Working With CP
People with cerebral palsy work across every industry and profession — as teachers, lawyers, artists, IT professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, and more. The key factors for successful employment are:
- The right workplace adjustments
- An inclusive employer
- Accessible transport to and from work
- Flexibility around appointments and fatigue management
- Access to assistive technology
Employment rates for people with CP remain lower than the general population, but this reflects systemic barriers — not capability.
Workplace Adjustments
Reasonable workplace adjustments can make a significant difference:
- Physical modifications — accessible workstations, ramps, accessible bathrooms
- Assistive technology — speech-to-text software, ergonomic keyboards, adapted mice, screen readers
- Flexible work arrangements — working from home, modified hours, flexible start/finish times
- Communication support — extra time for meetings, alternative communication methods
- Job redesign — modifying non-essential tasks or redistributing duties
The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) through JobAccess provides funding for workplace modifications and assistive technology. Employers can also access financial assistance to make adjustments.
Disability Employment Services
Australia has several programs supporting people with disability to find and keep work:
- Disability Employment Services (DES) — funded by the Australian Government, these services provide job-seeking support, on-the-job training, and ongoing workplace assistance
- NDIS employment supports — the NDIS can fund supports related to getting and keeping a job, including school-to-work transition
- JobAccess — a national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disability and employers
- Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) — supported employment for people who need more assistance, though there is ongoing debate about ADEs and inclusive employment
Education
Children and adults with CP have the right to education at every level:
- Early childhood — inclusive preschools and kindergartens with supported placements
- Primary and secondary school — mainstream schools with support, special schools, or a combination. Funding for classroom aides, equipment, and modifications may be available through state education departments and the NDIS
- TAFE and university — disability support services at every institution provide exam accommodations, note-taking support, assistive technology, and accessibility modifications
Inclusive education — where students with disabilities learn alongside their peers — is increasingly recognised as best practice for both academic and social outcomes.
Your Rights
Australian law protects the rights of people with disability in employment and education:
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) — makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their disability in employment, education, and other areas
- Disability Standards for Education 2005 — requires education providers to make reasonable adjustments
- Fair Work Act 2009 — protections for employees with disability
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities — ratified by Australia, affirms the right to work and education
If you experience discrimination in employment or education, free advocacy and legal services are available. Contact the Australian Human Rights Commission or your state disability advocacy service.