Easy-to-use, one-stop government service for the employment of persons with disabilities

Solution: JobAccess
Organization: Australian Government’s Department of Social Services
Country of Implementation: Australia
Region: Australia & Oceania
Start Year: 2006
First published: 03.12.2024

Australia’s JobAccess hub offers comprehensive disability employment support. By 2024, it aided 496,000 people through helplines, workplace adjustments, and employer engagement.

The photo depicts two women in a professional office environment. One woman, wearing a headset and bright attire, is seated and using a computer, indicating she may be engaged in a customer service or support role. The other woman, standing beside her and wearing a gray blazer, smiles warmly as she looks at the screen, conveying collaboration and mentorship. The scene emphasizes inclusivity, mutual support, and workplace diversity, underscoring values of equality and tolerance. The environment is modern, with visible computers and large windows suggesting a productive, inclusive workspace. — JobAccess provides a helpline, tailored advice on workplace adjustments, and employer support.

Solution details

People

Dheeraj Ramchandani Website

“JobAccess removes barriers to long-term, sustainable employment for people with disability.” Daniel Valiente-Riedl, General Manager, JobAccess

JobAccess, an initiative of the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, is the national hub for disability employment information and support. It is an easy-to-use, one-stop national service that offers comprehensive advice for persons with disabilities, employers, and service providers. JobAccess runs a helpline, gives tailored advice for workplace adjustments, and serves as an employer engagement service. Since 2006 the national advice line has supported over 500,000 people with disability, employers, and service providers.

Problems Targeted

Negative attitudes, low understanding of disability, and perceived limited employer capability are barriers to hiring, supporting, developing, and retaining people with disabilities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

JobAccess is a national, centralized programme of the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services and is delivered by WorkFocus Australia on behalf of the Government. The programme was designed to more fully understand and meet the needs of people with disabilities. It is a comprehensive national service offering expert advice, practical resources, and good practice strategies to drive disability employment. The service includes: Helpline and online support. Workplace adjustments: This includes management of funding adjustments through the Employment Assistance Fund. Employer engagement: The National Disability Recruitment Coordinator is the employment engagement service of JobAccess, partnering with 35 large employers annually through a 12-month free and tailored partnership programme to remove systemic, attitudinal, and environmental barriers. Educational initiatives: JobAccess runs events and webinars nationally to educate employers of all sizes about disability employment and available government support.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

JobAccess is a national, centralized programme funded entirely by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)