Welcoming Impact21 participants to Yooralla!

We are so excited to welcome participants from the Inclusion Foundation to Yooralla, where they will be employed by us in part-time permanent roles and gain on-the-job work experience as part of the Impact21 program.

The Impact21 program provides people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability the opportunity to build their independence and to explore their interests and skills in the workplace.

As employees of Yooralla, participants will be working in the People and Culture and Operations teams – where they will be supported to learn within an inclusive environment to gain on-the-job work experience.

“This partnership is so important as it provides people with intellectual disability the opportunity to work and develop skills within a workplace environment,” said David Thorsen, Executive Director of our People and Culture team.

“This partnership with the Inclusion Foundation is a fantastic opportunity for two, for-purpose organisations with common goals and values to work together to give people with intellectual disabilities the confidence to work towards and achieve practical employment goals.”

This partnership couldn’t come at a better time, as we celebrate Learning Disability week (19-25 June) – an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about learning disabilities.

Held worldwide, it aims to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and advocate for equal opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities – the basis on which the Impact21 program is built.

At Yooralla we are committed to supporting all our clients, not only those with learning disabilities - on their employment journeys, also recognising the unique perspectives and experiences that people with disability will bring to the workplace.

“As a provider of disability services, it is important that Yooralla actively provides people with disabilities meaningful employment opportunities,” said David.

“It also provides development opportunities for our staff and enables us as an organisation to learn how to effectively structure roles to accommodate more diversity in the workplace.”

“We’re looking forward to having the Impact21 participants join Yooralla, learning from them and working with them towards their employment goals,” said David.

We can’t wait to share more about our new employees with you when they commence next month.