Finding and retaining a job can be a daunting task for many people with disability. Job hunting can produce a lot of stress and anxiety, particularly if you aren’t sure where to start or how to find a workplace that will accommodate any needs you may have.

Having a job is a great way to increase your independence. It allows you to learn new skills, meet new people and take on more responsibilities. And, it allows you to earn an income!

People with disability may also face barriers when it comes to job-seeking, with only 53.4% currently in the labour force (compared to 84.1% of people without disability). People with disability may be overlooked when it comes to job recruitment, and some employers may not have enough willingness to create flexible environments or make adjustments to their workplace.

However, there are many workplaces in Australia who are highly inclusive! Here’s how to find them!

Finding an inclusive workplace

Inclusive workplaces are everywhere, but you may not know how to find them! There are several avenues and organisations to support you in your job hunting.

JobAccess

JobAccess is the government hub for disability employment in Australia. Their goal is to educate and connect people with disability and employers in order to drive disability employment across the country.

JobAccess connects people with disability to other government services, such as financial assistance, training and development programs, employment services and the NDIS.

JobAccess also has a list of current job vacancies from workplaces who are inclusive and proactive in employing people with disability.

The NDIS

If you have a NDIS Plan, you can access a range of employment and work-related services (if getting a job aligns with your current NDIS goals of course!). 

Learn more about the NDIS here.

Some job-related supports that may be funded by the NDIS are:

  • Capacity-building supports to help you learn about working and being part of a team
  • Supports that can help you to discover what type of job you might like via on-the-job training 
  • Supports that connect you with other employment services, such as Disability Employment Services, or Employment Assistance Fund (more on these below!)
  • Assistive technology that allows you to access the workplace or is related to your work function (such as a wheelchair)
  • Occupational therapy services to see how work may affect you, and to ensure your workplace is safe and allows you to be your most productive
  • Ongoing training and support to make sure you keep your job (if this is not already covered by other government organisations)

Disability Employment Services

The Disability Employment Services is a government organisation which helps people with disability find and keep a job.

They help throughout the entire journey, offering career advice, employment preparation, resume development, and training. Once you find a job, they are also there to help you succeed in your job (if you need help), as well as offer assistance and funding for any workplace modifications you require. 

Find out if you’re eligible.

Employment Assistance Fund

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) offers financial assistance to people with disability. The funding can be used for modifications to your workplace, equipment, or support services related to your work.

To be eligible for the EAF, you must be a person with disability who is just starting a new job, already working, or self-employed.

Some of the services and items that the EAF may be able to help with are:

  • Funding for adjustments to your physical workplace
  • Modifications to work-related vehicles
  • Special equipment for the workplace
  • Workplace disability awareness training
  • Auslan interpreting services
  • Specialist services for employees with specific learning disorders and mental health conditions

The Australian Network on Disability

The Australian Network on Disability works with people with disability, leading businesses and government networks throughout Australia to remove the barriers that prevent people with disability from finding and keeping jobs.

If you are lacking confidence or experience to apply for a job, this organisation can connect you with a mentor who will sharpen your skills and knowledge and get you ready for your new career! 

If you’re studying and are in your final years at university, The Australian Network on Disability has in place a wide number of partnerships with inclusive companies, and can set you up with a fantastic internship.

They also have a great Jobseeker Toolkit, with templates to help you put together your cover letter and resume as well as tips for interviews, common questions asked at interviews and some questions you can ask of a prospective employer. 

Do you worry about how you should disclose your disability to a potential employer? The Australian Network on Disability offers advice on how to share your disability information as well as your rights during the recruitment process.