DEEWR Funded Initiatives
A full range of DEEWR Funded Initiatives are available. Check out the information on DEEWR’s website www.jobaccess.gov.au for more information. Initiatives are aimed at creating job opportunities and meeting the needs of people with disabilities and include:
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Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) - The Employment Assistance Fund is available for work-related modifications, equipment and services that will assist a person with a disability to work independently and productively in a new or existing role. The assistance is specifically tailored to the individual needs of the employee with a disability, their job requirements and work environment.
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Work Experience activities - Disability Employment Services providers can assist participants to access work experience activities to assist them to meet new contacts, obtain references and gain experience. Work experience provides employers with the opportunity to trial a job seeker and observe how they operate in a work environment.
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Assistance to Australian Apprentices with Disabilities - Australian Apprentices with a disability and their employers may be eligible for additional support including Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) which is paid to employers, and assistance for tutorial, interpreter and mentor services for participants. This support is provided to help Apprentices with a disability to reach their full potential and ensure that they are not excluded from participation in the program. It helps Apprentices with a disability gain skills development, training and open employment and their employers to gain and retain an engaged and valuable staff member.
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Supported Wage Scheme (SWS) - The Supported Wage System is a process that allows employers to match an employee’s productivity with a fair wage. Eligible people with a disability can access a productivity based wage assessment that determines the fair pay for fair work which allows employers to pay less than the award wage.
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Auslan services – Assistance for employers to train co-workers in using Australian Sign Language to communicate with employees who communicate with Auslan.
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Disability Awareness Training – for Employers and Co-workers to increase confidence in interacting with people with a disability.
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Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace – E-learning course available to assist you to understand mental illness and support a co-worker who may be experiencing a mental illness.