Finding meaningful employment can be a significant challenge for people with disability. Despite strong rights-based frameworks and growing awareness of inclusive workplaces, many still face barriers to accessing and sustaining paid work that reflects their interests, strengths, and aspirations.
Aysh has had “getting a job” as an NDIS goal since he was 16 years old. And he is still yet to do a paid day of work. He has done a bit of work experience, tried a few things, but nothing really fits for him.
With our service-for-one, Team Aysh, we are starting to see a new way of doing things. A service-for-one is a personalised and flexible model of support that is built around an individual, and it can play a powerful role in helping people with disability find, secure, and thrive in employment. It’s not just about finding any job; it’s about creating a life where contribution, value and purpose are central.
Employment and Disability: The Reality
Despite decades of policy reform, people with disability still experience far lower employment rates than the general population. Many are stuck in day programs that don’t align with their goals, or offered roles that don’t reflect their true potential.
Employment support through traditional services tends to focus on job-readiness programs or short-term placements. These may not be tailored enough to each person’s strengths, communication style, or support needs — leading to low confidence, mismatches, and burnout. And for many young people like Aysh, they never move past the “job-ready” type of programs.
For people who are able to pick up work, many are paid well below minimum wage – sometimes as little as $2 per hour, because it is based on their “productivity”.
But we want more for Aysh.
How can a service-for-one help?
A service-for-one is a customised support system built around a single person. It is shaped by the person’s own aspirations, designed to suit their life, and implemented by a team who knows them well. Supports are flexible, consistent, and deeply personalised.
Rather than trying to squeeze someone into an existing system, a service-for-one builds a system around the person — including support for employment.
Whether someone wants to work in open employment, start their own business, explore micro-enterprise, or contribute in a community setting, a service-for-one makes space for that vision.
1. Personalised Employment Planning
One of the biggest advantages of a service-for-one is that everything starts with the person — their goals, passions, and interests.
Rather than generic job-readiness programs, the focus is on:
- Exploring what the person enjoys and excels at
- Understanding the environments where they thrive
- Identifying meaningful roles in the community or job market
- Designing a plan that reflects their idea of a good working life
This planning doesn’t have to happen all at once. It can evolve as the person grows in confidence and clarity, and it can happen at any age or stage — from school leavers to older adults who are ready to try something new.
2. A Dedicated Team to Support the Journey
In a service-for-one, the team is recruited to work specifically with one person. This means they get to know that person’s communication style, routines, support needs, and dreams.
When it comes to employment, this team can:
- Provide practical support with job searching, resume writing, and interview prep
- Practice travel training or build routines around work schedules
- Offer on-the-job coaching or help develop social scripts for workplace interactions
- Adapt the pace and environment to suit the person’s learning style
Because the team is consistent and person-centred, there’s more trust — and that trust builds confidence.
3. Building Skills in Everyday Contexts
Sometimes, employment feels like a big leap. But a service-for-one can break it down into steps that feel manageable and meaningful.
Support workers can help build skills like:
- Time management
- Communication and teamwork
- Financial literacy
- Workplace safety
- Customer service or task-specific training
And importantly, these skills can be developed in real-world contexts — not just simulated environments. Whether it’s volunteering at a local op shop, helping with a community garden, or selling art at markets, learning happens by doing.
4. Supporting Micro-Enterprise and Self-Employment
For some people, traditional employment isn’t the right fit — but that doesn’t mean they can’t work. Micro-enterprise or self-employment can be powerful options, and a service-for-one is uniquely positioned to support these.
With the right supports, people can:
- Sell handmade products
- Offer dog walking or lawn care services
- Create digital content
- Run a social media business
- Deliver community workshops
The team can assist with planning, marketing, customer service, budgeting, and logistics — all while ensuring the enterprise reflects the person’s passions and values.
5. Community Connection and Job Creation
Sometimes, jobs aren’t advertised — they’re created. A service-for-one can help families and individuals think outside the box, connecting with local businesses and community groups who are open to creative solutions.
Examples might include:
- A part-time role helping out in a family-run café
- A few hours a week assisting at the local library
- A work experience placement with a trusted friend or neighbour
Because the team is focused solely on one person, they can invest time in building relationships, advocating for opportunities, and supporting those first steps into employment.
6. Building Long-Term Success, Not Just Quick Placements
Traditional employment services often focus on short-term results. A service-for-one is built for the long haul. It allows time for:
- Gradual skill-building
- Consistent coaching
- Ongoing feedback and adjustment
- A workplace experience that is safe, positive and sustainable
It’s not about rushing into a job. It’s about creating a work life that fits — where the person feels valued, supported, and successful.
In Summary
A service-for-one is more than a support model — it’s a launchpad for possibility.
When it comes to employment, it can:
- Offer personalised planning that reflects the person’s dreams
- Provide consistent support tailored to their strengths and needs
- Create pathways into meaningful work — including micro-enterprise
- Build skills and confidence in everyday settings
- Focus on long-term sustainability, not just quick outcomes
Most importantly, it puts the person in the driver’s seat.
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