From Action Plan to Action: A New Pilot for Inclusive Employment
Published on 09 July 2026
The end of June marked the conclusion of Wingecarribee Shire Council’s 2022–2026 Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), providing an opportunity to reflect on four years of progress towards a more inclusive and accessible community.
With input from people with disability, community members, staff and service providers, we've made meaningful progress on accessibility, inclusion, employment and community participation. This journey has reinforced that disability inclusion isn't a single project, it's an ongoing commitment to removing barriers so everyone can participate fully in community life.
Among the initiatives to come out of this work is a recent pilot giving young people with disabilities a genuine foot in the door to employment.
Designed with local occupational therapists and support organisations, the pilot offers real-world work placements tailored to each participant's communication, learning and support needs. So far, one person with intellectual disability and two neurodiverse young people have completed placements at Council, across teams including libraries, environment and sustainability, communications and engagement, and finance.
Before their placement, participants work with their occupational therapist to complete a support plan identifying areas of interest, from their studies, career goals, or simple curiosity. Host teams then use that plan to shape tasks and expectations, with an OT supporting the first session and ongoing supervision arranged as needed.
Placements are kept manageable and flexible to suit each participant. Shifts generally run for two to three hours a day, with some participants attending one day a week and others choosing more. Built-in breaks allow time for rest and sensory regulation, and while some participants have stayed within a single team, others have rotated across several to broaden their experience.
Feedback is gathered before and after each placement to track its impact on participants' skills, confidence and understanding of workplace expectations. While employment readiness is the main goal, the pilot is also helping Council teams build stronger inclusive practices and a better understanding of disability more broadly.
As we look ahead, we're excited to begin our next DIAP, building on the lessons and achievements of the last four years to keep shaping a more inclusive future. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey: your insights, advocacy, partnership and lived experience have made all the difference, and we look forward to continuing this work together.