Disabled people have lower participation rates and inferior labour market outcomes
as compared to the able-bodied in Australia. This paper will explore a number of
issues relating to the participation of the disabled in paid work. First the conceptual
issues associated with defining disability in the context of the capacity to perform
paid work will be reviewed. Second, drawing on the ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing
and Carers CURF 2003, some preliminary analysis of the determinants of the
participation behaviour of the disabled will be presented. Third, the research will
examine the conflict between the objectives of income security and economic
integration in a jobs deficient economy and the Employment and Workplace
Relations Legislation Amendment (Welfare to Work and Other Measures) Act which
was passed by the Federal Parliament in 2005 and comes into effect on 1 July.