Customised employment utilises a portion of NDIS funding to provide 150 hours of individual employment support so participants can gain important work experience, transition into open employment or start their own business during the program.

Already trialled successfully in Western Australia, customised employment has a high success rate of over 80 per cent.

“Every Australian should have the right to work and provide value to an organisation and their community,” Justine Leonard of Workways Australia said. “This model is highly effective as it allows the participant time to explore their possible vocational paths and demonstrate their skills in the local community.

“We work with our NDIS participants to identify their vocational themes and match work experience or develop a business plan to bring their ideas to life.”

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Workways are trialling peer to peer mentoring, where people with disability are paid to support younger people with a disability.

In addition, NDIS participants will have access to skills development mentoring to help participants prepare for employment.

“We’re actively seeking mentors and encourage local businesses to provide work experience to NDIS participants,” Justine said. “Practising diversity in employment practices can be rewarding.”

Marcus Peace is employed as a receptionist at Workways Australia in Corrimal. He identifies as having an intellectual disability, and wishes he had access to this program earlier.

“I’m really excited to be working for a provider who is willing to try different employment supports and can’t wait to meet other NDIS participants,” he said.

NDIS eligible community members can call Workways Australia on 1800 631 196 or go to workways.com.au.