International Day of People with Disability 3rd December 2025

Webinar: Barriers to Disability Employment

To promote and celebrate the International day of People with Disability, the Food Fibre and Timber Industry Training Council hosted a special webinar for Associations involved with the FFTITC. Led by Lena Constantine, an executive leader at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA) and a member of WA's State Training Board, the webinar brought together small associations, employers, practitioners and community leaders to explore practical ways to build more inclusive workplaces across Western Australia.

We’re pleased to share the recording of the webinar, Barriers to Disability Employment, an inspiring and solutions-focused discussion held on the International Day of People with Disability

With ongoing workforce shortages, Lena highlighted how associations and allied employers can better support the CCIWA Ability Link Program and unlock new labour pathways by making disability employment a standard practice, not an exception.

The webinar breaks down the real barriers people with disability continue to face, from employer hesitations to structural systems that unintentionally exclude. Lena shared a range of actionable strategies, including:

• Rynat Industries case study

• Flexible work models

• Accessibility audits

• Easy-read documentation

• Supported and flexible entry pathways

Participants also heard powerful firsthand stories from Daniel and Justin of InteLife, whose success in horticulture showcases what’s possible when people are given meaningful opportunities. Another case study highlighted a young deaf cabinet-maker (Oliver Grant) thriving thanks to the commitment of an inclusive employer.

The discussion reflects a growing movement in WA toward workplaces where everyone belongs and everyone can contribute. Attendees strongly agreed on the value of the session and endorsed continuing this important conversation. In response, FFTITC will host quarterly inclusion webinars throughout 2026.

▶️ Watch the full recording on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/GwYdNWmyXlE

Plus, here are the webinar presentations:

Ability Link_Webinar_Employers_FINAL_ Working.pptx

Download PPTX • 15.34MB

Menti Questions+responses_ability_link_webinar_3Dec2025.pdf

Download PDF • 401KB

Thank you to all that made it possible, especially Lena for her commitment, passion and excellent presentation (a session worthy of watch and listen to).

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