Analysis to help NDIS participants find work

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has released outcomes and research analysis providing important insight into employment enablers and barriers for people with disability.

The analysis will inform the way the NDIS can support participants to find, and keep, meaningful jobs. 

The Employment Outcomes analysis aims to identify the positives and challenges for people with all types of disability to find and retain work.

The NDIA has also released findings from a research analysis as part of a broader employment research project. 

The study includes interviews with participants and focus groups, and a survey with NDIS frontline staff.

Some key findings from the analysis include: 

  • Participants and NDIA staff reported the lack of inclusive employment options as the greatest barrier to participants finding and keeping a job
  • Disability or poor health was listed as the main reason for unemployment for many participants
  • Participants felt flexible work environments and work culture were really important for keeping and enjoying work.

NDIA Chief Executive Officer Martin Hoffman said the analysis would provide further insights into what could be done to support participants looking for work, and were part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to increasing opportunities. 

“Meaningful employment is the goal of many NDIS participants and we encourage all businesses to adopt inclusive employment practices,” Mr Hoffman said.

The right support was essential for NDIS participants to find and retain a job. 

This included Transition-To-Work support, such as travel training and developing workplace skills.    

“The benefits of being employed are far reaching and include expanding social networks, increasing community connections and improving a person’s health and wellbeing,” Mr Hoffman said. 

In 2019, The NDIA released the Participant Employment Strategy, setting out the Agency’s plan for supporting participants to find and retain work. 

The new analyses will inform a targeted approach to continuing to deliver the strategy until next year. 

The release of the analyses is also part of the NDIA’s commitment to helping participants to pursue their employment goals, a key feature of the Participant Service Improvement plan.