Awards for outstanding employers of people with disabilities

Massey University is the winner of the State Services Commission's Mainstream Employer of the Year Award for 2002. This organisation has gone the extra mile to provide equitable, supported employment of people with disabilities in the State sector.

The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, today presented three merit awards and an overall award winner at a celebration which also marked International Day for Disabled Persons and the launch of "Moving Forward: EEO for People with Disabilities in the Public Service", a new State Services Commission publication.

The Mainstream Employer of the Year Awards are presented each year in recognition of employers who have made an effort to provide employment, training and career development opportunities for people with disabilities participating in the Mainstream Programme.

In presenting this year's awards, Mr Wintringham said the provision of the Mainstream Programme was a tangible way in which the State sector is helping to remove employment barriers faced by people with disabilities.

"Mainstream is a small but very successful employment programme. Over the past four years, between 55 and 65 percent of participants in the Mainstream Programme have gained long-term meaningful employment. That's a success rate envied by many in both the disability and regular employment services.

"The Mainstream Programme shows what can be achieved by people with the most significant disabilities when the human and financial resources are provided to allow them to overcome the employment barriers put in their way. This requires creative employers who can see what is possible," Mr Wintringham said.

Merit awards were also presented to the Accident Compensation Corporation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social Development, at the ceremony today.

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