Disability Employment Services participation
Important information
The Inclusive Employment Australia program replaced the Disability Employment Services program on 1 November 2025.
Participant information
DES program participants chose the services they received and how they received them.
Providers of DES were a mix of large, medium and small for-profit and not-for-profit organisations. They had experience in supporting people with disability, as well as helping employers to support employees with disability in the workplace.
DES providers helped people looking for work to:
- get ready to work
- train in specific job skills
- write a resume
- practice interview skills
- look for jobs that suit them.
Once in a job, DES providers helped with specific on-the-job training and support that suited the participants' needs. This included help under the Work Assist program(Opens external website). Work Assist provided support to eligible employees who found it hard to fulfil essential requirements of their role due to their injury, disability or health condition. A DES provider would work with the Work Assist participant and their employer to provide support that maximised the chance of maintaining employment.
Participant resources
These resources helped participants make informed choices on their employment journey.
More information
Former DES participants wanting to discuss the Disability Employment Services program can call the NCSL line on 1800 805 260. This includes for complaints and enquiries about their previous situation.