School leaver funding options

In Australia, autistic individuals transitioning from school to work have access to various programs and funding that help make the journey smoother and more successful.

These initiatives are designed to boost employability and ensure that workplaces are inclusive. Here, we look closely at the main programs, funding sources, and strategies supporting this important transition.

NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)

The School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is a part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It is specifically designed to assist young people with disability as they transition from school into the workforce.

SLES targets high school leavers with disabilities to help them prepare for and succeed in employment. The support is tailored to each individual, based on their employment goals and personal needs, and can be provided for up to two years after leaving school. Here’s what SLES typically involves:

• Job skills training: Includes training in specific job skills relevant to the participant's employment goals.
• Workplace readiness: Training to help participants understand the expectations of the workplace, including punctuality, dressing appropriately, and interacting with colleagues.
• Work experience placements: Opportunities to participate in work placements to gain practical experience in real work environments.
• Travel training: Assistance with learning to travel independently, including using public transportation.

NDIS capacity building

The NDIS provides broader support to individuals with disabilities, aiming to enhance their ability to participate in the community and workforce. Under the capacity building supports, the NDIS offers:

• Improved learning: Helps with advice and training to increase skills for participation in education and employment.
• Employment assistance: Similar to JobAccess but more personalised, focusing on individual goals and plans to support entry or re-entry into the workforce.
• Social and community participation: Supports to enable participants to engage in community, social, and recreational activities.
• Health and wellbeing: Programs aimed at improving participants' physical and mental health, indirectly supporting their employment readiness and capacity.

JobAccess

JobAccess is a helpful national program that improves job opportunities for people with disabilities. It provides the support needed to get into, stay in, or return to the workforce. Run by the Department of Social Services, JobAccess works to remove employment barriers and encourage a more inclusive work environment. Services offered by JobAccess include:

• ‍Advice and support: JobAccess offers detailed information and guidance on how to support employees with disabilities. This includes advice on recruitment processes, workplace adjustments, and creating an inclusive work culture.‍
• Employment Assistance Fund (EAF): This fund provides financial help to employers for making modifications in the workplace, which can include buying equipment, accessing services for employees with disabilities, or making adjustments to physical work environments.‍
• Workplace assessments: Specialists can conduct assessments to determine the necessary support and modifications needed for employees with disabilities to perform their jobs effectively.‍
• Awareness programs: JobAccess runs educational programs to clear up misconceptions about employees with disabilities. These programs help create a more inclusive and understanding workplace.‍
• Helpline and online resources: A helpline is available to provide immediate assistance and advice. The JobAccess website is a comprehensive resource containing information, case studies, and toolkits to guide both employers and employees.

JobAccess not only assists individuals but also works at the systemic level to promote policies and practices that enhance the inclusivity of Australian workplaces. It plays a key role in advising governmental and private sector stakeholders on best practices for disability employment. Key differences include:

• Scope: JobAccess is specifically employment-oriented, providing support directly related to workplace inclusion and accessibility. The NDIS, through its capacity-building support, offers a broader range of services that aim to build the overall capacities of individuals with disabilities, which can include but are not limited to employment.
• Target audience: JobAccess serves any eligible person with a disability in relation to employment, regardless of their participation in the NDIS. NDIS services are specifically for NDIS participants and cover more than just employment, including education, social engagement, and personal development.
• Funding and support structure: JobAccess works more as an advisory and financial assistance resource for making workplaces accessible. NDIS capacity building supports are part of an individual's NDIS plan and are funded through the NDIS to achieve specific personal goals.

Understanding these differences helps clarify how each program can be used depending on individual circumstances and needs.

Disability Employment Services (DES)

Disability Employment Services (DES) is another key program in Australia that specifically supports people with disability in gaining and maintaining employment. DES is distinct from JobAccess, although both aim to facilitate employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 

DES is funded by the Australian government and delivered by a network of service providers nationwide. These providers support people with disability, injury, or health conditions in finding employment and keeping a job. DES is split into two major components:

1. Disability Management Service (DMS): This is for job seekers with disability, injury, or health conditions who need assistance to find a job and occasional support to keep a job. DMS is intended for those who are not expected to need long-term support in the workplace.
2. Employment Support Service (ESS): This service is for job seekers with a permanent disability who need regular, ongoing support in the workplace. This includes support to maintain employment.

