RMIT among top organisations for workplace accessibility

The Australian Network on Disability (AND) has recognised RMIT for the second year in a row among Australia’s top organisations in providing an inclusive and accessible workplace.

The AND Access and Inclusion 2018-2019 Index out today ranked RMIT fourth out of 23 participating organisations, an increase of one place from the previous year.

RMIT is a silver member of the Australian Network on Disability, a national, membership-based organisation that aims to make it easier for workplaces to welcome people with disability in all aspects of business.

L-R: Diversity and Inclusion Manager Amy Love, Australian Network on Disability Consultants Amber Trotter and Emma Hesington and Chief Operating Officer and Accessibility Champion Dionne Higgins.

AND’s Index is a national benchmarking tool used to determine whether an organisation is physically, technologically and culturally accessible for people who live with a disability.

RMIT has participated in the Index since its inception in 2016, embracing the opportunity to understand and celebrate progress towards creating a more inclusive workplace, while identifying areas of improvement in supporting staff and students with a disability.

Out of the 10 key areas, the University received top marks for workplace adjustments, products and services, and commitment.

Chief Operating Officer and Executive Champion of Accessibility Dionne Higgins said she was proud that an inclusive mindset was responsible for driving greater collaboration at RMIT.

“As one of our six values, inclusion is not something we say but something we live each day,” she said.

“Our places, spaces and communication options enable full participation in university life, for our staff and students alike.”

University-wide initiatives over the last 12 months have made contributed to the outstanding result in the Index.

Commitment to an all flexibility model by 2020, the establishment of a dedicated accessibility at work team, a flexible working plan, and mental health training for students and staff have all resulted in action and progress towards improving the experience of staff and students with a disability at RMIT.

Story: Maddy Pattison and Jasmijn van Houten

Society and Environment

16 May 2019

Society and Environment

16 May 2019

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
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RMIT among top organisations for workplace accessibility