End to segregated workplaces benefits all

30 November 2007

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

End to segregated workplaces benefits all

For 47 years the law allowed people with disabilities to be discriminated against in the workplace.

Today IHC is celebrating the repeal of the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion Act (DPEPA). The DPEPA allowed some people to work for less than the minimum wage, without annual leave or sick leave and with no right to join a union. "Segregation in workplaces leads to segregation in the community," IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant said today.

"IHC Advocacy has talked to thousands of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and they have told us consistently that they want opportunities for real work and they want real pay for the work they do."

"The repeal of the DPEP Act is vital to realising the vision of a society that values all its citizens and encourages their full participation," says Ms Grant.

"More of the community will now be able to benefit from working alongside people with an intellectual disability and having opportunities to build friendships, respect and understanding."

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