Celebrating 2022 International Day of People with Disability

Development Victoria is proud of our diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to making positive changes to the lives of people with disability.

We are delighted to support the United Nations' International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

Held annually on December 3, the day, aims to celebrate and increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability and challenge the way everyone thinks about disability to help grow a more inclusive Australia.

Development Victoria is a member of the Australian Network on Disability (AND) to ensure we continue to strive and create a physical space and culture that is welcoming and supportive of employees with a disability.

Chris Strickland and Dragan Tomic from the Australian Network on Disability presented to Development Victoria employees on the not-for-profit’s work helping organisations engage with people with disability.

AND is the only employer-led network in Australia focused on the inclusion of people with disability.

The AND presentation was hosted by Paul Mariager, a Development Manager in Development Victoria’s Acquisitions Team. Paul is a C5-6 quadriplegic as a result of a BMX accident when he was 16 years old.

Paul has worked at Development Victoria for almost three years and is an active advocate in the Victorian spinal community, working as a peer support volunteer and regularly speaks to high school students about his story. 

In 2023 Paul will Chair a new Development Victoria internal employee working group, Universal Design. 

Part of Paul’s role as Chair involves representing Development Victoria at AND meetings to learn how other organisations are being more inclusive to people with a disability. 

This will give us more detailed insight as to how we can apply best practice to our physical office space and continuing to build a more inclusive culture.

“By listening to the experiences of people with disability, and recognising their unique talents, skills, and interests, we can challenge our own perceptions about disability and make positive changes in the community,” says Development Victoria CEO Angela Skandarajah.

“Development Victoria joins with everyone celebrating the contributions and achievements of people with disability, promoting awareness, understanding and acceptance in the community.”