Support for people with sensory disabilities
A sensory disability may affect how you see, hear or experience the world around you, but it doesn't limit your potential to succeed at work.
If you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, we’ll get to know your strengths, interests and employment goals, then work with you to find opportunities that suit your needs.
Last year, 1,418 people with sensory disabilities 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.
Discover your potential
People with sensory disabilities bring valuable skills, experience and perspectives to Australian workplaces.
Technology, workplace adjustments and inclusive employers are helping create more opportunities than ever before.
Many people with sensory disabilities work successfully across a wide range of industries and careers.
How Inclusive Employment Australia can help
Everyone's employment journey is different.
Personalised employment support
We'll take the time to understand your goals, interests and support needs.
Build confidence and job readiness
Get support with:
- Resumes and job applications
- Interview preparation
- Confidence building
- Workplace communication
- Career planning
Find and keep a job
We'll help connect you with suitable employers and continue supporting you after you start work.
Sensory disabilities we support
We support people living with a wide range of sensory disabilities and sensory impairments, including:
- Blindness
- Low vision
- Vision impairment
- Hearing loss
- Deaf and hard of hearing conditions
- Dual sensory loss (combined vision and hearing loss)
- Progressive vision conditions
- Progressive hearing conditions
- Sensory processing conditions
- Other sensory disabilities
Assistive technology and workplace support
Many people with sensory disabilities use assistive technology to support success at work.
This may include:
- Screen readers
- Braille displays
- Voice recognition software
- Captioning services
- Hearing assistance technology
- Accessible workplace equipment
- Workplace modifications
These supports can help make workplaces more accessible and inclusive.
At APM, we focus on what you can do and we'll work with you to identify:
- Your strengths and skills
- Your interests and career goals
- Workplace supports that may help
- Training and development opportunities
- Suitable employment pathways
Together, we'll help you build confidence and move towards meaningful employment.
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 finding work
Preparing for employment
Access 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 support your employment goals.
Workplace support
We can help identify workplace adjustments, assistive technology and accessibility supports that may help you succeed at work.
Ongoing support
Once you're employed, we can continue supporting both you and your employer to help you achieve long-term employment success.
Sensory disability resources and support organisations
Vision Australia
Support, services and resources for people who are blind or have low vision.
Guide Dogs Australia
Services, mobility support and resources for people with low vision or blindness.
https://www.guidedogs.com.au
Deaf Connect
Australia's largest whole-of-life service provider for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people.
https://www.deafconnect.org.au
Deaf Australia
National representative organisation for Deaf people who use Auslan.
Employment Assistance Fund
Support for workplace modifications, equipment and assistive technology.
Ben's story
Discover Ben's journey of overcoming challenges and finding purpose through meaningful work.
Chanay's story
After developing significant hearing loss as a teenager, Chanay worked towards her employment goals with the right support.
Kyle's story
Kyle was determined not to let blindness stand in the way of enjoying the benefits and opportunities employment can provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you're looking for your first job, returning to work, building confidence or exploring new opportunities, APM can help you move towards meaningful employment.