Transitioning Australian Disability Enterprises to open employment community hubs using the Australian legislative framework

Smith, Peter; Rhodes, P. J.; Pavlidis, Lauren; Alexander, June

doi:10.3233/jvr-191006

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…This study investigates soft (employability) skills for young people with ID and the work experience opportunities available during their school years in an Australian context. By open employment , we mean competitive employment options in the general workforce rather than disability‐specific options, such as sheltered employment and social enterprises (Meltzer et al, 2018; Smith et al, 2019). We recognize the complexity of effective transition from school to work (Rooney & Young, 2023; Trainor et al, 2020) and acknowledge that extensive and varied interventions to support the transition process are critical (Schutz & Carter, 2022); however, this study is limited to two specific aspects of transition to work: soft skills development and work experience.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing soft (employability) skills and work experience opportunities to prepare students with intellectual disability for open employment

Young,

Rooney

2023

British J Special Edu

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This research identifies the soft (employability) skills that key stakeholders view as essential for young people with intellectual disability (ID) to gain and maintain open employment. The study subsequently examined the work experience opportunities for young people with ID to develop these soft skills during their school years. Qualitative data from 89 participants (questionnaires and interviews) and a review of the current literature informed the development of a set of soft skills for open employment and a proposed model for work exposure programmes from the commencement to the conclusion of high school.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing soft (employability) skills and work experience opportunities to prepare students with intellectual disability for open employment

Young,

Rooney

2023

British J Special Edu

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Beyond the bottom line: assessing the social return on investment of a disability-inclusive social enterprise

Hutchinson,

Lester,

Coram

et al. 2024

SEJ

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Purpose Though qualitative evidence of social impact exists for disability-inclusive social enterprise, there is a dearth of quantitative economic impact on their social impact. This study aims to address this gap and investigate the appropriateness and usefulness of social return on investment (SROI) methodology in this context. Design/methodology/approach Primary data was collected from people with disabilities, their families, staff at the parent company (an Australian Disability Enterprise [ADE]), social investors and other key stakeholders (n = 17). The study was also informed by the literature and a steering group to provide expert opinion when no other data existed to inform estimates. Sensitivity analysis was performed to check the robustness of the analysis. Findings Social return was estimated at $1.47–$2.65 for every $1 invested (over 3 years) and $8.48–$12.63 (20 years). Some forecast assumptions significantly impacted upon final ratios and need to be tested. How SROI ratios are received by social investors, the ADE sector and government remains untested. However, the political climate suggests ADEs adopting social enterprise models will be well received if they can deliver, and demonstrate through robust measurement, sustainable open employment opportunities. Originality/value Few studies exist that estimate the social impact of social enterprises supporting open employment of people with disabilities. At a time when ADEs (sheltered workshops) have been heavily criticised for providing repetitive, menial work for top up wages on welfare payments, the outputs from this research may provide valuable data to an ADE sector in transition as well as social investors and policy makers who increasingly require robust measurement of impact.

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The Evolution of Customised Employment and the Influence of the NDIS on Customised Employment Practice in Australia

Smith

2023

J. Heal. Rehab. Sci.

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Introduction: The New Directions Report (1985) established open employment for persons with a disability as a goal of disability service systems in Australia. Customised Employment is an emerging employment strategy that supports people with complex disabilities to find and obtain employment, while supporting Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 27 principles. Aims: This paper examined the origins and evidence for Customised Employment since the passing of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and the impact of the NDIS on open employment practice underpinned by Customised Employment. Method: A literature search of peer-reviewed papers was undertaken using the EBSCO database. This was followed by a review of journals that focused on disability employment. A search of grey literature limited to studies and reports of Australian-based employment was conducted to ensure that all available data was captured. Sixty-seven peer-reviewed papers met the criteria, while only six papers met the criteria within the grey literature search. Results: The literature supporting Customised Employment and Discovery highlights the work of academics and practitioners in developing the evidence base for practice. While the descriptive studies highlighted the effectiveness of Customised Employment, they failed to meet the threshold for empirical evidence, highlighting the need for a random control trial or correlation studies. Conclusion: Customised employment is an emerging employment model with promising results that have yet to meet the threshold for evidence-based practice. While the NDIS supports Customised Employment through capacity building and school leaver transition funds, research funding is needed to ensure that it is applied with fidelity to the existing and emerging evidence

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Transitioning Australian Disability Enterprises to open employment community hubs using the Australian legislative framework

Cited by 4 publications

References 7 publications

Developing soft (employability) skills and work experience opportunities to prepare students with intellectual disability for open employment

Developing soft (employability) skills and work experience opportunities to prepare students with intellectual disability for open employment

Beyond the bottom line: assessing the social return on investment of a disability-inclusive social enterprise

The Evolution of Customised Employment and the Influence of the NDIS on Customised Employment Practice in Australia

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