For 28-year-old medium business owner, Charlie Merheb, the thought of hiring someone with a disability was a little concerning as he had limited interaction throughout his life with disability. Despite his reservations, Charlie employed Matt Whear, a 20-year-old young man from Ermington with Asperger’s Syndrome, in January this year, and now he is encouraging other local business owners to do the same.
“My brother, Anthony Merheb, works in the IT Department at Northcott Disability Services in Parramatta,” said Charlie. “One day my brother challenged me to make a positive difference as an employer and hire someone with a disability. I had my reservations, as I was nervous that employing someone with a disability would take up a lot of my time as I thought they would need constant supervision, which would be detrimental to my business.”
“All of my concerns were outweighed by my desire to give someone with a disability the opportunity of employment,” he said.
Northcott Disability Services introduced Charlie to Matthew Whear, who he hired as a part-time Factory Hand and Administration Assistant.
“Matt has been part of the team of All About Glass and Glazing (AAGG) since January,” said Charlie. “My experience of employing Matt has been positive and eye opening. He has proved himself as an employee, he is very capable at carrying out most work procedures unassisted, and is always on time – if not early.”
“Matt is not a burden on my business, in fact he is a valued employee, who shows loyalty and commitment,” said Charlie.
Anthony Pascale, Manager of Northcott’s Employment Service Jobmatch said: “Many employers have misconceptions about employing someone with a disability; they think they will take more sick days, there will be more occupational health and safety incidents, or employers have to make adjustments to the workplace.”
“Research has actually shown that an employee with a disability takes fewer sick days, stays in a job for longer, has four times less workers compensation claims than their able bodied counterparts, and six times less occupational health and safety incidents.”
20-year-old Matthew Whear, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, is grateful that All About Glass and Glazing (AAGG) has given him a go.
“Working for AAGG is excellent; I have learnt new skills, made new friendships and the glass and glazing industry really appeals to me,” said Matt. “For me, having a job gives me the opportunity to excel at something I really like, as well as increases my independence.”
Charlie Merheb of AAGG would like to see more local employers give people with disability the opportunity to work: “Employers should not look at disability as a negative impact on their business or a hindrance for completing work because it isn’t. I have really valued the experience of hiring Matt as I am more aware that someone with a disability is just like you or I, you shouldn’t judge them on their disability instead look at their ability.”
To find out more on how you can employ someone with a disability, please contact Northcott Disability Services Jobmatch Department on 02 9890 0970.