Disability employment support is the advice, funding and practical help that lets people with disability find, start and keep a job. In Australia it comes from government programs, the NDIS, employers and support workers.
This guide is for people with disability, families, carers and anyone thinking about working in the sector. It explains the main programs, how to ask for help, your rights at work and where to start.
Disability employment support covers everything from career advice and training to workplace changes and ongoing help on the job. Some of it is for workers, and some of it is for employers who want to hire well.
Support can be short term, such as help with a resume, or long term, such as a support worker who helps someone settle into a new role.
Work matters for income, independence and belonging, yet people with disability still face barriers. In 2022, the labour force participation rate for Australians aged 15-64 with disability was 60.5%, compared with 84.9% for people without disability (ABS).
Different programs do different jobs, so it helps to match the support to your situation.
Browse our guide to jobs for people with disability to see roles, sectors and tips. Employers can learn more in our guide to disability recruitment case studies.
Our overview of disability employment service providers explains what providers do and how to choose one.
Read about building a disability inclusive workplace and the benefits of employing someone with a disability.
Whether you are looking for your first job or returning to work, a clear process helps. Keep notes of each step and who you spoke to.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →An assessment helps match you to work and supports.
If you have an NDIS plan, work can be one of your goals. Our guide to what an NDIS participant is explains who qualifies.
The NDIS and employment programs are separate. If you meet the NDIS access requirements, your plan may fund supports linked to your disability and goals, while employment programs focus on getting and keeping a job.
The NDIA decides what your plan funds, so ask your planner what evidence helps. For more on specific groups, see our guides to jobs for people with autism and jobs for people with ADHD, or epilepsy and work restrictions.
Under the Fair Work Act, employers cannot take adverse action against employees or job applicants because of physical or mental disability (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Many people ask how to get into disability work and why choose to work with people with disability. Many workers describe it as meaningful and varied.
People searching for disability management services and what disability services are usually mean the organisations that plan, coordinate or deliver supports for people with disability. Meanings vary by context.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →If work is a goal, begin with one call to JobAccess and one conversation with your NDIS planner. At TQN Care, our support workers help NDIS participants practise travel, routines and community activities that make work possible, and we can support you through the first weeks in a new role. See our NDIS services or make a referral and we will call you back.
The term can mean different things. Usually it refers to services that plan, coordinate or deliver supports for people with disability, or to an employer process that helps a worker stay in or return to work. Check which meaning applies to your situation before you ring a provider.
Learn what support work involves, get the checks and training providers ask for, and apply to providers that offer induction and supervision. Our guides on becoming a support worker and on interview questions explain each step. Respect for people with disability is central to the work.
Many workers enjoy meaningful, varied work where they see the difference they make. You build skills in communication, problem solving and patience, and you help people live the life they choose. It suits people who value respect, reliability and teamwork.
Many people with disability look for skilled, respectful support to take part in their communities. The work can be flexible, with options in homes, communities and workplaces. It is rewarding when you listen and follow the person’s lead.
In an employment setting, disability management is a workplace process to support an employee with injury or illness to stay at work or return safely. It can include adjustments, modified duties and links to services. Ask your employer or JobAccess what is available.
Disability services are the supports and organisations that help people with disability live, learn and work, such as personal care, community access, therapy, respite and employment programs. Many are funded through the NDIS or government programs, and the Disability Gateway lists options.