Questions Referrers May Have About Endeavour Foundation’s Inclusive Employment

When you’re recommending an employment provider, you’re putting your client’s future in their hands. Here’s what you might want to know about ours.

With Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) replacing Disability Employment Services (DES), now is the time to identify the right providers for your clients and start preparing together.

As a specialist IEA provider for people with intellectual disability, Endeavour Foundation combines deep expertise with proven employer partnerships to deliver strong, lasting outcomes.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to support people with intellectual disability to live their best lives. Employment plays a critical role in that vision, providing independence, purpose, connection and opportunity.

Throughout this guide, you’ll find answers to common questions from referrers and opportunities to connect with our team so we can work with you to prepare your clients for success under IEA.

Who Will Endeavour Foundation Support Under IEA?

We focus on people with intellectual disability, a commitment we’ve held for more than 70 years.

This deep expertise means we understand both the barriers they may face and the unique strengths they bring to the workplace. We will deliver both IEA service streams:

• Intensive support: Regular, structured assistance, skill-building programs, workplace coaching and ongoing mentoring
• Flexible support: For participants who are job-ready but benefit from targeted guidance, regular check-ins and problem-solving support

We work closely with families, carers and support networks to ensure that every placement is tailored to the individual’s aspirations and needs.

Where Will Endeavour Foundation Deliver IEA Services?

View all the locations below:

How Will the Referral Process Work?

We know your time is valuable, so we’ve designed our referral process to be fast, clear and collaborative:

1. Accept early referrals now: Secure a place for your client before IEA demand increases
2. Assign a dedicated contact: One point of contact for all updates and questions
3. Collaborative information gathering: We work with you to ensure documentation is complete and accurate
4. Transparent timelines: You’ll always know when the client will be contacted, onboarded and placed in their role

This means less chasing, fewer delays and a smoother start for your clients.

What Makes Endeavour Foundation Different from Other IEA Providers?

• Specialist focus: Intellectual disability employment is not just part of what we do, it’s our core business
• 70+ years of impact: Thousands of people supported into long-term, rewarding work
• Proven results: Many participants stay in their roles for years, building skills and progressing their careers
• Employer network: Decades of partnerships with businesses committed to inclusion
• Holistic support: We work with both participants and employers, ensuring the match works for the long term

Our work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to contribute, belong and be recognised for their abilities.

Can Clients Be Referred from DES Before IEA Fully Rolls Out?

Yes. In fact, it is one of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth transition. Early referrals allow us to:

• Start onboarding and workplace-matching before peak demand
• Prevent service gaps between DES and IEA
• Give clients more time to build confidence before their first day

How Will Endeavour Foundation Help Employers Be Inclusive?

We don’t just prepare participants, we prepare workplaces. We support employers by:

• Training them in inclusive recruitment and onboarding practices
• Advising on reasonable adjustments that remove barriers
• Coaching workplace teams to ensure positive communication and integration

This ensures your clients enter environments that are ready to help them succeed.

What Outcomes Can Be Expected?

Our measure of success goes beyond securing a job. We aim for careers that are sustainable, fulfilling and empowering.

Typical outcomes include:

• Long-term job retention and stability
• Skills growth that opens doors to new opportunities
• Increased independence in daily life
• Pathways for career progression and personal development

Refer with Confidence

The right provider can change a person’s future.

At Endeavour Foundation, everything we do, from employer partnerships to personalised support, is driven by our mission to help people with intellectual disability live their best lives.

We’re ready to partner with you to prepare, support and empower your clients under IEA.

Together, we can create lasting employment outcomes that bring independence, pride and opportunity.

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