Disability Advocate
April Hobbs is a steadfast advocate in the disability sector, committed to addressing the significant challenges that young people with disabilities encounter when entering the workforce. Highlighting a disturbing disparity reported by the University of Adelaide, only 5% of young people without disabilities are unemployed seven years after leaving school, compared to 18% of those with disabilities.
In response, April founded “Empower, Equip, Include,” an initiative where she facilitates discussions with key figures in the disability sector and SMEs on the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities. This platform hosts expert panels to delve into the factors contributing to this employment gap. Beyond fostering dialogue, April promotes entrepreneurship as a viable path for those with lived experiences of disability, aiming to generate actionable solutions that significantly impact disability employment and encourage engagement in social enterprises. “Empower, Equip, Include” has since grown into a movement where senior disability stakeholders address critical sector issues.
April’s commitment extends into the realm of innovation, where her passion is particularly evident. By merging her advocacy efforts with her interest in publishing and technological innovation in the disability sector, she spearheads the exploration of breakthrough advancements and strategic initiatives that improve accessibility and inclusivity. April offers valuable insights into how these innovations are revolutionizing the provision of support and services to individuals with disabilities, leading to more effective and empowering solutions. Her overarching goal is to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, thereby enhancing the quality of life and economic independence for individuals with disabilities.
