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Practice approaches

Evidence highlights that it is not only ‘what’ an employment service or support does, but ‘how’ the service is delivered that is critical to outcomes for jobseekers with disability.

Explore practice approaches

 

Last updated: 24 Feb 2026

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Overview

Evidence shows that effective employment support for people with disability depends not only on what services do, but also how they are delivered. Evidence-based practice approaches focus on proven ways of working that improve employment outcomes for jobseekers with disability.

Grounded in research, lived experience and real-world outcomes, these approaches support person-centred, strengths-based employment services that help people with disability find and keep work.

The evidence shows that jobseekers with disability value having a trusted person ‘in their corner’ who will listen and support them in their employment journey. This allyship between the person and employment consultant is supported by:

  • significant support that is consistent, frequent, flexible and intensive
  • person-centred, personalised support that encourages the person to be in control of their employment pathway by doing things with not for the jobseeker as much as possible
  • a relationship between the person and employment consultant that is based on respect, compassion, patience, listening, trust, partnership and non-judgmental support
  • recognising and building the person’s potential with an aim of improving confidence, promoting ambition and broadening horizons
  • having genuine care for the importance of wider wellbeing outcomes.1

Key practice approaches in disability employment services and supports

These elements are critical to the key evidence-based practice approaches that support good employment outcomes.

A person in a wheelchair sits outdoors amidst lush greenery, wearing a dark sweater and grey pants, enjoying the warm evening light.
Zero exclusion
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A person in a cozy kitchen, wearing a light green sweater and beige head scarf, types on a pink laptop near various kitchen items.
Strengths-based practice
Instead of focusing on limitations, a strengths-based approach recognises that people with disability have abilities, skills and knowledge, and that these…
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A person in an electric wheelchair with a face mask to assist with breathing. The person has a smile while being in an office setting.
Person-centred approaches
Person-centred approaches in disability employment focus on placing the individual with a disability at the centre of all planning, decision-making and service…
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One colleague is showing another colleague something on the computer, in an office setting.
Trauma-informed approaches
A trauma-informed approach recognises how common and profound the effects of trauma are and ensures that services and supports are delivered in ways that avoid…
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