Disability Support at Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

Disability and Carers Network 

The ABS Disability and Carers Employee Network fosters supportive relationships for employees with disability and employees who are carers for someone with disability. The Network provides an opportunity for employees to meet on a regular basis in a friendly and informal environment, to encourage sharing of knowledge, information and experiences while fostering meaningful and sustainable supportive relationships between staff. Network members are also provided with updates and provide feedback on relevant ABS and APS projects, forums and initiatives relating to disability and carers. 

Members may discuss challenges and work through potential solutions with people who understand their circumstances. Members also share their personal experiences with others to develop and educate people’s understanding of the range of disability and caring circumstances, which ultimately benefits the ABS.

Neurodiversity Network

The Neurodiversity Network provides support for staff who are (or think they may be) neurodivergent, their managers and colleagues. The Network is open to all ABS employees at all classification levels, particularly employees who are or think they might be neurodivergent, including (but not limited to): autism, Asperger's, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Tourette's syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorders, intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia. 

The diverse nature of the Network membership brings different perspectives and a range of experiences to meetings. Having a diagnosis or coming to understand their neurodivergent identity at different stages of their life’s journey, network members share their diverse experiences, learnings and strategies to support members of the group and others within the ABS.