuing to do so.
Apart from the obvious obstacles of her getting past the medical etc, what is Australia like in terms of attitude and acceptance of disabled people in the workplace or in general? I appreciate this may be a rather open question, but would be interested in hearing opinions or experience of others.
Thanks
Dave
I've recently started discussing the prospect of emigrating with my wife. I am 40 years old and experienced in IT, the jobs I would be interested in either appear on the SOL or the regional lists, so hopefully that could facilitate a move.
My wife has arthritis and reduced mobility as a result. She currently works full time (finance/accounting), and is capable of continuing to do so.
Apart from the obvious obstacles of her getting past the medical etc, what is Australia like in terms of attitude and acceptance of disabled people in the workplace or in general? I appreciate this may be a rather open question, but would be interested in hearing opinions or experience of others.
Thanks
Dave
Good luck
#4
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
If it's a disability likely to cost the Australian taxpayer a lot of money in medications/therapies/scans/surgeries then it's unlikely you would get a visa - it's always a good idea to discuss your visa options with an agent who specializes in medical conditions (George Lombard and Peter a Bollard are usually the names mentioned in this regard). Otherwise, Australia has a Disability Discrimination Act but no one in their right mind would ever admit that it is a disability which stops people getting jobs but you can bet your boots that it would be a significant disadvantage!
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
If it's a disability likely to cost the Australian taxpayer a lot of money in medications/therapies/scans/surgeries then it's unlikely you would get a visa - it's always a good idea to discuss your visa options with an agent who specializes in medical conditions (George Lombard and Peter a Bollard are usually the names mentioned in this regard). Otherwise, Australia has a Disability Discrimination Act but no one in their right mind would ever admit that it is a disability which stops people getting jobs but you can bet your boots that it would be a significant disadvantage!
Taxis with chair access.
Agreeing to go to the regions might be a plus. Those country towns are fairly welcoming and have even wider pavements and car parks - things are fairly well laid out with ground access etc. You could go along way in a small town with a disability - it takes all sorts. You would not get caught in crowds.
Last edited by BadgeIsBack; Jun 30th 2014 at 7:09 am.
#6
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Mandurah
Posts: 2,269
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
My OH works in disable care and advises (according to her UK colleagues) Aus is way behind UK (what a surprise).
#7
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
[QUOTE=waveydave;11319089]Hello
I've recently started discussing the prospect of emigrating with my wife. I am 40 years old and experienced in IT, the jobs I would be interested in either appear on the SOL or the regional lists, so hopefully that could facilitate a move.
My wife has arthritis and reduced mobility as a result. She currently works full time (finance/accounting), and is capable of continuing to do so.
Apart from the obvious obstacles of her getting past the medical etc, what is Australia like in terms of attitude and acceptance of disabled people in the workplace or in general? I appreciate this may be a rather open question, but would be interested in hearing opinions or experience of others.
Thanks
One of my (adult) children was born with a severe physical disability. We had no private health insurance at that time. She had 16 operations by the time she was 12, and was always admitted to hospital when her specialist said these surgeries were needed, without having to wait.
From 7 years old she participated in wheelchair sports and some of the records she set in interstate competitions still stand.
As she approached her teen years, the children's hospital organised group sessions to help the kids with issues relating to going through puberty. These helped her so much, as did later sessions regarding relationships, self-esteem, work skills and self-care.
We received government assistance to build a home that specifically catered for her needs. Wheelchairs, orthotics, physio were and are still provided.
She participated in a Western Australian medical research program which led to a breakthrough in preventing her condition and has been adopted worldwide with fantastic results - the number of babies born in first world countries with her condition has reduced by 85 %.
She works in open employment and is a valuable and valued staff member. Her employer had no problem modifying her workplace to ensure it was fully accessible.
There is no doubt that some employers will discriminate on the basis of disability, but not all do.
When I think of some of the countries my daughter could have been born in I thank my lucky stars that she was born in Australia. Not only for the excellence of the medical care, but also for the social acceptance of 'difference'.
I've recently started discussing the prospect of emigrating with my wife. I am 40 years old and experienced in IT, the jobs I would be interested in either appear on the SOL or the regional lists, so hopefully that could facilitate a move.
My wife has arthritis and reduced mobility as a result. She currently works full time (finance/accounting), and is capable of continuing to do so.
Apart from the obvious obstacles of her getting past the medical etc, what is Australia like in terms of attitude and acceptance of disabled people in the workplace or in general? I appreciate this may be a rather open question, but would be interested in hearing opinions or experience of others.
Thanks
One of my (adult) children was born with a severe physical disability. We had no private health insurance at that time. She had 16 operations by the time she was 12, and was always admitted to hospital when her specialist said these surgeries were needed, without having to wait.
From 7 years old she participated in wheelchair sports and some of the records she set in interstate competitions still stand.
As she approached her teen years, the children's hospital organised group sessions to help the kids with issues relating to going through puberty. These helped her so much, as did later sessions regarding relationships, self-esteem, work skills and self-care.
We received government assistance to build a home that specifically catered for her needs. Wheelchairs, orthotics, physio were and are still provided.
She participated in a Western Australian medical research program which led to a breakthrough in preventing her condition and has been adopted worldwide with fantastic results - the number of babies born in first world countries with her condition has reduced by 85 %.
She works in open employment and is a valuable and valued staff member. Her employer had no problem modifying her workplace to ensure it was fully accessible.
There is no doubt that some employers will discriminate on the basis of disability, but not all do.
When I think of some of the countries my daughter could have been born in I thank my lucky stars that she was born in Australia. Not only for the excellence of the medical care, but also for the social acceptance of 'difference'.
