Moving Forward with Barkuma
On 1 November 2025, Australia entered a new era of disability employment with the launch of Inclusive Employment Australia, replacing Disability Employment Services (DES). This reform is the most significant change in more than a decade, placing participants at the centre of servicing and focusing on finding and maintaining employment.
Barkuma is proud to be appointed as an Inclusive Employment Australia provider in South Australia, continuing a legacy that spans nearly six decades.
What is Inclusive Employment Australia?
Inclusive Employment Australia is the Australian Government’s new program designed to improve employment outcomes for people with disability, injury, or health conditions. Inclusive Employment Australia introduces a more flexible, participant-focused system.
Barkuma’s Role with Inclusive Employment Australia
Since 1986, Barkuma has supported more than 3,500 South Australians with learning disability, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder to find meaningful, long-term employment.
With the introduction of Inclusive Employment Australia, we are not changing direction, we are continuing what we do best: supporting people with disability to find and keep jobs that are right for them, with a program that better reflects our proven approach.
What Inclusive Employment Australia Means for You
Inclusive Employment Australia has been developed with the principle of providing more opportunities for you to find and grow in various industries. While you go through this transition, it is important to know what you’re getting into and how this can strengthen the support we offer you.
Here’s what it means for you:
- No need to change providers: You can choose to stay with Barkuma, your support team remains the same.
- No time limits: Continue receiving support for as long as you need it.
- Tailored pathways: We help you find work that matches your strengths and goals. If you’re unsure what those are, we’ll work with you to discover them.
- More inclusive eligibility: Inclusive Employment Australia is open to a broader group of jobseekers.
This means you can feel confident about the future, and that your support and your outcomes continue to be supported by Barkuma.
The Benefits of Being Supported by Barkuma
For more than 50 years, Barkuma has been a trusted leader in inclusive employment for people with intellectual disability in South Australia. Our success is built on:
- Proven outcomes: Barkuma has the highest DES 52-week outcome rate for participants with learning disabilities, and top results for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.
- Sustainable support: 75% of our participants are in long-term employment and receive ongoing support to maintain their job and work satisfaction.
- Strong partnerships: Our long-standing employer relationships create real opportunities and workplace inclusion.
- Person-centred approach: We co-design supports with participants and families to ensure they remain relevant, responsive, and effective.
Benefits for Employers
Inclusive Employment Australia helps South Australian businesses build inclusive, capable workplaces. Barkuma has long-standing partnerships with more than 300 employers, some lasting over 20 years, because we:
- Match the right candidates to the right roles
- Provide insured work experience opportunities to trial suitability
- Deliver onsite training and support to ensure smooth integration
- Build disability confidence within teams and management
For employers, partnering with Barkuma through Inclusive Employment Australia means access to motivated candidates, tailored support, and a proven partner in inclusive workforce development.
Moving Forward with Barkuma
At Barkuma, people with intellectual disability are at the heart of everything we do. We have always believed in working with, not for people. This means listening, planning together and celebrating success side by side.
If you are already with Barkuma, you can stay with us. Let us guide you through this transition.
Visit our Inclusive Employment Australia page.
If you’re an employer who wants to learn about how to build an inclusive workplace, connect with us here: https://www.barkuma.com.au/contact-us/
For more information about employment support and Inclusive Employment Australia,
call us on (08) 8414 7100 or email barkuma@barkuma.com.au