Education & Employment

All children should be welcomed and supported at their local school. They deserve a high-quality education alongside their peers.

Decades of research show that students with disability do better in inclusive mainstream classrooms. It also shows that non-disabled students benefit from inclusive education too.

Through our Road to Employment program, we promote inclusion from early childhood through to school completion. We work with families, educators, and students to raise expectations and encourage inclusive teaching and learning.

We also support schools to foster positive attitudes towards disability and inclusion. Our work helps shift the narrative — from “special” education to equal opportunity for every child.

JFA Purple Orange is a member of the Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education (ACIE). ACIE is a national alliance of 26 organisations working together to promote inclusive education. Through ACIE, we call on the Commonwealth Government to adopt a national roadmap to make inclusive education a reality.

Our project work supports employers to build inclusive workplaces. Through Road to Employment and our training and consulting services, we help employers learn, plan, and take action.

We offer:

• • Mentoring for staff and leaders on how to be an inclusive employer.

• • Inclusive recruitment training.

• • Advice on workplace accessibility.

• • Communities of practice in aged care, finance, and local government.

By building the skills and confidence of employers, we support lasting change.

Inclusive employment benefits everyone—and it starts with inclusive thinking and inclusive systems