The current hearing of the Disability Royal Commission is exploring 'pathways and barriers to open employment for people with disability', and over the course of the week will draw heavily on the experiences of people with disability in finding and maintaining employment in the open labour market.

Senior Counsel Assisting outlined concerning statistics about the employment of people with disability, and the findings of numerous reports on their experiences as they have sought to find and maintain employment. For analysis purposes, the Commission has categorised systemic barriers into four broad types: attitudinal; physical or environmental; organisational; and structural.