From the CEO – International Day of People with Disability 2018

In order to achieve SSI’s vision of a society that values the diversity of its people, while supporting social and economic inclusion, we will continue to seek engagement within the migration sector and beyond.

Today the world is celebrating the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD). In many ways this day, through celebrating and recognising the achievements of resilient people in our community, aligns with SSI’s core goal of building an inclusive society.

SSI has long recognised the need to support new members in our communities living with a disability.

Through programs like SSI Ability Links and SSI IgniteAbility we have enabled not only newcomers, but also all members of our community living with disability, to chart their own course. We’ve now experienced the thrill of seeing people with disability start and successfully run their own businesses, as well as seize opportunities to socialise and engage in inclusive activities within their community.

I’d also like to take the opportunity on this day of inclusion, hope and resilience to talk about some recent events of note.

On November 25, SSI reaffirmed its commitment to combating domestic violence through the United Nations campaign: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. We will be hosting morning teas and DV awareness training in November and December at our Sydney offices to learn about the impact of gender-based violence across all aspects of life, including in the workplace.

During the morning teas we will also launch the NSW Settlement Partnership Community of Practice on Domestic and Family Violence.

Since August this year, SSI has joined other progressive employers offering Domestic Violence Leave to our employees. This type of leave is a promise of financial security to those affected by domestic violence; those who may require time to resolve their situation without concern that it will affect their professional career.

I’d like to end by mentioning an overwhelmingly positive point in Australia’s journey towards social inclusion. On November 15 we celebrated the anniversary of the historical Same Sex Marriage vote, which resulted in legislation that affirms the right of every Australian to express their love and commitment through marriage. This resounding victory for social inclusion is, of course, in line with SSI’s own vision and mission.