Written by NAB Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Kristy Macfarlane in recognition of International Day of People with Disability.

International Day of People with Disability

Often when we think of disability our minds may go to people with a visible disability; someone with a walking stick or wheel chair. But the majority of disabilities are so much broader than that, with many not visible at all.

As Head of Diversity & Inclusion at NAB, and a daughter of someone with an “invisible” disability, I am incredibly proud of NAB’s focus on accessibility.

To celebrate International Day of People with Disability, this week at NAB we explored invisibility. I invite you to watch these stories from some of our people about what it’s like to work with an invisible disability such as depression, autism or hearing loss – and what it’s like to manage a person who has a disability.

This is one way we prioritise an inclusive culture at NAB, so that our people are aware of invisibility and work with our customers and the community to make our society more inclusive.

NAB’s new Accessibility Action Plan 2017-2018 is another way that we demonstrate our commitment to a more inclusive society.

My dad has suffered a severe stroke and has limited cognition and short term memory. He is also a NAB customer. I know if he walks into a branch, despite his disability he will be treated with respect and made to feel included. I want everyone in Australia to have this same experience.

On International Day of People with Disability on 3rd December I encourage everyone to stop and take a moment to think about your friends, your family and your colleagues – and ensure that regardless of their unique backgrounds, their gender, their sexual orientation or their accessibility requirements they are included.

If everyone can do this, we know our society will be a much better place.