Annalisa Cannizzaro is a Community Engagement Specialist at Westgate Community Initiatives Group (WCIG) which is a not for profit employment services provider committed to supporting individuals to find a meaningful role in society. While the topic of her talk may have given us an expectation that it would be a bit mundane and less-than-inspiring, nothing could have been further from the truth.
It was quite evident that Annalisa was very enthusiastic about her role. She told some uplifting stories about people who, despite some challenges in life, were able to find gainful employment and improve their quality of life thanks to the support of WCIG.
She told us that, in Australia, there are 4.3 million people living with a disability. This is 1 in 5 people. There are 1.3 million people in Victoria and 43,600 people in Wyndham people living with a disability. WCIG is a government-funded facility that helps these people in a positive way by providing various services including training and helping to source appropriate employment opportunities. They have offices in several suburbs in the west where there is above-average unemployment including Footscray, Sunshine, Werribee and Corio.
One of their cornerstone training programs is called SEE (Skills for Education and Employment) which provides 800 hours of free training to eligible job-seekers of all ages to improve their language, literacy and numeracy skills. At the end of the program, students will have a greater chance of being employed.
Other key programs within WCIG include:
Disability Employment Services which assists people living with a psychiatric, physical or sensory disability in gaining meaningful and sustainable employment.
Youth Services which assists young people who have dropped out of mainstream education to develop individualised pathways plans which will prepare them for employment.
Annalisa cited various inspiring stories as examples of the positive outcomes that have been achieved. She emphasised that no-one is unemployable. They just need to be supported through training, encouragement and being employed at tasks that fit their strengths.
She also highlighted the importance of engaging with businesses and social enterprises who are willing to give these people a chance regardless of their disability or differences.
Annalisa knows there are some people who unfortunately slip through the cracks and do not get the appropriate level of support. She concluded by asking for our help by informing WCIG of:
Anyone who is struggling to engage in school.
Anyone with a disability who needs more help or information.
Anyone who is suffering from anxiety, depression, physical or intellectual disability, chronic illness or injury who would like to work.