Disability Employment Services in Victoria: Your Complete Local Guide

Fulfilling and meaningful work should be within reach for everyone. December is a good time to remember this, with International Day of Persons with Disabilities being celebrated around the world.

Disability Employment Services (DES) programs in Victoria help make finding work possible by supporting people with disability to build skills, find paid roles and succeed in the workplace.

Whether you are a job seeker exploring your options, a family member or carer wanting clarity or an employer hoping to hire inclusively and meet CSG targets, understanding how disability employment works can make achieving your goals more straightforward.

This guide explains what DES programs are, who is eligible, and how C2A supports and connects job seekers with community-minded businesses and government services across Victoria.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Each year on 3 December, Australians join the global community in recognising the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is an opportunity to celebrate achievements, highlight accessibility and promote inclusion across workplaces and communities.

The United Nations shares the event’s global theme and purpose through the International Day of Persons with Disabilities hub. At the same time, the World Health Organisation provides additional insights on global participation and initiatives.

The day is a reminder of the importance of Disability Employment Services and the positive impact inclusive employment can have on communities, businesses and individuals across Victoria.

What are Disability Employment Services and how do they work?

Disability Employment Services help people with disability find and maintain meaningful employment. The best providers tailor their services to help job seekers gain the skills they need, build confidence and connect with supportive employers. They also provide support workers whose job it is to ensure safety and wellbeing.

Note that from November 1st, 2025, terminology is changing and the Federal Government has switched from saying ‘disability employment’ to ‘Inclusive Employment’.

Referral and eligibility

Most people begin their DES journey through a Centrelink referral. You may be eligible if you have a diagnosed disability that makes it harder to secure or maintain work.

The Department of Social Services provides additional detail on eligibility and program structure on its Inclusive Employment page.

Assessment and planning

After referral, an Employment Services Assessment or Job Capacity Assessment determines the level of support needed. This step ensures your service provider understands your strengths, any barriers you may face and the type of work environment that suits you best.

Job matching and placement

Disability employment providers maintain strong relationships with employers across Victoria. They help match each individual’s strengths and goals with local roles in industries such as retail, hospitality, office administration, trade support, warehousing and more.

At C2A, we match individual goals and interests with suitable job roles and career pathway opportunities, fostering independence and self-confidence. Our highly experienced Disability Support Workers provide on-the-job training and help participants develop their abilities in a safe and inclusive environment.

Ongoing support

Support continues well after work starts. At C2A, our supported employees work in teams and crews made up of supported employees and Disability Support Workers made up of a 1-3 or 1-4 ratio.

Accessing Disability Employment Services as an employer

Employing people with disability is referred to as ‘social procurement’.

C2A partners with government, not-for-profit and corporate organisations to deliver a range of services and operations that provide meaningful employment for people with disability.

Connecting with C2A helps organisations use their buying power to generate social value above and beyond the value of the goods, services, or construction being procured, within and outside of the Victorian Government’s Social Procurement Framework.

View our social procurement services.