There are a number of ways the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can assist with employment and the new ‘Let’s talk about work’ booklet is a good starting point. The booklet has been prepared in consultation with participants, their families and employers and is designed to be used during the NDIS planning process when it comes to beginning a conversation about interest in work.
This latest initiative of the NDIS Participant Employment Taskforce, is changing the way participants access employment support funding in their NDIS plans.
“It helps participants think about their strengths and any existing barriers in looking for work, and encourages them to set employment goals in their NDIS plans,” Minister for Social Services, Paul Fletcher said.
A national webinar, also called ‘Let’s talk about work’, also gives participants the opportunity to understand the types of supports the NDIS can provide to assist them towards employment.
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Sarah Henderson, recently opened the first Shifting the Dial on Employment forum that delivered key insights from stakeholders on how to make it easier for employers to employ people with disability. The focus was on the importance of understanding what is already working, what employers want, supporting collaboration between employers and schools and improving coordination between services.
“Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of early intervention to help people with disability into employment, including building aspirations for careers at school and ensuring work experience is effective and available for all school children with disability,” she said.
The Taskforce has also endorsed the first of several planned improvements for employers on the JobAccess website with new case studies showcasing innovative employment models and practices for people with disability.
Research found that many employers lack the confidence to employ people with disability, and are unaware of the support and programs available.
For advice on finding and keeping a job, working with DES providers, writing résumés and applications, preparing for interviews and more, visit: www.jobaccess.gov.au
New Employer Toolkit. A comprehensive Employer Toolkit to help employers hire people with disability has also been launched. This online resource guides employers through the entire process of employing people with disability, using simple, straightforward videos, downloadable resources and highlighting real-life case studies. It covers a range of topics relating to disability employment, including creating inclusive policies, finding and interviewing job seekers with disability, and making adjustments in the workplace.
The toolkit is targeting small and medium-sized enterprises with a report showing half of the businesses surveyed were open to employing a person with disability, but lack resources specific for small businesses.
For more information visit: https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/employer-toolkit