The not-for-profit group that helps match people with disability to jobs is opening several regional offices this week, including two in the Southern Tablelands.

Ambassador Paula Duncan and chief executive Martin Wren emceed two opening events.

One was held at the Goulburn Soldiers Club on Tuesday, May 30; the other, at the Yass Soldiers Club on Monday, May 29.

Well-known for her acting career, Ms Duncan is also a long-time Special Olympics patron and advocate for people with disability.

Helping people with disability achieve “self-esteem through actively participating in community, it’s better for all of us,” Ms Duncan said.

They can “bring joy [and] lessons for us all to learn: about humility, achievement, and how to stop boundaries developing.”

She said 80 per cent of people would have disability at some time, whether physical, mental, emotional, ageing or post-surgery issues. 

Mr Wren said any business person uncertain about employing a worker with disability “wouldn’t be the first” to feel that way.

But “once people do it … [their] workforce better represents, understands and supports one person in five that has a disability. That’s a lot of people,” Mr Wren said.

“When Stevie Wonder walks in, we go, wow! because the talent surpasses everything else.

“That’s on a grand scale, but … you lose sight of the disability when you see what people can achieve.”

The group’s origin “in stopping people from getting into a welfare cycle” out of school had grown to “take people of all ages,” he said. “Sixteen or 65, we can help you.”

The local NOVA Employment office will extend its services throughout Goulburn Mulwaree and the Upper Lachlan Shire.

The Yass office will service the Yass Valley.

This week’s opening events also included short films from the ‘Focus on Ability’ competition.

The competition is open now to anyone who can make an “authentic and unique” short film about the diversity of human ability.