Support for people with intellectual disability
Everyone has strengths, skills and goals. With the right support, people with intellectual disability can build confidence, develop new skills and find meaningful employment.
If you have an intellectual disability and want support to prepare for, find or keep a job, APM can help. We'll work with you to understand your goals and provide personalised support that meets your needs.
Last year, 5,067 people with an intellectual disability chose APM for employment support.
Are you eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia?
You may be able to access Inclusive Employment Australia if you:
- Have a disability, injury or health condition
- Are aged 14 to 67
- Are legally able to work in Australia
- Need support to prepare for, find or keep a job
You don't need to receive Centrelink payments to participate. Some people can register directly with APM. Other criteria may apply.
Understanding intellectual disability
Intellectual disability affects the way a person learns, understands information, solves problems and develops everyday skills. Every person is different and may need different levels of support.
Many people with intellectual disability successfully work in a wide range of jobs and contribute valuable skills, reliability and dedication to their workplaces.
Some intellectual disabilities may occur alongside other conditions, such as:
- Down syndrome
- Autism
- Learning disabilities
- Genetic conditions
- Developmental disabilities
How Inclusive Employment Australia can help
Everyone's employment journey is different. We'll work with you to understand your goals and provide support that suits your needs.
Personalised support
We'll get to know your interests, strengths and employment goals to create a plan that works for you.
Build skills and confidence
Get support with:
- Resumes and job applications
- Interview preparation
- Workplace communication
- Confidence building
- Developing work skills
Find and keep a job
We'll help connect you with suitable employers and continue supporting you after you start work.
Intellectual disabilities we support
We support people living with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities, including:
- Down syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Developmental disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive impairments
- Intellectual disability associated with genetic or neurological conditions
- Intellectual disability alongside Autism
- Intellectual disability alongside other health conditions
Focusing on strengths and abilities
At APM, we focus on what you can do, not what you can't.
We take the time to understand your interests, strengths and goals, then help you identify jobs and opportunities that match your abilities and aspirations.
What happens when you register?
1. Contact APM
Register online or speak with our team.
2. Meet your employment consultant
We'll discuss your goals, interests, strengths and support needs.
3. Create your employment plan
Together we'll identify the support, training and opportunities that may help you achieve your goals.
4. Start your employment journey
We'll help you develop skills, connect with employers and work towards sustainable employment.
Support before and after work
Preparing for employment
Get support with resumes, job applications, interview preparation and workplace readiness.
Training and skill development
You may be able to access training, work experience and other activities that help prepare you for employment.
Workplace support
We can help you understand workplace expectations, develop confidence and settle into your role.
Ongoing support
Once you're employed, we can continue supporting both you and your employer to help you succeed in the long term.
Employment can provide many benefits
Meaningful employment can help people with intellectual disability:
- Build confidence and independence
- Learn new skills
- Earn an income
- Meet new people
- Become more involved in their community
- Achieve personal goals
With the right support and workplace environment, many people with intellectual disability enjoy successful and rewarding careers.
Helpful resources and support
Inclusion Australia
The national peak body for people with intellectual disability and their families.
Everyone Can Work
Information and resources about employment opportunities for people with intellectual disability.
Down Syndrome Australia
Information, advocacy and support for people with Down syndrome and their families.
JobAccess
Free Australian Government advice and support for people with disability and employers.
Employment Assistance Fund
Support for workplace modifications, equipment and services that may help in the workplace.
Services Australia
Information about Inclusive Employment Australia and employment supports.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/inclusive-employment-australia
Natalie’s dream was to work in childcare
In the regional town of Bairnsdale, Victoria, a quiet transformation is unfolding in a local childcare centre.
Pat’s job has made him a star in and out of work
Pat, a self-proclaimed gym junkie and footy fanatic, faced challenges many of us take for granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you're looking for your first job, returning to work or exploring new opportunities, find out if APM can help you move towards meaningful employment.