Disability and inclusion policy INSIDEOUTSIDE DANCE
Disability inclusion in business makes good business. Employment of people with disability and diversity is everyone’s business. Smart workplaces are embracing an inclusive and diverse workforce, gaining access to a talent pool brimming with skilled people with disability. While forward-thinking organisations know of the vast benefits, some organisations are missing out.
The World Health Organisation states that over 1 billion people worldwide have lived experience of disability, and that it’s likely almost everyone will experience disability at least once in their lifetime – whether temporary or permanent.
In Australia, over 4.4 million people have lived experience of disability: that’s 1 in 5 people. Yet only 53.4 % of people with disability of working age are actively working. And of those with disability that are employed, 10% are underemployed.
The Valuable 500’s diverISH campaign suggests that while 90% of organisations claim to value diversity, only 4% prioritize disability.
In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in momentum on the benefits and need for inclusion and diversity – from gender to LGBTQ+. From this experience, we know that we too can build disability confidence and ensure disability inclusion is part of business moving forward.
The Madeline Stuart Dance company is not only here to offer people of diversity a safe place to dance, we believe that if you truly want to champion diversity you immerse yourself in it. That is why 20% of our staff are in the LGBTQIA community and 30% identify with having a disability.
Madeline Stuart our Founder and director says she is most proud of her Down Syndrome and her ASD diagnosis, it is even better than being a world famous Super model.
Nicholas Maguire was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and is just one of our staff that are proud to be part of the LGBTQIA community. Nics attention to detail in his choreography we believe is the winning factor in all the gold our performance teams win.
Denzal Van Uitregt was diagnosed with ASD at an early age, parents and students say they love how Denzal teaches as they feel he connects with the students through lived experience and offers them inspiration in what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Kala Bailey who is Legally blind proudly does all the graphic design for our company and also works as a teaching assistant. Kala’s empathetic nature makes everyone feel seen.
Josh Wood who is diagnosed with ASD and proudly refers to himself as #Actually Autistic works as a teachers aid at our Enoggera class
Anne Marie also diagnosed with ASD works as a teachers aid at our Oxley classes and loves to connect with all of her students.
