This webpage focuses on resources for staff with a disability in Metro North Health.
Metro North Health values people of all abilities and their right for equitable access to quality health services.
We are committed to recognising and respecting the vital contribution of people with disability as both consumers and part of our Metro North Health workforce.

Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that provides equal opportunities and supports and harnesses the unique talents and perspectives of employees with disabilities.

Metro North Disability Services Action Plan
2024 – 2029

In early 2024, Metro North Health (MNH) launched the
Disability Services Action Plan 2024 – 2029, an aspirational plan intended to:

• Improve the health care MNH provides for people with a disability,
• Ensure that people with disability are an integral part of the MNH workforce,
• Improve health equity for people with disability and;
• Make the MNH physical environments accessible to all staff, patients and supporters within the community

Metro North ENABLE

The MN ENABLE Working Group has been established as part of Metro North Health’s (MNH) commitment to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all employees and consumers regardless of their lived experience of disability, chronic health condition, neurodivergence, mental health, or for carers of a person with disability, as well as allies who are committed to access, equity, and inclusion.

The ENABLE acronym Employees Navigating Access, Barriers, Leadership, and Equity has been respectfully adopted to affirm and amplify the voices, experiences, and leadership of staff with disability and their supporters across Metro North Health’s services.

The ENABLE Working Group is one of several inclusive networks aligned with Metro North Health’s vision for a diverse and psychologically safe workplace, where all employees are valued, respected, and empowered to thrive and be their best selves in the professional workplace setting.

To find out more about the Metro North ENABLE committee, please complete the Expression of Interest or email MN-ENABLE@health.qld.gov.au

Training & Education

Disability Awareness Training

Disability Awareness Training (iLearn)

This training program aims to increase the confidence, knowledge, and skills of the health workforce to better design, inform and respond to the health and wellbeing needs of people with disability accessing health care across Queensland.

Access for All

Access for All (External)

Access for All is an online course that aims to improve disability awareness among health providers and increase understanding about the barriers people with disability experience when accessing healthcare.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Neurodiversity in the Workplace – A Strength-Based Approach (TMS)

This training has been developed by Metro North Nurse Educators, to develop the fundamental knowledge, skills and strategies to create more neuroinclusive, dynamic and strength-focused workplace to optimise productivity and leverage the full potential of the workforce.

Disability Inclusion Workplaces

Disability Inclusion Workplaces
Explore the resources on this page to help you build an inclusive environment where staff with disability feel safe, respected, and supported to thrive. You’ll also find practical tools and learning opportunities to strengthen your confidence in promoting accessibility and inclusion at work.
Complete the 50-minute online course – My Role: Disability Inclusion Champion to develop the skills to actively champion disability inclusion in your workplace.

“See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me.” Campaign

The “See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me.” Campaign was developed by the Queensland Disability Network (QDN) and co-designed with Queensland Health. This campaign was inspired by the experiences of QDN members, as well as other people with disabilities, who face numerous challenges in accessing healthcare and communicating their health needs to health practitioners.

This communication campaign aimed at raising awareness about the unique health and communication needs of people with disability. The campaign aims to empower individuals, especially healthcare practitioners and health staff, to understand and respect these needs, and to create a more inclusive and supportive community where people with disability are seen, heard, and respected.

Below are some useful resources from the campaign to assist employees to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

• Asking about disability
• Hosting accessible and inclusive meetings
• Working with people who are blind or have low vision
• Working with people who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Working with people with intellectual disability
• People with disability | Queensland Government
• Julian’s Key Health Passport

Support for Staff

Queenslanders with Disability Network

QDN is a state-wide, member-driven organisation led by and for people with disability. Their motto, “Nothing about us without us,” reflects their commitment to inclusion and systemic advocacy. QDN supports nearly 30 peer support groups across Queensland, including several in Brisbane. To find a peer support group near you, visit: Peer Support Groups – Queenslanders With Disability Network

Metro North Tiered Support

• Staff Wellbeing Extranet
• Metro North R U OK? Network
• Metro North Peer Responder Program
• Metro North Social Emotional Wellbeing Program
• Metro North Staff Psychology
• TELUS Health (EAP)

All other supports can be found via the staff wellbeing extranet.

