WARWICK woman Glenda Shanahan applied for a casual position with Eagle Boys seven ago.

Since then she has become part of the pizza-making family.

Glenda lives with a learning disability, which made it difficult to find work in our small town.

She has lived in Warwick for more than 20 years and regularly volunteers at the Uniting Church.

Eagle Boys Warwick franchisee John Rye welcomed her with open arms and rosters her on every Tuesday.

"Glenda has had so much to offer," he said.

"She is a lovely lady and has shown enthusiasm for her job - she's even coined the nickname 'mum'.

"She really loves her job."

Mr Rye said he encouraged more Warwick businesses to provide job opportunities for people with a disability.

"It provides them with the boost of confidence they need to go out and be a part of their local communities," he said.

According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, 9.4% of the 2.2 million working age Australians with a disability are unemployed.

This is significantly higher than the 4.9% unemployment rate of Australians without a disability.

Glenda said working with Eagle Boys had increased her confidence and helped her learn new skills.

"I am grateful for the opportunity Eagle Boys has given me," she said.

"Working with the team helps provide some additional financial support and an improved quality of life."

Glenda is responsible for washing up, stocking ingredients and backing her team by preparing desserts and sides.

She said her favourite part about her job was her nice bosses.

"John is really funny," she said.

Eagle Boys Warwick has also provided job opportunities for two other employees with disabilities.

"My attitude is: everyone deserves a fair go," Mr Rye said.

Mr Rye is passionate about supporting locals of all abilities.

He's encouraging others to raise awareness of the need to provide employment opportunities this Disability Action Week.

Disability Action Week is held in September each year, with the aim of empowering people with a disability, raising awareness of disability issues and improving access and inclusion throughout the wider community.

This year people and organisations across Queensland will come together to celebrate Disability Action Week from September 13 to 19.

To view a full calendar of events of Disability Action Week activities visit http://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au