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Not every disability is visible. Every insight is valuable.
Small Business Expression of Interest

Small business voices needed: disability employment focus group

Not every disability is visible. When it comes to employing neurodivergent staff, including people on the autism spectrum or with ADHD, small business owners often tell us they feel least equipped and least supported. COSBOA is working with Swinburne University - Centre for Inclusive Employment to change that, and we're starting by listening.

We're inviting five to six small business owners to join a facilitated online focus group (up to three hours, held in early August) to share their honest experience: the good, the bad, and the "no one ever told me that." Whether you've employed someone with a non-visible disability or simply thought about it, your perspective will directly shape a national resource that helps employment services work better with small business.
Section 1: About you
1.Full Name(Required.)
2.Please enter your email address(Required.)
3.Best contact phone number(Required.)
4.Name of your small business(Required.)
5.Is your business a COSBOA Associate Member?(Required.)
Section 2: About your business
6.I agree to participate in a online focus group and and share my honest experience.(Required.)
7.What industry is your business in?(Required.)
8.How many people does your business employ, including casuals?(Required.)
9.Which state is your business located in?(Required.)
Section 3: Your experience
There are no right answers here. We want a mix of experience in the group, including people with none at all.
10.Has your business ever employed a person with disability?(Required.)
11.Has your business employed, or considered employing, someone who is neurodivergent, for example a person on the autism spectrum or with ADHD?(Required.)
12.Have you ever dealt with a disability employment services provider?(Required.)
Section 4: Your participation
13.This is a small group discussion, and the value of the session depends on everyone taking part openly and honestly.

By registering, do you agree to:
  • Attend the full online session
  • Participate actively and share your honest views and experiences, and
  • Respect the confidentiality of what other participants share?
(Required.)
Thank you. Because the focus group is limited to five or six participants, we may not be able to include everyone who registers. If you have questions in the meantime, contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@opfconsulting.com.au