Gong for disabled work choices

NOBLE Parkbased furniture manufacturer Moran Furniture has been recognised for its commitment to the cause of employing people with disabilities.
Moran Furniture recently won the Association of Competitive Employment’s (ACE) Diversitywork award.
The company has a long association with ACE’s local open employment service division Dandenong Valley Job Support.
Ross Milne, Dandenong Valley Job Support program coordinator, said he hoped other businesses would follow Moran Furniture’s lead.
“We encourage other employers to employ people with a disability,” he said.
“There are no barriers for people employing people with a disability and we can help them do that.”
He said the judges recognised the manufacturer’s commitment to people with disabilities, particularly the opportunities provided for further training and development.
“Moran has long been aware of the benefits of employing people with a disability, with 15 of its 250 current staff identified as having a disability,” Mr Milne said.
“These employees work in various aspects of the business, both in Victoria and NSW.
“With the company’s support and encouragement, four of these employees have completed trade qualifications.”
Mr Milne said open employment meant regular work in the “real world” with awardbased wages and conditions, alongside people without a disability.
“ACE’s 180 organisational members help people with a disability find open employment by developing their skills, identifying jobs, readying workplaces and providing the right mix of support to secure and maintain quality employment in the longer term. “