For most young Australians, getting a first job is a major milestone.

It’s often the first step towards independence, financial security, confidence and a sense of purpose. A job can provide more than income. It can create friendships, build skills, open doors to future opportunities and strengthen connections to the community.

For many young Australians living with disability, however, securing meaningful employment remains one of the biggest barriers to achieving independence.

At Lion and Mouse Australia, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to contribute their talents, pursue their ambitions and build a future that reflects their goals and aspirations.

Unfortunately, too many young people with disability are still being left behind.

The Employment Gap Is Real

While Australia has made significant progress in disability rights and inclusion, employment outcomes tell a different story.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), only 53% of Australians aged 15 to 64 with disability participate in the labour force, compared with 84% of Australians without disability. Employment rates are also substantially lower, with 48% of people with disability employed compared with 80% of people without disability. [ndis.gov.au], [engage.dss.gov.au]

These figures highlight a significant opportunity gap.

The issue is not that people with disability lack ambition, motivation or capability.

The issue is that too many barriers still exist between talented young people and meaningful employment.

Young People Want to Work

One of the biggest misconceptions about disability and employment is that young people with disability are less interested in participating in the workforce.

The evidence suggests otherwise.

The Australian Disability Strategy reports that in 2022, 80% of young people with disability aged 15 to 24 who were participating in the labour force were employed, up from 76% in 2018. [ndis.gov.au]

This tells us something important.

When young people with disability are given the opportunity to participate, they overwhelmingly want to work and contribute.

The challenge isn’t motivation.

The challenge is access.

Why Are Employment Outcomes Still Lagging?

Many young Australians with disability face barriers that their peers never need to consider.

These barriers can include:

• Limited access to work experience opportunities
• Employer misconceptions about disability
• Workplace accessibility issues
• Inaccessible transport options
• Reduced professional networks
• Lack of confidence due to years of exclusion
• Insufficient transition planning from school to employment

Even highly capable young people can struggle to gain that critical first opportunity that allows them to demonstrate their skills and potential.

For many, the biggest challenge is not keeping a job.

It’s getting a chance to prove themselves in the first place.

Employment Is About More Than Income

Too often, employment is discussed purely in financial terms.

But employment delivers benefits that extend well beyond a weekly pay packet.

A meaningful job can provide:

✅ Independence

✅ Confidence and self-esteem

✅ Social connection

✅ New skills and experience

✅ Career development

✅ Greater community participation

✅ Improved mental health and wellbeing

For young people with disability, employment can be one of the most powerful pathways to long-term independence and inclusion.

Young People Have Ambitions Too

One of the biggest mistakes society makes is defining young people with disability by their support needs rather than their aspirations.

We should be asking:

• What career interests them?
• What skills do they bring?
• What are they passionate about?
• What opportunities can help them succeed?
• What barriers can we remove?

Young people with disability have the same dreams as anyone else.

They want to become:

• Teachers
• Tradespeople
• Health professionals
• Business owners
• Technicians
• Artists
• Engineers
• Community leaders

Their ambitions deserve to be taken seriously.

The focus should not be on limitations.

It should be on possibilities.

The Critical Transition From School to Work

One of the most important periods in a young person’s life is the transition from education into employment.

Unfortunately, many young people with disability finish school without a clear pathway into the workforce.

Without adequate support, many find themselves isolated at home despite wanting to work, study or contribute to their community.

Successful transitions require:

• Career planning
• Workplace exposure
• Mentoring
• Skill development
• Work experience opportunities
• Employer engagement
• Confidence building

The earlier these conversations begin, the better the outcomes are likely to be.

What Employers Need to Understand

Employers across Australia continue to face workforce shortages and skills gaps.

At the same time, many talented people with disability remain underrepresented in the workforce.

Employees with disability often bring:

• Resilience
• Problem-solving ability
• Innovation
• Diversity of thought
• Loyalty and commitment
• Unique lived experience

Many workplace adjustments are simple, affordable and highly effective.

The question should not be:

“Can this person do the job?”

The question should be:

“What support or adjustment may help this person succeed?”

When employers focus on capability rather than disability, everyone benefits.

The Role of the NDIS

While the NDIS is not an employment program, it can play an important role in helping participants build the skills and confidence needed to pursue work and education goals.

Depending on individual circumstances and funding arrangements, supports may help participants:

• Build independence
• Improve communication skills
• Increase community participation
• Develop confidence
• Access transport training
• Strengthen capacity for employment opportunities

Employment should be part of the conversation when discussing goals, independence and future planning.

What Lion and Mouse Believes

At Lion and Mouse Australia, we believe disability should never be a barrier to ambition.

We believe young people deserve:

• Meaningful employment opportunities
• Inclusive workplaces
• Access to education and training
• Equal opportunities for career progression
• Support focused on aspirations and future goals

As an organisation led by people with lived experience, we understand that true empowerment comes from creating opportunities, not dependence.

Building a Future of Possibility

Australia has invested billions of dollars supporting people with disability to develop skills, build confidence and participate in their communities.

The next challenge is ensuring there are genuine pathways into employment.

Success shouldn’t simply be measured by how many people receive support.

It should be measured by how many young people are able to build the lives they want through meaningful education, training and employment.

Because every young person deserves the opportunity to contribute, belong and succeed.

And every young person deserves the chance to build a future they are proud of.

Looking for Support to Achieve Your Goals?

Whether you’re exploring study, employment, community participation or building greater independence, Lion and Mouse is here to help.

📞 1300 048 355
🌐 www.lionandmouse.com.au

Lion and Mouse Australia Ltd is a registered Australian charity committed to empowering people with disability through lived experience, ethical support and person-centred services.

Sources: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Disability Strategy Employment Indicators and People with Disability in Australia reports. [ndis.gov.au], [ndis.gov.au], [engage.dss.gov.au]