Business Inclusion & Diversity Services (BIDS)

A collage of four photos showing people with disability at work and in the community: a young woman wearing an apron serving coffee in a café, two people building wooden furniture in a workshop, a man in a high-visibility vest using a tablet in a warehouse, and a group of people sitting at a table doing arts and crafts together.

Creating opportunity for better business

Only 56% of working-age Australians with disability have a job. Is your workplace ready to support them?

AFDO’s Business Inclusion & Diversity Services (BIDS) helped small and medium-sized businesses become more confident, inclusive and accessible for both staff and customers. Backed by over a decade of proven results and evaluated by Deakin University, BIDS has supported hundreds of businesses nationally to build disability confidence, open employment pathways, and strengthen community connections.

Please note the BIDS Project has concluded. If you have any further questions, please email projects@afdo.org.au

Why inclusion matters

  • 1 in 5 Australians has a disability – over 5.5 million people, representing an untapped workforce and customer base.
  • Inclusive workplaces report better employee retention, higher productivity and stronger customer connections.
  • Employers who engage with BIDS have increased accessible recruitment practices, improved workplace flexibility, and committed to better mental health in their workplaces.

Benefits for your business

By becoming disability confident, your organisation can:

  • Access a larger talent pool – tapping into skills and perspectives of millions of Australians with disability.
  • Attract and retain staff – support employees who may acquire or disclose disability, and reduce turnover.
  • Reach more customers – inclusive practices resonate with customers, families and communities.
  • Build your reputation – inclusive workplaces are seen as progressive and values-driven.
  • Improve your bottom line – diverse teams perform better, bring fresh ideas, and deliver stronger results.

How BIDS supports you

Our team works one-on-one with businesses through:

  1. A tailored business review.
  2. Leadership capability-building.
  3. A disability friendly check.
  4. Practical recommendations and tools.
  5. Links to trusted providers and networks.

Get Involved

BIDS Hunter: servicing the NSW LGA’s of Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens. Learn more about the BIDS Hunter Project.

BIDS ACT: servicing the nation’s Capital and surrounding regions. Learn more about the BIDS ACT Project.

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