How to Find Employment Opportunities when Living with a Disability
Finding the right job can be life changing.
Work isn’t just about earning an income, it’s about purpose, independence, and belonging. For people living with disability, meaningful employment can bring all those things and more.
In recent years, awareness and opportunities have grown, but barriers still exist.
The good news is that more organisations, communities, and support services are recognising the value of inclusive employment and the incredible contributions people with disability bring to the workforce.
Why employment matters for people living with disability
Employment provides so much more than financial security.
It helps build confidence, strengthens social connections, and gives a sense of achievement and identity.
For many people living with disability, having a job is also a step toward greater independence and control over daily life. It’s about being seen for your abilities, not your limitations.
Beyond personal benefits, inclusive workplaces create stronger communities. Teams that embrace diversity often report higher morale, better collaboration, and new perspectives that lead to innovation.
Understanding the barriers
Despite progress, finding suitable and sustainable work can still be challenge.
Some of the most common barriers can include:
Lack of accessibility in workplaces or technology
Limited understanding from employers about disability and reasonable adjustments
Low confidence among job seekers who have faced rejection or discrimination
Insufficient support connecting people to inclusive job pathways
These barriers can make entering or re-entering the workforce seem daunting, however, there are many supports available to help bridge the gap and building lasting employment outcomes.
Pathways to employment through NDIS and beyond
For those with NDIS funding, employment support can be a key goal.
The NDIS offers several ways to help participants prepare for, find, and keep a job.
These can include:
School leaver employment supports (SLES): helping young people transition from school to work with training, work experience, and skill-building
Finding and keeping a job (FAKAJ): supports participants in identifying strengths, developing resumes, attending interviews, and learning workplace skills
Employment-related capacity building: personalised support to build confidence, independence, and the skills needed for long-term employment
Outside the NDIS, programs such as Disability Employment Services (DES) also help connect job seekers with employers, training, and ongoing workplace support.
Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, but talking with your support coordinator can help you find the right pathway for your goals.
The power of workplace inclusion
Inclusive employment isn’t just beneficial for the individual, it’s good for business too.
Studies consistently show that diverse workplaces are more productive, innovative, and engaged.
Employers who focus on accessibility and inclusion often find that small adjustments, like flexible hours, assistive technology, or clear communication, can make a huge difference.
These changes not only open the door for people with disability but also improve the workplace for everyone.
Creating a culture of inclusion starts with awareness.
Employers can begin by listening, learning, and asking what support each person needs to succeed.
Building confidence and skills with a disability
Sometimes the first step toward employment is building confidence.
Volunteering, training courses, or part-time opportunities can help people gain experience, develop skills, and grow a sense of routine.
Here are a few simple steps that can help:
Identify your strengths: Everyone has something valuable to offer, whether it’s organisation, creativity, empathy, or attention to detail
Seek out training opportunities: Online and community courses are a great way to develop job skills and build confidence
Ask for support: Disability employment providers, support coordinators, and mentors can all help you prepare for work in a supportive way
Changing the conversation around disability and work
The more we talk about inclusive employment, the more awareness and opportunity grow.
By focusing on ability rather than limitation, we can challenge outdated assumptions and create fairer opportunities for everyone.
Employers play a key role in this change, but so does the community.
Supporting inclusive workplaces, encouraging diversity, and celebrating success stories all help to shift perceptions and open more doors for people living with disability.
A future full of possibility
The world of work is changing.
With flexible arrangements, remote opportunities, and growing awareness of accessibility, there have never been more ways for people with disability to find meaningful roles.
While barriers still exist, progress is being made every day.
One inclusive workplace, one opportunity, and one conversation at a time.
For anyone living with a disability who’s thinking about employment, know this: your skills and experience are valuable, and there are pathways to help you achieve your goals.
With the right support, the right environment, and the right attitude, meaningful employment is not just possible – it’s within reach.