A New Era for Autism & Employment in South Australia
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) — the brand-new government program that’s set to transform employment support for people with disability, autistic people and their families.
From 1 November 2025, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) replaces Disability Employment Services (DES).
In South Australia, ProActiv People is proud to lead the delivery of IEA’s autism-specific employment program, working in partnership with Autism SA as the autism specialist partner. Together, we’re excited to bring autistic jobseekers, families, and employers a program that’s built differently, designed with community voices at the centre, and focused on real inclusion.
Why this is such exciting news
Research shows that inclusive teams perform better, innovate more, and build stronger cultures — your contribution matters.
For the first time, autistic people will have access to an employment program that truly puts their needs and strengths at the centre.
Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is built around you — tailoring support to your goals, strengths, and circumstances, and helping you not only find work, but also maintain and grow in it.
Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA):
✔️ Puts people before paperwork – no two-year time limit, no “tick-a-box” approach.
✔️ Opens the doors wider – includes people with very low work capacity (0–7 hrs/week) and those not linked to Centrelink.
✔️ Celebrates strengths – autism-aware support designed around your skills, interests, and pace.
✔️ Supports families and employers too – because inclusive workplaces benefit everyone.
This is more than a new program. It’s a fresh start for employment support in Australia — one that opens new possibilities for autistic people, families, and employers.
Who can join?
You may be eligible for autism-specific employment services under IEA if you:
- Have a formal autism diagnosis.
- Are aged 14 years or older (and below Age Pension age).
- Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder.
- Experience barriers to finding or keeping work because of disability.
Plus — there are special pathways for:
- Eligible School leavers (ESL) under 22
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with past assessments
- Disability Support Pension recipients (DSP) with modified eligibility rules
Where are services delivered?
ProActiv People delivers IEA’s autism-specific services across:
- Northern Adelaide – Elizabeth, Salisbury, Modbury, Gawler
- Southern Adelaide – Tonsley, Christies Beach
- Western Adelaide – Port Adelaide, Seaton
What it offers
With IEA, autistic people can expect tailored, strengths-based support including:
- Job coaching and personalised career planning
- CV, application, and interview support
- Training, skill-building, and workplace preparation
- Long-term, ongoing support once you’re employed
- Help with workplace adjustments and employer training
- A community of employers who value neurodiversity
Why we’re excited
We’re excited to bring South Australia an autism-specific employment service that works with you to identify your goals, interests, and support needs. Just as importantly, we’re excited to partner with employers across SA to build their understanding of autism and create inclusive workplaces where autistic employees can thrive.
IEA is about:
- Finding the right job, not just any job
- Building confidence and skills at your pace
- Partnering with families and carers
- Creating workplaces where autistic people can show their true potential
This is employment support done differently.
How to join
You can be referred through Centrelink, or you can register directly with ProActiv People.
Register now through ProActiv People’s referral form
Want more information?
- Visit: www.proactivpeople.com.au
- Call ProActiv People: (08) 8362 4507 – for service registration and delivery questions.
- Or speak with Autism SA: (08) 8379 6976 – for autism specific advice or community supports.
