Ben Pilipowski is a shining example of inclusivity in the workforce. With an intellectual disability, Ben has recently assumed the role of Community Development Project Administrator within the Community Services team for the City of Ryde. Over the past four months, he has astounded everyone with his dedication and unique perspective, demonstrating why an inclusive workplace matters.
Ben is no stranger to social work. He is an alum of Western Sydney University with a degree in Social Work. He also boasts the accolade of having qualifications in mental health, different addiction forms, and youth work. His work experience stretches across youth mental health and disability services showcasing his passion for according a helping hand to those in need.
His journey with the City of Ryde began with an effortless job application process. The clarity of the job description and its accessibility in an Easy Read version made the process straightforward for him. Recognizing that individuals with intellectual disability often find interviews stressful, the team at the City of Ryde sent the interview questions to him two days prior. This considerate move allowed him adequate preparation time, significantly reducing the pressure that interviews often entail.
Additionally, Ben was given the liberty to seek clarification about the interview or job-related queries. He was offered the opportunity to be accompanied by a family member or carer during the interview. The accessible and understanding procedure eased Ben’s anxiety and allowed him to focus on conveying his capabilities.
In his current role, Ben showcases a myriad of skills. He has taken on projects and events like Mental Health Month, working diligently alongside the Community Services team. Moreover, he’s crucial in providing feedback and scrutinizing documents, flyers, and webpages for accessibility. He also engages in community events and takes on the responsibility of reaching out to volunteers with disabilities, keeping them apprised of upcoming events.
The stalwart support Ben receives from his team at City of Ryde fuels his confidence and enthusiasm. Speaking on his experience, Ben expresses his gratitude for his team’s understanding and respect for his work-life balance. The inclusivity and understanding environment affords him the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the workplace meaningfully. The chance to network and connect with the community and across the council has been an enriching experience for him.
Ben has demonstrated that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has essential skills to offer. His contributions have been invaluable to the City of Ryde. His story underscores the importance of extending equal opportunities and inclusion to individuals with disabilities. Ben is testament to the power of an inclusive work environment and the enormous potential that can be tapped into when we let everyone shine in their unique light.
Offering everyone a fair chance to showcase their potential and skills not only benefits the employees themselves but leaves an indelible mark on society at large. The City of Ryde has championed the cause for inclusive workplaces. By incorporating thoughtful, inclusive recruitment strategies and offering ongoing, expert support, they are helping change lives and build careers. Ben Pilipowski’s success in his role is a potent reminder of the power of inclusivity when everyone is given the chance to shine. His story reaffirms the growing necessity for fostering inclusive workplaces across all sectors.
