Introduction

This chapter explores the intentions behind, progress made towards and practical barriers faced by the Australian government in its bid to help more people with disabilities gain meaningful employment. Insights into these issues along with some key recommendations are illustrated through a case study of Holy Cross Services in their adherence to new government policy. The chapter thereby provides insights into the general policy issues along with some specific recommendations.

Four key dimensions are explored, based on a continuous improvement approach to supporting people with different abilities in achieving their career goals. Firstly, we provide an overview of the Australian employment market for people with a disability and recent changes. Secondly, we present a case study reviewing the design and implementation of a supported employment (SE) service delivery model designed to empower people in achieving their career ambitions. Thirdly, we offer an introduction to the challenges encountered by people with different abilities as they progress through their career opportunities. Finally, we discuss the learnings and principles informed by these initiatives and case study to support future employment models for empowering the individual to achieve their career goals and enabling employers to employ more people with different abilities.

Australian disability employment policy

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for Australians with disability, their families and carers. The NDIS is designed to provide approximately 460,000 Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent or a significant disability, reasonable and necessary support to live an ordinary life. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. The NDIS supports people with disability to build skills and capability so they can participate in the community and employment. Participants are provided with an NDIS package which allows them to receive support from service providers of their choice, and when they choose it, giving the participant ‘choice and control’ over where and what support they receive. This model of providing services to people with their own funding is referred to as individualized funding.