In this section there are tips, tools and resources that can be used to develop a vision and work goals. Below we offer a diverse range of media types including videos, websites referrals, articles, booklets and more. Each individual resource includes the resource type, title, author or organisataion details and a brief description followed by a link to further reading. Topic areas include:
SETTING HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Having a strong vision for work allows you to stay focused on what really matters and be clear when it comes to decision making. With a strong, clear vision, we can be intentional and choose to do things that support the goals of that vision. A strengths-based mindset can positively frame your thinking around life and work goals.
It is never too early and never too late to develop a vision. A vision acts as a compass for a person’s career goals. It is always evolving!
Booklet
Why Employment Matters
Community Resource Unit Ltd. (CRU)
Employment Matters! Through employment, people develop and hone skill sets, connect with colleagues and the community, are challenged, have a sense of purpose, contribute to society and of course earn an income.
CRU’s booklet ‘Why Employment Matters: A handbook for Job Seekers’ is a resource intended to benefit people with a disability in preparing for, seeking out and improving their employment opportunities and goals. Why it Matters is a series of three booklets (see also the: Advocacy Booklet PDF and Succession Planning Booklet PDF), that were developed as part of the Anne Cross Leadership Initiative.
Download the Employment Booklet (PDF)
Download the Employment Booklet (Word Doc)
Video
I Love Work Because
Community Resource Unit (CRU)
In this video, CRU asked people why work was important to them.
Valued Roles
When thinking about Valued Roles, the roles of ‘employee’ and ‘successful business owner’ are highly recognised and respected in our society (Valued Roles and Social Role Valorisation SRV) are explained in more detail on CRU’s The Good Life website). SRV suggests that people who hold valued roles (such as a work role) will be more likely to attain the things that society values. Find out more about SRV from this article Wolfensberger, Thomas and Caruso, 1996 (PDF).
Article
Strengthening the Role of the Employee
Milton Tyree, Michael Kendrick and Sandra Block
This article from 2011 explores the potential of supported employment in assisting people to hold the social role of valued ‘employee’, and examines the issues in supported employment practices, within an Social Role Valorisation (SRV) framework.
"Wolfensberger’s Social Role Valorization (SRV) theory offers a substantive method for analyzing and strengthening supported employment practices while describing principles for addressing patterns of social devaluation imposed on people with disabilities." Milton Tyree, Michael Kendrick and Sandra Block
BARRIERS
Understanding the common employment barriers that people with disability can face can allow us to anticipate and overcome challenges in finding and keeping work.
While a physically inaccessible workplace is an obvious barrier, there are other societal factors that can make finding work a challenge for people with disability. These barriers include discrimination, assumptions and misconceptions about people’s capabilities. While traditional approaches to job-seeking are based on applications and a competitive interview process, there are other approaches and options. We will explore these options throughout the following CRU page Finding Your Job.
The below podcasts also give an insight into some of the barriers that people with disability can face in employment.
Podcast
One in Five: Episode 1 - When the Rubber Hits the Road (Part 1)
University of Melbourne
This podcast, from the Melbourne Disability Institute (University of Melbourne) discusses the socio-economic and health benefits of work and the high rates of unemployment for people with disability (including psychosocial disability) in Australia. They explore the broad range or ‘confluence’ of barriers and how recognising and understanding these barriers can assist us in supporting people in finding and maintaining a work role.
https://disability.unimelb.edu.au/media/one-in-five.
Listen to the One in Five Podcast via the University of Melbourne website(Opens in new window)
Podcast
"Would You Work for $2.37 an hour?"
Australian Broadcasting Commission
In this ‘Let us In’ ABC program episode, Kurt Fearnly and Sarah Shands speak with several people with disability about some of the challenges and barriers people with disability face in finding employment, as well as exploring some of the solutions.
Listen to the Podcast episode via the ABC Listen website (Opens in new window)
PLANNING AND THINKING CREATIVELY
Strengths, interests and skills
It can be helpful to explore the interests, gifts, passions and strengths that a person already has, as these could form the foundation for a job or career. The table on page 6 of the Why Employment Matters booklet will assist you to make a list of your strengths, interests and skills.
Worksheet
The Power of 10
Community Resource Unit Ltd. (CRU)
This brainstorming exercise will encourage you to think more creatively about interests and the variety of associated roles and tasks and how that could apply to a work opportunity.
