Overview of Disability Employment Services in Australia -

People with disability in Australia have access to a range of employment pathways — from traditional employment with on-the-job support, through to self-employment with specialist assistance. Understanding the options is the first step toward finding the right fit.

Heartfelt Support can provide assistance to discover, plan, apply for, and work in employment. Here’s an overview of the main options.

Supported employment

Supported employment involves people with disability working alongside non-disabled colleagues in a regular workplace, with on-the-job support from a support worker. Support can include assistance with specific tasks, communication support, personal care, or simply having a consistent person present to help navigate the work environment.

For people who want to work in a mainstream environment but benefit from additional support, this is often the most effective pathway. It maintains full integration with the regular workforce while providing the practical assistance needed to succeed.

Disability Employment Services (DES)

Disability Employment Services (DES) is a government-funded program that helps people with disability find and maintain employment. DES providers offer a range of services including job search assistance, pre-employment training, resume and interview preparation, and ongoing support once a person is employed. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has more information about how DES works and how to access it.

Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs)

Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) are businesses that specifically employ people with disability, providing on-the-job training and support within a structured and accessible environment. ADEs operate in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, packaging, hospitality, and gardening services, and can provide meaningful employment for people whose support needs may make mainstream employment difficult to access.

Flexible work arrangements

Many employers in Australia offer flexible work arrangements that can make employment more accessible for people with disability. These include part-time or casual work, job sharing, working from home, flexible start and finish times, and task-based arrangements. Flexible work can reduce the physical and cognitive demands of standard employment schedules and make it possible for people to work in ways that fit their energy, capacity, and support needs.

Negotiating flexible arrangements can sometimes feel daunting. A support worker or employment specialist can help you understand what’s reasonable to request, and how to have that conversation with an employer.

Self-employment

For people with disability who want to work for themselves, self-employment can offer a high degree of control over hours, tasks, and working environment. The Australian government offers a range of supports for people who are self-employed or considering starting a business, including business planning assistance and access to funding.

Heartfelt Support can assist with self-employment specifically — including exploring whether it’s the right fit, developing a plan, and navigating the practical steps of getting started. Many NDIS participants find that self-employment aligns well with their goals and their need for flexibility. We have a dedicated employment and self-employment services page with more detail.