Customised Employment in Australia: Where are we now? Final Report

In Australia, people with disability experience an unemployment rate that is more than double that of people without disabilities, with this disparity being particularly pronounced for people with intellectual disability. The USA Customised Employment model is designed to facilitate employment acquisition and maintenance for people with disabilities and has shown promise in the Australian context in achieving award-based open employment outcomes. Despite increased attention to Customised Employment in Australia in recent years and the provision of employment services utilising this approach, Customised Employment lacks legislation and an agreed-upon process with fidelity. Consequently, this study aimed to address two primary questions: How is Customised Employment being implemented in Australia, and are there policy or practical obstacles hindering NDIS participants from utilising funds for Customised Employment? Interviews were conducted with staff utilising Customised Employment, as well as with carers and people with disabilities receiving Customised Employment support from various services across Australia. The study’s findings highlighted the successful outcomes for people with disabilities, particularly people with complex support needs when the stages and procedures of Customised Employment were utilised. Although staff utilising Customised Employment reported receiving training, it was typically on an informal ad hoc basis. This study highlighted two particular areas requiring strengthening in Customised Employment delivery, that is, Job Analysis and on-the-job supports. Another issued highlighted in this study was the inconsistency of NDIS staff in facilitating the use of NDIS funds for Customised Employment implementation. While not traditionally recognised as part of the role of disability employment consultants, staff in this study were often providing non-clinical counselling supports. Accordingly, this study’s recommendations include integrating an agreed Australian Customised Employment process into relevant policies, providing Customised Employment training for NDIS personnel and, developing an accredited Customised Employment training program inclusive of Employment Counsellor training.