Start: Wed 02 Jul, 2025 11:35 End: Mon 04 Aug, 2025 17:00
Location: On-demand access 24/7 via the Members’ Hub on our website
Presented by: Fiona McIntosh
Too often, job seekers with disability are told to wait: wait for the program, the assessment, the stamp of “work readiness” (a label defined by systems, not the person).
In this replay event, you’ll meet families who stopped waiting and started building. Through real stories, practical steps, and a bit of defiance, you’ll see how paid work is not just possible, it’s already happening.
The difference between ‘waiting to be deemed job-ready’ and confidently joining the workforce is an approach called Customised Employment.
With Customised Employment, employment doesn’t begin with a job ad—it begins with the person. By uncovering their interests, strengths, and ideal conditions for success, families and supporters can work closely with employers to create a role that truly suits them.
In this series, you’ll meet Jack, Milly, and Sethmi, young Canberrans in real jobs, making valued contributions, supported by their families who have taken a Customised Employment approach.
Who is this series for?
This series is for families who want more than programs or promises. It’s for those ready to explore real work, personalised support, and practical tools to help make it happen.
Grounded in lived experience, each session offers clear takeaways, real stories, and actionable steps. You’ll hear from families walking the Customised Employment path and leave with ideas you can use immediately.
We think you’ll love this series if you are:
- a family dreaming of real jobs for your family member
- a support worker or educator wanting to enrich your practice
- an organisation ready to explore authentic Customised Employment as part of your NDIS offering.
What makes this series different?
- You’ll hear real stories (not theory)
- You’ll be given practical tools you can use straight away
- You’ll learn proven frameworks based on the internationally recognised Essential Elements of Customised Employment for Universal Application.
What will you learn in each session?
Part 1: See people differently, see new job possibilities
Discover how to identify a person with disability’s work interests, strengths, and ideal conditions for success without forms, tests, or guesswork. Discover how simple observations of everyday actions can lead to new insights into meaningful and paid work opportunities.
Part 2: Find work that fits: Create roles, don’t chase ads
Families of job seekers with disability often search job ads or programs, but what if the right job simply doesn’t exist yet? In this session, you’ll learn how roles can be created with employers, based on real needs and real strengths. We’ll explore how families and supporters are reaching out in simple, practical ways to open new doors that weren’t there before.
Part 3: Start strong, stay strong: Thrive at work
Getting a job is just the beginning. Learn how clear job design, natural workplace relationships, and thoughtful preparation can help someone with disability succeed not just in getting the job but also in keeping it and loving it!
About this event
- After you register, you’ll receive immediate on-demand access to the videos and resources via the Members’ Hub on our website.
- You will have access until 5:00 pm AEST on Monday, 4 August.
- After each video, you will have the opportunity to provide us with some feedback. This feedback will help us improve future presentations and secure future funding, allowing us to continue offering valuable information at no cost to you.
Good to know
- We receive funding from the Department of Social Services to create and share quality education about Customised Employment through our School to Work project. This funding covers all the costs of delivering this series, allowing you to enjoy the replays and resources free of charge.
Fiona McIntosh
With over 30 years of experience in community services, Fiona’s career has primarily focused on the disability sector, encompassing both government and non-government roles. Driven by personal experiences and having a family member with disability, Fiona is deeply committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual disability. She has successfully overseen the introduction and development of a customised employment program with an employment services provider.
In her current role as the School to Work Project Manager at Imagine More, Fiona focuses on fostering environments that support sustainable, customised employment and self-employment for young people with disability, helping them secure valued roles in their communities. She develops webinars, workshops, conferences, and resources for families, professionals, and employers. She also provides one-on-one support to families exploring employment opportunities.