Services offered by DES

• Job search support: DES providers help individuals prepare for employment, including resume preparation, training in interview skills, and job searching strategies.
• Workplace modification: Similar to the Employment Assistance Fund under JobAccess, DES can also arrange workplace assessments and fund modifications to make workplaces more accessible.
• Ongoing support: DES provides ongoing support to both employees and employers. This can include on-the-job training and support for employees, advice for employers on how to support employees with disabilities, and regular check-ins to address any workplace issues that may arise.

Comparison with JobAccess and NDIS

• Focus: While JobAccess provides resources and advice primarily geared towards creating an inclusive work environment and making workplaces accessible, DES is more hands-on in the job placement and retention process.
• Service delivery: DES services are delivered through registered providers who work directly with job seekers and employers, unlike JobAccess, which primarily serves as an advisory and financial support resource.
• Integration with NDIS: While DES and NDIS can be complementary, DES is separate from the NDIS and focuses solely on employment-related support. NDIS participants might use NDIS funds for broader capacity building, including education and social participation, which indirectly support their employment goals.

Both DES and JobAccess play key roles in improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities, operating through different mechanisms and support frameworks to achieve this goal.

Can I use multiple services?

Yes! Individuals can use multiple supportive services simultaneously. Programs such as the NDIS, DES (Disability Employment Services), and JobAccess offer comprehensive support and address different aspects of disability and employment needs.

An individual could use NDIS funds to improve their employability skills or receive support for educational programs, use DES for finding a job and getting settled into it, and then use JobAccess to ensure their workplace is appropriately equipped with the necessary modifications and supports.

While each service has its distinct focus and eligibility criteria, together they provide a comprehensive support network. This holistic approach ensures that various aspects of an individual's needs are addressed, from personal development and education to specific employment-related support and workplace integration.

For example, an individual with a disability might be using NDIS funds to access therapies that improve their communication skills, simultaneously work with a DES provider to find suitable employment and apply through JobAccess for financial support to modify their new workplace to better suit their physical needs.

Other state-specific funding programs

Each state and territory has unique programs designed to support autistic individuals. These programs typically focus on building employability skills, providing work experience, and offering mentorship. For example, NSW might have initiatives through their Department of Education or local non-profits that offer workshops and mentoring for autistic high school leavers. Victoria could have programs funded by the state government or through partnerships with universities and TAFEs (Technical and Further Education institutions) that provide structured work placements and job readiness training.

These programs are often developed in collaboration with organisations specialising in autism, such as Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and Amaze (Autism Victoria). They are designed to provide a supportive transition through tailored workshops that address communication skills, workplace etiquette, and practical job skills.

Scholarships and grants

There are various scholarships and grants available to assist autistic individuals in Australia. These financial aids can be used for further education, vocational training, or purchasing resources necessary for employment. Examples include:

• Autism CRC’s Sylvia Rodger Academy offers scholarships to individuals on the autism spectrum for skills development and participation in higher education.
• Community scholarships such as The Maple Equality and Inclusion Scholarship to help provide people with a disability greater access to affordable educational opportunities. Find more scholarships here.
• Local community grants are often available through municipal councils or community organisations, which may also provide funding for similar purposes.

These scholarships and grants are typically awarded based on the application that demonstrates the individual’s goals, needs, and how the funding will assist them in achieving their employment objectives.

How to access these supports

Accessing support for autistic individuals involves several important steps. Start by researching available programs, scholarships, or grants specific to your state or territory through government websites, local autism advocacy groups, and educational institutions. It’s essential to check the eligibility criteria for each program, which typically includes confirming a diagnosis, residency, and sometimes income levels. Gather necessary documentation, such as medical diagnoses, academic records, and personal statements, as these are often required during the application process. Additionally, many applications will need a detailed plan on how the grant or scholarship will be used.

Engage with organisations that support autistic individuals for guidance, application assistance, and additional resources. Once you have accessed a program or received a scholarship, be mindful of any ongoing requirements, such as progress reporting or participation in specific activities, to ensure continued support. By staying informed about available resources and actively engaging with supportive organisations, autistic individuals, especially high school leavers, can receive the tailored support they need to transition successfully into employment.