This activity could also be completed using a mind mapping approach in the first PDF document or you can access the Power of 10 activity and brainstorming exercise.
Download Mind Map Brainstorm Example (PDF)
Download Power of 10 Brainstorming Exercise (PDF)
Seek out examples that showcase what is possible!
Looking to examples of what others have done is a helpful way to spark your own creative ideas.
Video
Peter Rowe - Focusing on Potential
Community Resource Unit (CRU)
A presentation on Peter’s work as a musician, writer and visual artist – and the importance of having those people around him who believed in what he could do and focused on his potential.
Video
Annie's Story - Pa's Produce
Imagine More
Annie’s story is an excellent example of setting up a small, intentional business, aligned with her interests and strengths.
AMBITIOUS GOAL SETTING
There are many resources and templates online that can assist with creating goals and breaking down steps towards employment. Try applying the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Based) framework. Things you could consider are existing skills to build on, new skills to build, and keeping a record of contacts that could help with finding a job.
Website
Including Employment Goals in NDIS plans
If the person has a NDIS package, then it’s a good idea to include a goal for paid employment in their plan. The NDIS Thinking About Work webpage has more information and examples of setting a goal for employment in an NDIS Plan. To learn more about goal setting visit the Thinking About Work webpage.
Example of an Employment Goal:
Booklet
Let's Talk About Work
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This booklet from the NDIS explains different types of work, and provides information and exercises to assist with planning for employment, setting goals, and finding employers.
Having the Right People Around
More people involved means more ideas, more connections and more opportunities – so, invite others to help. This can be informal or casual or use a more formal process like a Circle of Support. See The Good Life Website: Networks of Support for more information.
When thinking about work, a Circle of Support that brings together networks of contacts and varied ideas can be a great way to support a person to achieve the next step in their career.
Video
Will Coventry's Employment Story
Community Resource Unit (CRU)
In this video, learn about how Will has found work in administration, and the connections and friendships that he has developed with his colleagues. This was guided by a clear vision, the invitation of key people to come into his life through a Circle of Support, with the seeds being sowed during high school to begin a pathway towards finding meaningful work.
Video
Let's Get to Work - The Admin Assistant
Imagine More
Jack’s Circle of Support’s instrumental role in supporting him to achieve his career goals. This video shares his story from when he was in Year 11, Jack's family and his Circle of Support used their connections to find work for Jack at the University of Canberra (UC). Work experience at UC led to paid employment for 8 hours a week at the University of Canberra through a school-based apprenticeship. The job as an admin assistant was carved by a champion in the workplace that also happens to be on Jack’s Circle of Support. The job is customised to Jack’s interests and strengths.
Booklet
Employing Your Own Staff
Resourcing Inclusive Communities (RIC)
If working towards a goal of having your own small business, open employment or maintaining current employment, then hiring support workers and staff with skills that are aligned with these goals is a good idea. This Booklet from RIC provides a practical set of steps to assist with this.
Cover Page of Employing your Own Staff, Steps to get you started, followed by decorative pattern.
Website
Employment Partnerships
Rotary Employment Partnerships - Inclusion Alberta
In Canada, Inclusion Alberta have developed a partnership with Rotary to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability. Making use of Rotary’s rich networks of businesses and professionals, this partnership introduces and connects individuals with developmental disability with business owners, employers, and places where there are potential job opportunities for people with developmental disability.
To learn more about Rotary Employment Partnerships visit the Inclusion Alberta website.
Website
Community Employment Partnerships
Belonging Matters
In Australia, Belonging Matters (VIC) are now also working in the space of Community Employment Partnerships (CEP). In the video we meet Rotarian Warwick Cavell who, through his business network, assisted Mike Spence gaining employment at the Keysborough Golf Club. We also hear about Keysborough Golf Club's role in the Community Employment Partnership from their General Manager Darren Eckhardt.
To learn more about the Community Partnerships program or to view additional videos visit the Belonging Matters CEP website.
More Information
If you have any questions or would like more information about Employment, please email cru@cru.org.au or call us on (07) 3844 2211.
Fee for Service
Alongside our funded project work on this topic which is specific to just one age group, CRU can offer training and consultation packages on a fee for service basis.
Our skilled disability consultants work alongside you to assist you and your supporters to become clear, confident and in control as you strive for the good things in life.
For more information visit the Fee For Service section of our website.