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
Hi Dave- if your wife is still able to work there shouldn't be too much of a problem getting her past her medical. As for the "acceptance" of people with a disability, Aus is not at the forefront of this, though by law they are not allowed to discriminate and have to put in place things which facilitate someone to do their job. However, although you do not have to disclose your disability at interview, I have found that it isn't easy to get a job- I have MS, and to all appearances look normal, but once they know,(I feel I have to declare it,) I don't get past the interview stage, and have had to give up my teaching job as technically I am not capable in an emergency of picking up a child and running with it to safety. Now I deliver junk mail!! There are also cuts to the disability pension if you can't work, which the Govt is trying to bring in. The services are also not as good, especially for children with special needs. If you can afford to go private things are better, but horrendously expensive.
Good luck- sorry to be on a bit of a negative side.
Good luck- sorry to be on a bit of a negative side.
Would add, prescriptions, specialists, tests, doctors visits really add up. I have a painkiller that is $29 for 30, sounds OK ? at 2 per day thats $728 a year!! just for that medication.
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 457
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
Out of interest if you go over a certain amount for all your medical costs, is there a ceiling?
Interested as my daughter has fairly high medical expenses, and I thought I had heard some where that there was a ceiling? and also can you claim some tax back?
Thanks
Interested as my daughter has fairly high medical expenses, and I thought I had heard some where that there was a ceiling? and also can you claim some tax back?
Thanks
#10
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
It is an area that we should be spending on though - cut foreign aid, civil service jobs and money for asylum seekers to pay for it
Disabilty services may not be as good as the UK (I have no idea either way) but overall standard of public health care is very smilar - ahead in some areas, behind in others
Last edited by Amazulu; Jul 1st 2014 at 8:10 am.
#11
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
there is a medicare safety net. eg, if you go over about $1284 in gap fees, you may get a higher medicare rebate, but that rebate is only a % of the schedule fee. the schedule fee is often nowhere near what the doctor or service charges. ie specialist, usually in the 300 range but the schedule fee is only 80 ish.
You used to be able to claim 20% of you out of pocket medical expenses after about the first 2000 on tax. but that is also being phased out.
there is also a prescription safety net, despite my incredibly high prescription costs this year, and from reading it, i felt sure i qualified, but the medicare officer said I did not qualify, it must again only be some % or portion of a certain part of it.
my health fund will only contribute to prescriptions if they are over $36 each , same with previous fund.
unless you have a health care card, you pay for kids scripts too.
#12
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
I told my daughter's story (which I rarely do) in an attempt to reassure the OP that they are moving to a country which is at least comparable with other first world countries in terms of medical care and social attitudes toward people with a disbility.
Caroline, what a wicked waste of your skills and experience, I'm really sorry (and more than a bit horrified) that alternate employment wasn't found/offered to you :-(
#13
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
One of my (adult) children was born with a severe physical disability. We had no private health insurance at that time. She had 16 operations by the time she was 12, and was always admitted to hospital when her specialist said these surgeries were needed, without having to wait.
From 7 years old she participated in wheelchair sports and some of the records she set in interstate competitions still stand.
As she approached her teen years, the children's hospital organised group sessions to help the kids with issues relating to going through puberty. These helped her so much, as did later sessions regarding relationships, self-esteem, work skills and self-care.
We received government assistance to build a home that specifically catered for her needs. Wheelchairs, orthotics, physio were and are still provided.
She participated in a Western Australian medical research program which led to a breakthrough in preventing her condition and has been adopted worldwide with fantastic results - the number of babies born in first world countries with her condition has reduced by 85 %.
She works in open employment and is a valuable and valued staff member. Her employer had no problem modifying her workplace to ensure it was fully accessible.
There is no doubt that some employers will discriminate on the basis of disability, but not all do.
When I think of some of the countries my daughter could have been born in I thank my lucky stars that she was born in Australia. Not only for the excellence of the medical care, but also for the social acceptance of 'difference'.
From 7 years old she participated in wheelchair sports and some of the records she set in interstate competitions still stand.
As she approached her teen years, the children's hospital organised group sessions to help the kids with issues relating to going through puberty. These helped her so much, as did later sessions regarding relationships, self-esteem, work skills and self-care.
We received government assistance to build a home that specifically catered for her needs. Wheelchairs, orthotics, physio were and are still provided.
She participated in a Western Australian medical research program which led to a breakthrough in preventing her condition and has been adopted worldwide with fantastic results - the number of babies born in first world countries with her condition has reduced by 85 %.
She works in open employment and is a valuable and valued staff member. Her employer had no problem modifying her workplace to ensure it was fully accessible.
There is no doubt that some employers will discriminate on the basis of disability, but not all do.
When I think of some of the countries my daughter could have been born in I thank my lucky stars that she was born in Australia. Not only for the excellence of the medical care, but also for the social acceptance of 'difference'.
#14
Re: What's Australia like for people with disability
Just wanted to say what a lovely post this is. Obviously not that your daughter has disabilities and has had so many challenges in life, but your attitude and how much she has achieved really warms my heart. My brother was disabled, physically, however never let anything get in the way of life, worked full time, drove, went travelling by himself, climbed up the top of tall ships etc.. he was truly amazing. Never asked anything of anyone and did so much we almost forgot he was disabled until someone either asked me or said something. Copped a huge amount of abuse, mainly at school which still upsets me to this day, but a shining example of how he just got on with his life. I'm touched about how much your daughter has done and you must be hugely proud of her x
Thank you, that was so lovely to read.
Your brother achieved so much, you and your family must also be very proud. What a wonderful person he sounds. So sorry to hear about the bullying, kids can be such cruel little shits.