Unseen disability in the workplace - Diversity and Inclusion Forum

Did you know that the majority of people with disability have an unseen disability?

This quarter's Diversity and Inclusion Forum focuses on people with unseen disability such as autism spectrum disorder and mental health conditions.

The forum is designed for people and hiring managers in the NSW public sector. It provides them with the tools and confidence to address challenges and identify opportunities in their workplaces.

Speakers and presenters at the forum include:

• Ruth Bonser
• Casey Gray - Member of the Disability Council NSW
• Kurt McLachlan - Chief Operating Officer, Xceptional
• Pam Rutledge, Deputy Commissioner, Mental Health Commission of NSW
• Training provided by Xceptional

If you have any accessibility or dietary requirements please contact disabilityemployment@psc.nsw.gov.au by Wednesday 7 August 2019.

Spaces are limited so book your ticket. If your plans change please let us know so that we can offer your ticket to someone else.

Event running order:

• 11am - arrival for an 11.30am start
• 11.30am - 'The value of tailored talent programs' - Ruth Bonser
• 11.45am - 'Creating inclusive workplaces for people with unseen disability ' Panel discussion lead by Gail Le Bransky featuring Ruth Bonser, Kurt McLachlan, Pam Rutledge and Casey Gray
• 12.30pm - break
• 1pm - 'How to create a supportive environment for people on the autism spectrum' - training provided by Xceptional
• 2.30pm - close

The Aboriginal Workforce Development Community of Practice (AWD CoP) are holding an event beforehand from 9am to 11am. For more information about the AWD CoP event, visit the event listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the event located?

The event is located in the Water Police Court room at the Justice and Police Museum. The venue is on the corner of Albert and Phillip Street, Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000.

How do I get to the venue?

The Justice and Police Museum webpage contains location, parking and transport information.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact disabilityemployment@psc.nsw.gov.au.

I live with disability and have accessibility requirements, who do I contact?

Please contact disabilityemployment@psc.nsw.gov.au.

I have dietary requirements, who do I contact?

Please contact disabilityemployment@psc.nsw.gov.au.

Can you please provide me with profiles of the presenters?

Ruth Bonser

Ruth is currently an Associate Infrastructure Services Specialist at Westpac. She gained employment with Westpac through Specialisterne’s Autism Talent Hiring Program. Her husband Luke and their two children are also on the Autism spectrum.

Kurt McLachlan - Chief Operating Officer Xceptional

Kurt is the Chief Operating Officer of Xceptional. It is a company that focuses on enabling organisations and their managers to better support people on the autism spectrum. Xceptional achieve this by assisting with the sourcing, recruitment and placement of people with autism in the workplace. This includes customised recruitment and placement processes and systems tailored for people on the autism spectrum. They also work with organisations and its people and hiring managers to develop workplaces that are accessible and inclusive of people living with autism. Xceptional also provide organisations with the testing of software and systems to ensure that it meet the needs of people with autism.

Pam Rutledge – Deputy Commissioner, Mental Health Commission of New South Wales

Pam has a strong mental health, social policy and human resources background. She has successfully managed major programs and led change and reform in the health and community service sectors.

Pam is a part-time member of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal and a Director of Autism Australia (Aspect Australia). In 2017, Pam was honoured as a joint recipient of a National Award (TheMHS Award) for an Exceptional Contribution to the Mental Health Sector in Australia and New Zealand.

Pam has been successful in building values-driven cultures, engendering quality, continuous improvement and co-design. As well as her commitment to co-design with people with a lived experience, families and carers, Pam is a strong advocate for good governance and accountability, risk management and strategic planning.

Casey Gray – Disability Council NSW Member

Casey is an award-winning professional services provider with over 14 years experience in the disability sector. She maintains membership of peak industry associations to stay abreast of current affairs in disability.

Casey advocates for local and broad social change to break down the stigma associated with hidden disability, like mental illness, as well as disability in general.

Casey lives with a primary diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Through her life and work, Casey proves that people living with mental health conditions can thrive with the rights adjustments and supports.