Career Support for students with a disability
In the right job, people with a disability can perform equally as well as other employees. But finding work can be daunting for first-time job seekers with a disability. This page provides you with information and resources you need regarding your job search, as well the many support services available to you.
Disclosure: A Personal Decision
Disclosure of a disability presents a number of challenges and choices for people with a disability, particularly those participating in education and employment. Disclosure: It's A Personal Decision and Practical Steps to be Open with an Employer are resources which provides substantial information about options and pathways that people with disabilities can use in disclosing their disability in post-secondary education and employment environments.
Do you want careers support?
By booking a Career Chat, Careers & Employability provides personalised career development support to students with a disability by:
- helping you clarify your career direction
- accessing workplace learning opportunities
- giving information about disclosure
- targeting employability support through the GradWISE program
- giving career information and resources
Disability employment services
Disability employment service providers provide additional support and ongoing assistance from your initial job search right through to support within your workplace. All services are free of charge. Disability employment services has two parts:
- Disability Management Service is for job seekers with disability and/or injuries that need help finding a job.
- Employment Support Service helps people with permanent disability and who need regular, ongoing support to keep a job.
JobAccess is the national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disability, employers and service providers.
Australian Network on Disability (AND)
The Australian Network on Disability (AND) is a non-profit organisation that focuses on the inclusion of people with disability in the workforce. They also provide internship and mentoring programs for university students in the workplace.
- Stepping Into Internships: A paid internship program from AND designed specifically for university students with a disability.
- PACE Mentoring: AND's vibrant and dynamic mentoring program developed to assist member organisations to engage with students and job seekers with a disability.
Employment support on campus
UOW Careers & Employability are partnered with a specialised employment service called GradWISE. This program is designed to provide support and improve employment opportunities for students living with a disability, illness or injury. More information on the program and how to register can be found here.
Services Australia
The Australian Government Services Australia can provide help and financial support to people with a disability. This includes:
- Mobility allowance
- Sickness allowance
- Pensioner education supplement
- Child support
Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
The EAF gives financial help to people with disability and employers to buy work-related modifications and services. The EAF is available to people with disability that are about to start a job or currently working, as well as people who need help to find and prepare for a job.
- Applying for jobs
Careers & Employability provides extensive information and resources on how to search and apply for jobs. - Disability Services
UOW Disability Services provides adjustment advice and support for current and prospective students with medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. - NDIS Toolkit
The NDIS Pre-planning Toolkit for people with disability entering Higher Education or Vocational Education and Training is for people with disability entering Higher Education or Vocational Education and Training is designed to be used before you start a tertiary course at university or with a vocational education and training provider.