Disability Employment Initiative
7 August 2013 at 2:49 pm
The Federal Government has committed $1.6 million to fund the National Disability Employment Initiative (NDEI) aimed at developing innovative ways to increase employment opportunities for people with disability.
The Government says multiple innovative projects will be funded across Australia to help address the low participation rate of people with disability in the Australian workforce.
Employment Participation Minister Kate Ellis says the new one-off fund worth $1.6 million is open for new smart projects that help more Australians with disability into work.
Ellis says the Government is encouraging organisations with innovative ideas to apply for grants.
In 2010 the OECD reported that Australia was ranked 21 out of 29 countries in terms of employment participation for people with disability.
“Australia needs to lift its game in this area and we have put in place a number of measures to make sure that happens,” Ellis said.
“We’re aiming to get into the top 10 OECD countries in terms of participation rates and this Fund is the latest initiative to help get us there.”
“It would be wonderful to see submissions from a range of organisations—including social enterprises, universities, recruitment agencies, employment services providers, Not for Profit organisations and employers.
“Changes in work and industries and technology are constantly opening up new ways of working and we should be looking to harness opportunities that are out there.
“For example, organisations may wish to trial an approach in Australia that has been successful overseas, or an approach which is more suitable for a particular disability cohort.
“The design and outcomes from selected projects will feed into the development of disability employment services and support service models.
“Work Focus Australia has agreed to manage the NDEI projects on behalf of the Government.”
WorkFocus Group CEO Rob Gordon said the organisation was privileged to be part of the NDEI.
“The NDEI program has the potential to change the future of people with disability through its fresh approaches to workplace inclusion,” Gordon said.
Information about the NDEI is available here.
Applications for the NDEI close 5pm (AEST) 22 August 2013.