Work Assist Program

Work Assist provides free help to people with disability, illness or health condition to keep their job.

A Disability Employment Services (DES) provider will work with you and your employer to provide support to keep your job. Employers are supported by DES providers to keep you working so they don’t lose a valuable team member.

Work Assist Fact Sheet (PDF)

Work Assist Factsheet (Listen to PDF)

Work Assist Fact Sheet (Word Doc)

For more information on the Work Assist Program, visit the How Work Assist can help | Job Access webpage.

Employee Assistance Fund

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) can cover the costs of workplace changes and equipment for eligible employees with disability. It can also fund Auslan interpreters and other workplace support services. JobAccess refunds the costs after you apply for the EAF and get approval. For more information, please visit the What the Employment Assistance Fund can cover | Job Access webpage.

Workplace changes are also called ‘workplace modifications’, ‘workplace adjustments’ and ‘reasonable adjustments’.

Workplace Modifications and Equipment

The EAF can cover the cost of a range of changes in the workplace, including equipment and assistive technology. We’ve listed some examples below.

Please note this isn’t a complete list. For more information on what costs the EAF can cover, download the full EAF guidelines or contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800 for free advice.

The EAF is only for items specific to supporting disability. If the equipment is something an employer would normally provide, the EAF won’t pay for it.

For example, employers are responsible for making sure staff have the tools to do their job, such as a desk, chair, phone and computer. Employers also need provide safe, comfortable workspaces. This includes any equipment to support work health and safety for all staff.)

Staff Resources

Employment

JobAccess is an Australian Government guide to disability employment. The website provides access advice, information and funding to support people with disability, employers and service providers. For more information, visit the JobAccess webpage.

Onboarding

We believe that every person should be able to work as independently as possible — supported by a workplace that values accessibility, inclusion, and respect.

If at any time you need additional support, or if your needs can’t be easily discussed or accommodated through your direct supervisor or manager, the ENABLE Network is here to help. ENABLE is an approachable, confidential contact point for staff with disability who may require advice, adjustments, or advocacy in the workplace.

Our goal is to be an employer of choice for talented individuals with disabilities, creating a supportive environment where every person can thrive and contribute their best. By fostering inclusion within our workforce, we also strengthen our ability to deliver equitable, high-quality healthcare for consumers with disabilities accessing our services.

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustment is where an employer takes account of a person’s impairment and makes appropriate and reasonable adjustments to the workplace (including the employee’s role) to lessen the impact of the impairment or enable the employee to commence employment or return to work.

The identification of the need for reasonable adjustment may occur in a number of situations including but not limited to, recruitment processes, during the course of employment, as required by legislation or to determine suitability of working arrangements and employment practices.

Managers are responsible for ensuring work environments do not unreasonably prevent employment for people. Managers must also ensure reasonable adjustment solutions are fair and equitable to all employees. For more information, please refer to the Queensland Health Reasonable Adjustment policy.

Diversity Data in myHR

All it takes is five minutes to provide your diversity data and this small action can help Queensland Health to:

• put in place the right programs for our employees.
• build an inclusive work environment.
• build a workforce that reflects the community we serve.

You can now review and update your diversity data in myHR.

NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a way of providing support for Australians with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports and services they need to live an ordinary life.

The NDIS assists people with disability to achieve their goals through giving choice and control over how when and where their supports are provided.  This may include funded supports to facilitate greater independence, community involvement, employment and improved well-being.

The NDIS is delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) which is the independent Commonwealth Government agency responsible for implementing the NDIS.

For more information, visit the NDIS website.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Metro North Health recognises that flexibility at work supports inclusion, wellbeing, and performance. If you have a disability or health condition, flexible work arrangements can be tailored to help you perform at your best while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

Examples of flexibility may include:

• Adjusted start and finish times
• Compressed or part-time hours
• Job sharing
• Remote or hybrid working options
• Modified duties or workspaces

We encourage you to discuss what flexibility might look like for you with your line manager. Together, you can explore options that meet both your needs and the operational requirements of your team. ENABLE and the People & Culture team can also provide guidance and resources to support these conversations and help implement any reasonable adjustments.

Flexible Working Arrangements | People and Culture | Metro North Health