The relative cost of employment for people with a significant intellectual disability: The Australian experience

Abstract

In Australia, adults with a moderate to severe intellectual disability receive a Commonwealth Government Disability Support Pension and may enter Commonwealth Government funded employment programs or State Government funded community activity programs. This paper compares the cost to government of Jobsupport (an open employment program) and the available alternatives. Background data about Jobsupport, including satisfaction surveys of employers and people with disabilities supported by Jobsupport, is included. Comparisons with other options show Jobsupport to be a cost effective option for government and almost revenue neutral per client for the Commonwealth Government compared to the pensio..