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Virtual Disability Conference 2022: Raising Expectations
Virtual Disability Conference 2022: Raising Expectations
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Connecting Pathways to Employment with the Work Integrated Social Enterprise (WISE) model

E Poster

Presentation/Panel Description

Institution: Centre for Social Impact Swinburne - Victoria, Australia

It is widely recognised that more needs to be done to support people with intellectual disability to transition into community-based jobs. Currently, Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) provide employment support to thousands of people with intellectual disability. A key role of ADEs is to support the development of foundational employment skills, skills which could open up opportunities within the open labour market. There is therefore a significant opportunity to strengthen organisational models to enhance the employment skills and outcomes for this cohort. 

The Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) model was developed by The Centre for Social Impact (CSI) Swinburne. The model provides a framework for the development of supportive environments which focus on skill building and pathways out of supported employment. In particular, the model endorses a wraparound approach to bridging and community-based employment through person centred planning, skill building and recognised qualifications, work experience opportunities and employer facing supports to build the capacity of local businesses to provide employment opportunities.

In 2021 CSI and genU disability services received an ILC grant to adapt and implement the WISE model in a genU supported work environment in order to test its applicability within the disability sector. This presentation will outline the findings of the project, highlighting the aspects of the model that offer a way forward for the supported employment sector in terms of assisting people with an intellectual disability into community-based employment. The presentation will include perspectives from the research project lead, genU staff and supported employees.




Extra Resources

Presenters

Authors

Authors

Perri Campbell - , Jenny Crosbie - , TO BE ADVISED - genU business enterprises employee - genU , Jaime-Lee Demmer - genU