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IEA: Your Path to Work That Fits You

Build your confidence, grow your skills and start your employment journey with support from Endeavour Foundation.
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Personalised Support to Help You Thrive

Are you ready to find a job that you love?

From November 2025, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) – and with it came more flexible, personalised job support for people with disability.

As part of this, we were selected as an intellectual disability specialist provider of the IEA program.

This is exciting news for you. It means you have access to a dedicated partner who is ready to guide you at every step of your employment journey.

At Endeavour Foundation, we have supported people with intellectual disability to find and keep rewarding jobs for nearly 75 years.

With the rollout of IEA, we are more equipped than ever to support you to thrive at work.

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What Is IEA, and Who Can Join?

IEA is a free, government-funded employment program that helps people with disability find and keep jobs that suit their skills and goals.

It is designed to support long-term success by building your confidence, skills and independence with support tailored just for you.

You may be eligible to join the IEA program if you:

  • Have a disability, injury or health condition that affects your ability to work
  • Are aged 14 to Age Pension age
  • Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or certain temporary visa holder
  • Are currently unemployed, working limited hours or at risk of losing your job
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How Endeavour Foundation Supports You

As Australia’s largest employer of people with intellectual disability, we understand what works.

When you join IEA with Endeavour Foundation, you get:

  • A dedicated Career Development Advisor who listens to your goals and supports you every step of the way
  • Help preparing for work, including résumé writing, interview practice and workplace visits
  • Connections to inclusive employers across a range of industries and locations
  • Ongoing support once you start work, including workplace adjustments and coaching
  • Opportunities to build confidence through training and short courses
  • Guidance to transition from supported to open employment when you are ready

 

We Are Ready to Walk Beside You

 Start your IEA journey with Endeavour Foundation – where your success is our purpose. 

What Happens Next

1. We Learn About You

Once you send an enquiry, our team will contact you to learn about your situation and check your eligibility for IEA. 

2. We Support Your Employment Services Assessment

You might need to complete an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) or Job Capacity Assessment with Services Australia. Do not worry, we will explain what to expect and help you prepare.

3. We Create Your Personalised Plan

We will sit down with you to understand your skills, interests and goals, then build a plan that is right for you.

4. We Help You Find the Right Job

From résumé support to interview preparation, we will connect you with inclusive employers that value your strengths. 

5. We Stay by Your Side

Once you start your job, we will keep supporting you with coaching, workplace adjustments and regular check-ins to make sure you are settling in well and on your way to achieving your long-term employment goals. 

1. We Learn About You

Once you send an enquiry, our team will contact you to learn about your situation and check your eligibility for IEA. 

2. We Support Your Employment Services Assessment

You might need to complete an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) or Job Capacity Assessment with Services Australia. Do not worry, we will explain what to expect and help you prepare.

3. We Create Your Personalised Plan

We will sit down with you to understand your skills, interests and goals, then build a plan that is right for you.

4. We Help You Find the Right Job

From résumé support to interview preparation, we will connect you with inclusive employers that value your strengths. 

5. We Stay by Your Side

Once you start your job, we will keep supporting you with coaching, workplace adjustments and regular check-ins to make sure you are settling in well and on your way to achieving your long-term employment goals. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We are here to support you to find a job that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

 Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is a free government-funded program that helps people with disability find and keep rewarding employment. It replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) in November 2025 and focuses on long-term success with personalised, flexible support. 

You may be eligible if you:

  • Have a disability, injury or health condition that affects your ability to work
  • Are aged between 14 and Age Pension age
  • Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible visa holder
  • Are unemployed, working limited hours or at risk of job loss

 Endeavour Foundation delivers IEA across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. Our local teams work in both metropolitan and regional areas. Call 1800 112 112 or download our list of IEA locations to find your nearest site. 

If you are not eligible for the IEA program, or if it is not yet available in your area, we will help you explore other options.

This could include Supported Employment through Endeavour Foundation Business Solutions, training and skill-building programs or other local employment supports that match your goals.

Our team will talk with you about what you want to achieve and connect you with the right pathway, even if that means a different type of employment. We want to make sure you still have opportunities to build skills, confidence and independence, wherever you live.

When you join IEA with Endeavour Foundation, you receive:

  • Help writing résumés and applying for jobs
  • Interview practice and introductions to inclusive employers
  • Support with travel, licences and workplace adjustments
  • On-the-job coaching and regular check-ins
  • Access to training, short courses and skill-building opportunities

 We work with inclusive employers in industries such as retail, hospitality, warehousing, manufacturing, administration and more. Your Career Development Advisor will help match your strengths and interests to jobs that fit you. 

 Not necessarily. Many people keep part of their Disability Support Pension (DSP) while working, depending on income and hours. We can help you understand how work affects your payments and assist with reporting to Services Australia. 

 Yes. You can combine IEA support with study, training or volunteering. We will help you plan a pathway that builds confidence and prepares you for the job you want. 

 If your job is not suitable, that is okay. We will help you look for other opportunities and continue supporting you until you find a job that is the right fit. 

You can refer someone quickly through our online enquiry form or by calling 1800 112 112. Our team will contact you or the jobseeker within two business days to confirm details and discuss the next steps. If you’re unsure whether someone qualifies, just call us. We can check eligibility, explain the process and guide you through what’s needed.


How Do I Start with Inclusive Employment Australia Through Endeavour Foundation?

 Starting is easy. Simply complete the online enquiry form or call 1800 112 112. We will talk about your goals, check your eligibility and connect you with a local Career Development Advisor who will guide you at each step. 


Enquire Now

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