NDIS employment support helps participants with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment. Supports include skills development, job search assistance, on-the-job coaching, workplace modifications, and personal care at work. By working with employment support providers, participants can explore different work options, overcome barriers to employment, and build the confidence and capabilities needed for successful careers.
While there is a perception among some that people with disabilities cannot work, this is a big misconception. Many people with disabilities are capable of working and aspire to do so.
However, to do this they will need to find the ideal form of employment for them, including employers who are willing to make adjustments as required.
If you are a person with a disability who is looking for work, employment support through NDIS funding can help prepare you for work.
In this blog, we will cover how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funded employment supports work and how these can break down barriers to employment.
Why is Work an Important Goal for NDIS Participants?
If your circumstances allow it, working can provide a variety of benefits. From a financial point of view, working can boost your income and help you become more financially independent. There are also a multitude of psychological benefits such as a feeling of wellbeing and accomplishment.
Taking on a job can also lead to the development of new skills and further opportunities. It can spark more social interaction and develop your connection to the community, aiding with confidence and networking.
NDIS funding can help in attaining these benefits.
Understanding NDIS-Funded Employment Supports
When using NDIS-funded employment supports, individuals can gain greater choice and control about where and how they work. They can also specify who provides support on-the-job, which can be chosen as a frequent and ongoing NDIS support.
Using NDIS-funded employment supports can help individuals explore different types of work that might suit them. They can ask for assistance in government and non-government organisations, supported employment services, social enterprises, microenterprises or self-employment.
Types of Employment Support Available
Employment support is available to anyone who meets NDIS access requirements. These individuals must have a goal to work but face challenges due to their disability, requiring ongoing and frequent on-the-job support.
To make sure you get what you need out of employment support, individuals receiving NDIS supports should discuss their needs with the provider. This includes your desire for job changes and skills development. NDIS plan budgets can be used flexibly to assist with change management.
Prior to finding work, NDIS support providers can:
- Grow basic skills, like following directions, travelling independently and communication skills.
- Help you overcome barriers to working.
- Support you in thinking through what job you’d like to do.
- Use on-the-job work experience to develop work skills.
- For those still at school, get a part-time job.
- If eligible, can help you connect with and receive support from a Disability Employment Service.
- Find work experience separate to what can be found through the school curriculum.
Once you have identified work you would like to do, NDIS supports can help you to:
- Build up your work skills.
- Adapt a job role that suits your interests and skills.
- Figure out the type of work that will suit you.
- Get a job. This includes supporting your employer and others in the workplace.
- Learn what’s expected in a workplace through on-the-job work experience.
- Be productive at work and maintain your employment.
- Personal care supports while you’re at work.
- Provide support to help you manage your behaviour or complex needs at work.
- Build connections in your new workplace and learn your job through on-the-job coaching.
- Vocational assessments or occupational therapy to see if your disability affects your work, and what supports could help you.
If your disability requires it, extra on-the-job training and support with your work tasks.
Breaking Down Barriers to Employment
NDIS employment support can help break down barriers into employment by offering personalised support and resources.
Those with a NDIS plan can receive funding for Individualised Placement Supports and bridging programs to help them build the skills and confidence needed for work.
Sometimes the barrier to work is in employer attitudes, which is something that comes from the employers themselves. This can include negative stereotypes, stigma, and a lack of confidence in people with disabilities. This is something NDIS support providers and the government will work with you to challenge through targeted strategies and grants.
Creating Your Employment Goals With the NDIS
If you are receiving NDIS funding and you want to work, the first step to doing so is setting realistic employment goals. Setting clear, attainable goals will help you understand the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.
Your Local Area Coordinator, support coordinator or NDIA planner will help you with this process. They will look to discuss your strengths and interests, your needs and any potential barriers you face.
Goals can be anything from wanting to develop new skills to looking for full-time work in an industry of your choice.
Here is a list of example goals:
I would like to develop a microenterprise in digital art part-time. I would like to find a job with accessibility support. I want to develop new skills that will allow me to work in the hospitality industry.
Finding the Right Support to Start Your Career Journey
To find the best NDIS employment supports for your career journey, first set a goal as part of your NDIS plan. Then, work with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator to identify the ‘Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job’ supports within your plan.
These supports could include job readiness training, vocational training or career coaching. Then, use online directories such as the NDIS Provider Finder or search engines to find high-quality NDIS employment support providers.
Employment Support Available With Good Company Disability Service
If you are looking for NDIS employment support in Perth or Melbourne, Good Company Disability Services can help you. We offer employment support, microenterprise assistance and School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) for those who are 16-22.
We have an excellent track record with helping people with disabilities in finding and keeping a job through our disability employment services.
As an unregistered NDIS supports provider, we can be accessed by those who have a self-managed or plan-managed plan.
If you’d like to explore how we could help you, contact our Perth or Melbourne branch by phone, email he***@***************om.au or use the form on our Contact Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between NDIS employment support and Disability Employment Services (DES)?
NDIS employment support focuses on helping you develop work readiness skills and providing ongoing on-the-job support as funded through your NDIS plan. DES is a separate government-funded program that helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs through specialised employment services. Many people use both, NDIS for capacity building and personal support, and DES for job placement assistance. Your providers can help you access both programs.
Can I use NDIS funding to support a volunteer position?
Yes, NDIS funding can support volunteering if it helps you build skills toward paid employment goals. This might include transport assistance, support worker costs, or skill development associated with the volunteer role. Volunteering can be an excellent stepping stone to paid work, allowing you to gain experience and confidence in a lower-pressure environment.
How long can I receive employment support through NDIS?
There’s no set time limit for employment support under NDIS, it depends on your individual needs and goals. Some participants need short-term support during job search and initial placement (3-6 months), while others benefit from ongoing support to maintain employment long-term. Your support is reviewed at each plan renewal to ensure it continues to meet your needs and helps you progress toward your employment goals.
External Resource: For comprehensive information about employment pathways and supports, visit the NDIS Employment webpage.
