How Does the NDIS Support Employment Goals for People with Disabilities?

Finding meaningful employment is vital to achieving independence, social inclusion, and financial stability. For people with disabilities, navigating the job market often requires tailored support to address unique challenges. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides various resources to help participants prepare for and succeed in employment.



This blog explores the pathways and supports available through the NDIS to help participants achieve their employment goals.

The NDIS recognises that employment supports must be as unique as those they serve. Whether you’re leaving school, seeking your first job, or exploring new career opportunities, the NDIS offers tailored pathways to suit your goals and needs.

1. School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)

For young participants transitioning from school to the workforce, SLES provides funding to build skills and confidence in areas like:

• Resume writing.
• Workplace communication.
• Time management and organisation.

SLES funding can last up to two years, giving participants time to develop the tools to enter the workforce successfully.



2. Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs)

Participants with moderate to high support needs may benefit from employment opportunities through ADEs. These organisations provide supported employment, helping participants:

• Gain hands-on job training.
• Build experience in a structured environment.
• Transition to less supported or more independent roles over time.

Social enterprises are another option, offering roles in businesses that prioritise social impact alongside their commercial objectives.

3. Disability Employment Services (DES)

DES is a government program designed to assist people with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Services provided by DES include:

• Career counselling and job matching.
• Resume preparation and interview training.
• Direct connections to employers.
• Ongoing workplace support as needed.

DES providers are ideal for participants ready to enter the workforce and need assistance preparing for and securing suitable roles.

How NDIS Funding Supports Employment Goals

NDIS funding is not limited to finding a job—it’s about creating sustainable pathways to employment success. Key supports include:

• Capacity Building Supports:

Funding to develop workplace skills, explore career options, and address barriers to employment.

• Core Supports:

Assistance with transport to and from work or a support worker providing job coaching on-site.

• Plan Flexibility:

Participants can customise their plans to include the supports that align with their employment goals.

Taking the First Steps: Setting Employment Goals

The first step to accessing NDIS employment support is clearly defining your work-related aspirations. Here’s how to get started:

1. Talk to Your Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC):

Discuss your interests, challenges, and goals.

2. Use Resources Like the "Let's Talk About Work" Booklet:

This tool helps participants articulate their ambitions and outline the support they need.

• Let's talk about work booklet (PDF 380KB)
• Let's talk about work booklet (DOCX 73KB)
• Easy Read: Let's talk about work booklet (PDF 5.7MB)
• Easy Read: Let's talk about work booklet text only (DOCX 70KB)
• My work goals workbook (DOCX 327KB)



3. Explore Your Local ADEs or DES Providers:

Research options through resources like the Buyability website.

Based in Eyre Peninsula, Empowrd, we are dedicated to helping you unlock your potential. Whether you are looking to enter the workforce for the first time or seeking guidance on advancing your career, our team provides:

Plan Management: Ensuring your funding is used effectively to support your employment goals.

Support Coordination: Connecting you with services like

Let us help you take the next step toward success. Contact Empowrd today to discuss how we can support your journey.