Practical steps to recruit and support people with disability
About the guide
This Guide was developed through the Aged Care Community of Practice led by the JFA Purple Orange Road to Employment project.
We worked with aged care providers, EQUALS International (RTO), and Disability Employment Services Barkuma and Maxima.
Together, we tested real solutions through a group traineeship and pre-vocational program, then captured what worked.
Who it’s for: Aged care leaders, HR teams, supervisors, and anyone building an inclusive workforce.
What you’ll get: Proven strategies, templates, videos, and links to further support.
Inside the guide
1) The case for diversity and employment stories
- Current workforce challenges in aged care.
- Why diversity improves safety, culture, and outcomes.
- Seven proven strategies for employers.
- What we did in the traineeship program and the results.
- Impact on organisations and advice to the sector.
- Video case studies and stories from aged care leaders.
2) Strategies for employers
- Hiring into live vacancies, targeted recruitment, and working with DES.
- Job customisation — guidance from Danielle (Barkuma).
- Induction — ‘Best Out of Me’ template.
- Building an inclusive team — practical tips for managers.
- Inclusive workplace guidance — five key tips from people with disability.
- Working with training providers — guidance from Marie Chittleborough (EQUALS International).
3) Resources to create change
- JFA Purple Orange Employment Videos — free training for your teams.
- Guide to Attracting and Recruiting People with Disability (Australian Human Rights Commission).
- Myth Busters — disability and workplace adjustments.
- Inclusive and Accessible Spaces — review questions.
- Build your capability — Language Guide, online Toolkit for Business, and ways to partner with specialists.
- Employer Assistance Fund (EAF) — support for workplace adjustments.
- Skills SA — list of registered training providers.
Acknowledgements
Our thanks to the Aged Care Co-Design Group for curating and shaping this guide: Richard Kennedy, Diane Cass, Khadija Gbla, Narelle Milne, Ranel Juanta, Amanda Birkin, Dominic Evele, Danielle Broadway.
Need support?
If you would like to know more about our work in Aged Care and how we can support your capability in disability inclusion, contact the Road to Employment team by completing the form below.