Geelong resident and Bar None participant, Nicci Wall, has worked for Harley Davidson for three years and lives with a bipolar condition.

By Angela Dorizas

A photographic exhibition exploring the working lives of Victorians with a disability has demonstrated that impairment is no barrier to employment.

The Victorian Government’s 'Bar None' exhibition is touring to 79 councils across the state.

At the exhibition opening in Geelong, Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville said Bar None featured 15 Victorians living and working with a disability.

“We know Victorians living with a disability can bring valuable skills and experience to business and they make a vibrant and diverse contribution to our community,” Ms Neville said.

“The aim of this exhibition is to stimulate discussion and encourage necessary changes in recruitment practices to encourage the employment of people with a disability in all workplaces.

“People with a disability often face difficulty securing jobs that match their skills and needs, and there is often a lack of understanding of their capabilities, preventing talented people from being employed or promoted.”

Ms Neville said the Bar None campaign also highlighted the experience of employers in recruiting and retaining people with a disability.

“One in five Victorians have a disability and this exhibition highlights how living with a disability is not a barrier to employment,” she said.

For more information about the campaign visit www.officefordisability.vic.gov.au.