NSW — People with disabilities demonstrate every day that their disability is no barrier to education or employment – and the Iemma Government is working to provide more help and more jobs to people with disabilities in NSW. “A fact is that many people with disabilities can and do lead full lives – pursuing the employment, educational and recreational activities that are available to all,” NSW Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, said today. “Another fact is that people with disabilities have a nine percent unemployment rate in NSW – an unacceptable three percent higher than the state average, and the Iemma Government is working with employers, the Federal Government and the community to solve the problem. “Through the NSW State Plan, the Iemma Government has set a target to halve the unemployment gap between people with and without disabilities – we want 6,000 extra people with disabilities in the workforce by 2016. “We want people with disabilities to live in the community, participate in the workforce and enjoy the opportunities that everyone else does, and we’ve committed over $2 billion this year to the cause - to services for people with disabilities, their families and carers - this year alone.” Ms Keneally said there is a sound economic rationale for encouraging employment amongst people with disabilities and other groups of people who are underrepresented in the workforce. “A recent study by the Iemma Government identified that by 2030 there will be 300,000 more jobs than people in this state - there is a clear and present need to get people with disabilities into the workforce now so that they can help plug the future employment gap,” Ms Keneally said. “We currently have more than 1,150 people in our Transition To Work program, which has a 70% success rate in helping people with disabilities who have left school to develop the skills needed to move into mainstream employment or further education. “It’s incredibly pleasing to see employers, including some of our biggest companies, hire people who have completed the program. By accounts relayed to me they end up with motivated workers who contribute significantly to their company, and I encourage other employers to get on board. “I want to get the message to people with disabilities, their families and their carers - particularly people who’ve recently acquired a disability and parents of children with a disability - there is more we can do, and we are doing more to help people with disabilities live full and productive lives. Media Contact: Phil McCall 0438 619 987 News release - The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP, Member for Heffron, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services ###