About the research
The right to work on an equal basis with others is fundamental to a fair and inclusive Australia, yet many Australians with disability are denied this opportunity due to structural barriers and limited pathways to mainstream employment.
To close this gap, researchers at Swinburne University’s Centre for Social Impact (CSI) have worked in partnership with Disability Enterprises to develop the Work Integration Social Enterprise Ability (WISE-Ability) Model, an organisational design model to support pathways to mainstream employment for Australians with disability. The model leverages existing organisational strengths to deliver practical and achievable transformation.
Swinburne Edge, a leader in designing and developing customised learning solutions, worked with CSI to create a comprehensive, co-branded WISE-Ability training package. The package:
- equips organisations with the skills, tools and resources to embed the WISE-Ability Model
- empowers program participants to identify key areas for effective implementation within their organisation
- drives meaningful, sustainable behavioural change that expands mainstream employment opportunities for people with disability.
Work Integrated Social Enterprise Ability
Collaborative design
This program was developed through close collaboration with CSI and grounded in proven learning principles that inspire participants to take action. The co-design approach ensured that the program meets learners and stakeholders’ unique needs.
Robust pedagogy
By using powerful learning techniques, each session fosters individual accountability and collective learning. Participants see how they contribute to organisational goals and the impact they can achieve through the model’s strategies.
Support for lasting impact
By combining foundational skills, practical tools, opportunities for reflection and high-level implementation planning, the program supports genuine behavioural change. This approach enables participants to identify meaningful actions that drive success.
Award-winning
The integration of Swinburne Edge’s industry-leading learning design with CSI’s rigorous research sets a new benchmark for customised learning solutions. It was recognised with top industry honours, winning the prestigious LearnX Platinum Award for Learning and Development (Industry-Specific).
A co-designed solution
CSI’s goal was to leverage their research and translate their vision into a high-quality, practical and reflective learning program. The program needed to support the effective adoption of the WISE-Ability Model and foster the organisational mindset shift needed to create and sustain open employment opportunities for people with disability.
Swinburne Edge co-designed the complete learning experience with CSI – from conceptualising and designing the program, to developing a range of learning activities.
By taking a collaborative, co-design approach, Swinburne Edge was able to ensure that the project fully aligned with CSI’s needs and strategic priorities. This involved ongoing stakeholder engagement and integrated feedback cycles at every phase, enabling continuous refinement and quality assurance.
The result was a cohesive, engaging and impactful learning journey, delivered within a quick timeframe.
The results
From November 2024 to March 2025, the project was successfully implemented across 11 organisations operating within the WISE/Disability Enterprises framework, which supports people with disabilities into open employment.
These organisations span Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, reaching a total of 94 participants.
Participant Satisfaction Rates
Overall learning experience 88%
Facilitator’s delivery 88%
Engagement level 86%
Workshop materials 86%
A program with real-world impact
This training initiative efficiently leveraged existing resources to drive measurable progress in disability employment outcomes and deliver a significant return on investment.
- Enhanced workforce capability: By equipping practitioners with evidence-based skills, the program has enabled better support for people with disability seeking meaningful employment.
- Scaled delivery: The program’s success has led to further development; with the program being translated into a self-paced version. This enables scalable delivery to potential organisations and expansion of the program’s reach without proportionally increasing costs.
Need a workforce training solution to empower your staff?
Contact us on 1800 633 560 or via edge@swinburne.edu.au. We’d be happy to answer your questions and talk further about your training needs.