Some Aussies are more likely to gain supported employment than others

Key points:

• New data outcomes of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021 – 2031 highlight the improvement in employment and the impact of disability
• People with disability who work may experience increased financial independence and an improved sense of self as per information on the Australian Human Rights Commission website
• However, not all strategy outcomes are improving, with an increase in the number of NDIS participants who feel unsupported in their employment

Some people with disability may be more likely to access Disability Employment Services and gain supported employment than others. 

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released data highlighting the impact of key targets in Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021 – 2031 such as raising the number of people with disability in paid employment.

More people with disability worked 52 consecutive weeks with Disability Employment Services assistance, with an increase of approximately 8,800 valid claims than were filed in 2021.

Out of the 24,845 valid claims made in 2023 – 2024, four in 10 workers reported living with a psychiatric disability. Examples of psychiatric disability may include schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, psychosis, depression and personality disorders.

The second most reported disability for people using Disability Employment Services was physical disability, and may include arthritis, loss of limbs or epilepsy. Support services for physical disability include your local doctor, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Scope, a not-for-profit organisation. 

Autism spectrum disorder was the third most reported disability for workers who have been employed for at least 52 consecutive weeks through Disability Employment Services. Read more about autism spectrum disorder on the Disability Support Guide.

Additionally, the number of young NDIS participants aged between 15 – 24 years in employment has risen by two percent since last year.

Although more NDIS participants are employed with full award wages than in 2022, fewer feel they are receiving adequate workplace support.

A person who receives a full award wage is paid at least the minimum wage covered by a specific award in their occupation. This is set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and can depend on a worker’s age, employment type and work capacity. 

People with disability can access Disability Employment Services, an employment service funded by the Department of Social Services.

Disability Employment Services can help people with disability find and maintain work in a mainstream environment, known as open employment, through two separate programs, namely:

• Employment Support Services — for job seekers with permanent disability and an assessed need for regular, ongoing workplace support;
• Disability Management Services — for job seekers with disability, injury or health conditions who are not expected to need long-term workplace support but may need irregular, flexible support to keep a job.

Services provided by these programs may include allied health services to help improve work capacity, assistance and support when looking for work, resume preparation and support for vocational education and training. To find out more, visit the JobAccess website or call 1800 464 800.

People with disability in employment are more likely to have higher incomes compared to someone who doesn’t work and this can improve one’s financial situation and increase independence. 

Social benefits for employed people with disability can include improved self-worth and contribute to a greater sense of identity. 

Not only does improving employment outcomes benefit people with disability, but more inclusive employment options can improve the wider Australian community and businesses.

Employing people with disability also improves outcomes for businesses as people with disability are more likely to remain with the same company and take fewer days off sick.  

JobAccess General Manager Daniel Valiente-Riedl previously commented on the value of hiring people with disability but also highlighted how some organisations fail to see this.

“In today’s tight labour market, there is a competitive advantage in hiring people with disability. It also positively impacts workplace culture with diversity and inclusivity and builds a workforce that represents the diversity of communities in which businesses operate,” he said.

“Discrimination remains very real. Some employers aren’t hiring people with disability because of attitudes and stereotypes that are simply incorrect.”

The Disability Support Guide helps to provide information to people with disability and their families about employment and volunteering options and suggestions on how to help students with disability transition into further study.

People with disability are twice as likely to be unemployed than people without disability as per the latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Although approximately 5.5 million Australians have disability, six in 10 unemployed people with disability are permanently unable to work.

While improving employment and financial security outcomes for people with disability is a key measure, the national disability strategy also will assess progress on six other aspects of inclusion, namely:

• safety, rights and justice;
• personal and community support;
• inclusive homes and communities;
• education and learning;
• health and well-being; and
• community attitudes.

Current versions of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021 – 2031 are available in 13 languages and easy-to-read strategy versions.

The Department of Social Services reviewed the national disability strategy in September 2024, with submissions from disability advocacy organisations such as People with Disability Australia.

The original disability strategy in Australia, National Disability Strategy 2010–2020, was created after extensive community consultations and was the first unified approach for all levels of the Australian government.

What other improvements in Australia would you like to see for people with disability?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

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