How IEA Supports People with Intellectual Disability

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is about to change the way people with intellectual disability find and keep jobs and thrive in the workplace. Here is a rundown of the new program and what it means for you.

In a shift towards a more inclusive job landscape, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) represents a meaningful step forward.

It puts people with intellectual disability at the centre of employment services.

Launching on 1 November 2025, IEA will replace the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program.

Endeavour Foundation has been awarded a contract to deliver IEA services, ensuring that people with intellectual disability, along with their families and support networks, can access the right support to find and keep open, sustainable employment.

The new model is designed to better meet the diverse needs of people with disability by offering more tailored, person-centred support.

This is especially important for people with intellectual disability, who often face unique barriers in the job market.

Discover what IEA is all about and what it means for you.

All-Cohort vs Specific-Cohort Providers

One of the most significant changes with the IEA model is the introduction of two types of providers:

• All-cohort providers deliver employment services to a broad range of participants with various disabilities
• Specific-cohort providers are contracted to work with participants who share particular characteristics, such as a specific disability type or background

This new structure ensures that people with intellectual disability can access support from providers who understand their needs and have the expertise to deliver more targeted, individualised assistance.

Why Specialisation Matters

Generalist approaches often overlook the specific support needs of people with intellectual disability. These may include:

• Stigma or misunderstanding about capabilities
• Limited access to inclusive job design or training
• Communication or cognitive challenges during job-seeking processes

IEA addresses this by enabling specialised providers to:

• Build meaningful, trust-based relationships
• Understand each person’s conditions for success
• Offer accessible, consistent and paced support
• Involve families and support networks in goal planning and progress

Sector Feedback and Community Expectations

Feedback from participants, families and service providers has made one thing clear: a more inclusive employment system must offer better fit and follow-through.

Many individuals with intellectual disability disengaged under DES because the support was too broad, too fast-paced or not aligned with their goals.

By shifting to a structure that values deep expertise and personalisation, IEA is expected to lift both satisfaction and outcomes. This will help more people find and stay in rewarding employment.

Simplified Access to Services

IEA also makes it easier to connect with employment support. Participants can:

• Be referred by Services Australia
• Directly register with a provider of their choice

This added flexibility gives participants more control over who they work with and how their support is delivered. It also helps ensure that services begin from a place of understanding and alignment, rather than obligation.

Preparing for the Transition

As the start of this new contract approaches, more details will be shared about which providers have been selected and how participants, families and referrers can engage.

What remains clear is that IEA represents a more inclusive, responsive system. It is built to deliver the right support, at the right pace, from people who genuinely understand intellectual disability and what success looks like at an individual level.

Want to Learn More About IEA?

The transition to Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is a big change, but you do not have to navigate it alone.

Whether you are a jobseeker, a family member or someone who supports people with disability, our team is here to help you understand what this new model means for your unique situation.

Register your interest in Endeavour Foundation below to receive important updates, practical tips and resources to help you prepare for the transition to Inclusive Employment Australia, or click here to learn more.