Disability as Capability: Employer breakfast inspires change on World Sight Day 2025

On Thursday 9 October, CVGT Employment proudly partnered with Guide Dogs Victoria to host the Disability as Capability: Rethinking What Talent Looks Like breakfast experience at the Guide Dogs Victoria campus. Held in recognition of World Sight Day, the event focused on inclusion, accessibility, and the strengths of people who are blind or have low vision.

The partnership between CVGT Employment and Guide Dogs Victoria was sparked by a connection between Rebecca Webbern, CVGT Program Specialist, and Kaye Jones, Employment Service Lead at Guide Dogs Victoria, at the 2024 Melbourne Disability Expo. Their shared vision led to the creation of this event and a growing collaboration focused on inclusive employment.

The morning began with breakfast and informal networking, accompanied by Guide Dogs Victoria’s ambassador dogs. Attendees were welcomed by Nicky Long, CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria, and Tania Morton, General Manager Employment Services at CVGT Employment, who introduced the partnership and acknowledged Country.

CVGT is proud to partner with Guide Dogs to support people who are blind or have low vision in achieving meaningful employment. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and building inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Tania Morton
General Manager Employment Services, CVGT Employment

The program continued with Kaye Jones, Employment Service Lead at Guide Dogs Victoria, who spoke about the untapped talent pool and the practical steps employers can take to build accessible workplaces. This was followed by a moving keynote from Heidi Biggin, Founder of HB Accessibility Consulting and Guide Dogs Victoria client, who shared her personal journey and the value of workplace diversity.

The energy in the room was inspiring, with open and honest conversations about accessibility, adaptability, and the competitive advantage of inclusive employment.

A highlight of the morning was the Inclusive Workplaces Panel, hosted by Rebecca Webbern, Program Specialist at CVGT Employment. The panel featured both employers and employees with lived experience from REA Group, EACH, Knowable.Me, and the Guide Dogs Victoria client community. The panellists offered real-world insights into inclusive hiring, workplace adjustments, and the strengths of people with low vision or blindness.

Rebecca also facilitated the Panel Q&A, encouraging open dialogue and thoughtful questions from the audience. Reflecting on the event, she shared:

On World Sight Day, rethinking what talent looks like illuminated how disability is not a limitation, but a powerful lens through which capability shines.

Rebecca Webbern
Program Specialist, CVGT Employment

The event concluded with coffee, photo opportunities with the ambassador dogs, and further networking among like-minded employers and advocates.

Watch the event highlight reel below

Special thanks to the many organisations who attended, including the Department of Education, RSPCA, Melbourne Airport, Federation University, The Salvation Army, and more. Their presence and engagement reflect a growing commitment to inclusive hiring across sectors.

This event was not just a celebration. It was a call to action. Together, we are helping build a future where every person’s capability is recognised, and every workplace is inclusive.

Stay tuned for more updates and success stories as we continue to champion inclusive employment across our communities.