Supported employment refers to jobs where people with high support needs can receive extra support while they are at work. In Australia, the term supported employment has largely become synonymous with Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs). There are around 160 ADEs across Australia providing work for approximately 16,000 people with disability. While ADEs play an important role in providing employment opportunities for people with disability, they are not, and should not, be the only employment option for people with high support needs.
In October 2022 the Minister for Social Services, the
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Supported employment refers to jobs where people with high support needs can receive extra support while they are at work. In Australia, the term supported employment has largely become synonymous with Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs). There are around 160 ADEs across Australia providing work for approximately 16,000 people with disability. While ADEs play an important role in providing employment opportunities for people with disability, they are not, and should not, be the only employment option for people with high support needs.
In October 2022 the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, hosted a supported employment roundtable with State and Territory Disability Ministers, people with disability, family representatives, ADE representatives, peak bodies and other sector experts. During the roundtable, attendees developed a set of guiding principles for the future of supported employment, which have since been endorsed by Disability Ministers. The principles aim to ensure people with high support needs have informed choice and control, real options for employment and a range of support to meet their employment goals.
To ensure the guiding principles are brought to life, Commonwealth, State and Territory Disability Ministers agreed to work together to develop this supported employment plan. The plan includes a range of practical initiatives and actions, with a specific focus on employment for people with disability with high support needs. The plan is focussed on providing people with informed choice and control about their employment, as well as genuine opportunities to work in a wide range of settings, be it in an ADE, social enterprise, in open employment or in their own business. This plan builds on the investment being made by all jurisdictions under Australia's Disability Strategy to further employment outcomes. Progress on initiatives listed in the plan will be reported to the Disability Reform Ministers Council (DRMC) every twelve months.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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