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Choosing work that suits you

Approximately 1 in 5 Queenslanders have a disability and, like everyone else, people with disability want meaningful jobs in a workplace where they are valued.

Find out what's available to assist you to find work and be supported in the workplace.

Work options

There are different work options you can consider, including:

  • supported employment - with supported employment, employers receive government support to help people with a disability who need ongoing assistance for a substantial period with finding and keeping paid employment
  • open employment, which is employment in the open labour market
  • starting your own business.

You may also like to work part-time or full-time, and there may be other factors that you need to consider with working out what type of work is right for you. You may also be interested in volunteering.

Looking for work

Depending on your circumstances, you might want some help with getting ready for work. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

  • Talk to an expert. You can call a JobAccess adviser on 1800 464 800 for confidential advice or send an enquiry with questions you have about how you can find a job that is right for you. You can also contact a Disability Employment Service for guidance about your employment options. You can search for a provider near you using the Australian JobSearch website.
  • Do online research. The Australian Government's JobAccess website has advice to help you with getting work. Seek, a leading job website, also has career advice and resources you might find helpful.
  • Consider if you'd like to study to help you prepare for joining or returning to the workforce, or begin an apprenticeship or traineeship.
  • Find out what employment support you may be eligible for to help you with finding and keeping the right job.

I'm ready for work. What can I do now?

If you are ready to apply for work, you can register with JobSearch—Australia's largest free online job board. JobSearch can match you to jobs based on your skills and experience, and let you know about jobs that may be right for you. You can also search for a job using other employment websites, such as Seek , CareerOne and Indeed.

You can contact a disability employment service provider near you or a recruitment agency to discuss your employment options.

Some jobs are also offered or advertised more informally through word-of-mouth and personal relationships. Let people around you know if you are looking for work, as there may be a job that becomes available that they can tell you about.

Employment stories

  • View employment videos for examples of services and supports from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
  • Monte Lupo—artists from the Australian Disability Enterprise in Brisbane discuss their creative work environment.
  • Parks and café crew—employees from a community enterprise in Brisbane share their work stories.
  • Bolzy's Go4 Services—a mum talks about supporting her son with setting up a business.
  • The Community Crew project—a Queensland social worker shares her experience with supporting people with a mental illness, learning difficulty or intellectual disability with employment.

More information

  • Access Arts
  • Supported Employment (Australian Disability Enterprises)
Last updated:
31 July 2019