DES Overview

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Transcript

The Australian Government Disability Employment Services program, also known as DES, supports people with disability to find and keep a job by matching them to their employers.

Our employees with disabilities are a huge asset to the business. It gives us a diversity in our workplace. They're talented, and employees that we have with disability, we couldn't really do without.

Sometimes workplace adjustments need to be made to make sure people are able to do the job that we need them to do. It might be tailoring their work hours to suit their circumstances or it could be different computer software programs. But I suppose the best thing is the Employment Assistance Fund may be able to help cover the cost, and DES providers can give us advice and help us to apply.

DES helped Lucie land the job she wanted and she's never looked back. They matched me to the right job for my skills. DES is available for people whose main barrier to finding work is their disability, injury or illness.

If you're assessed as being eligible for DES, you can choose your own DES provider. DES is a free service and you can choose a provider that is close to home or one that specialises in your specific needs.

But the choice is yours. So DES providers help people like Tony with resume writing, preparing for job interviews and with training.

Yeah, my DES provider has been with me every step of the way in this new job. They say, "If you ever need any help, "just let us know and we'll fix it up."

They contact me on a regular basis to make sure I'm happy and my job is going well. They are available to talk to me about any questions or problems I have. If I'm not happy with my provider, I can choose another provider.

You can even rate your DES provider on the JobAccess website, which will help other people decide which provider to choose.

If you already have a job and are finding work difficult because of your disability, health condition or injury, you may be eligible for a free program called Work Assist. This program can help you stay in your job.

A DES provider can help you access this support. To find a DES provider or for more information about DES and Work Assist, visit www.jobaccess.gov.au or call JobAccess on 1800 464 800.

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