Securing Futures 2026: International Experts at two Events to Transform Employment for People with Disability

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Finding meaningful employment for people with disability continues to be one of the biggest challenges faced by families and communities in NSW. Many encounter barriers such as limited opportunities, low expectations about capability and systems that feel difficult to navigate.

To help change this, Resourcing Inclusive Communities is hosting Securing Futures: Advancing Employment for all People with Disability, two events specifically tailored to strengthen and provide reform consideration around disability employment. Taking place in Parramatta on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 February 2026 event brings international experts in Customised Employment a, Australian speakers, families, professionals and advocates together to explore inclusive employment approaches and practical employment strategies.

With a strong focus on Customised Employment and disability employment reform, the event is designed to give attendees the tools, confidence and motivation needed to build or support personalised employment opportunities.

Day 1 kicks off with an overview of Customised Employment; perfect for absolute beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Attendees will explore the power of Discovery, the art of engaging employers, and uncover who benefits most from this innovative employment strategy. They’ll also hear from Australian families and job supporters who have supported their family member through this unique process.

On Day 2, attendees will turn their attention to the bigger picture. How can people with disability, their families, service providers, decision makers, government agencies, and policy makers influence and create a system that delivers truly inclusive, quality and meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability?

Learn from International Leaders in Customised Employment

This year’s event features two highly respected professionals from Marc Gold & Associates (MG&A) in the United States, global leaders in Customised Employment, inclusive employment practice and successful reform initiatives.

Therese Fimian — President, Marc Gold & Associates

Therese brings over 20 years of experience leading national workforce development projects and employment initiatives for people with disability. She has worked across government, business and disability organisations to increase access to competitive, integrated employment and build stronger systems that support personalised pathways.

Randy Dicks — Senior Consultant & Lead Instructor, MG&A

Randy is known for his practical, hands-on approach to supporting people with significant employment barriers. His expertise includes Discovery, Systematic Instruction, Customised Employment, and employment support strategies that create meaningful, long-term job roles tailored to a person’s strengths.

Sessions led by Randy and Therese will give attendees rare access to international best practice on Customised Employment and step-by-step tools that can be applied within NSW communities.

Why Attend Securing Futures?

Whether you are a person with disability, family member, employment practitioner, self-advocate, or NDIS professional, this event offers a unique opportunity to understand and apply best-practice approaches to supporting people with disability into employment.

✔️ Understand Customised Employment

Learn what Customised Employment is, why it is effective, and how it benefits people with disability — especially people with the most significant impact of disability. .

✔️ Gain practical, actionable strategies

Attendees will explore:

Discovery techniques
Employer engagement strategies
Building personalised job roles
Supporting people through early employment stages
Strength-based approaches to job creation

✔️ Hear real stories from NSW families

Learn how others have created meaningful employment opportunities and overcome barriers to employment in their local communities.

✔️ Deepen your understanding of disability employment reform

Day 2 includes insights from the Department of Social Services (DSS) on the National Employment Reform Agenda, including what changes mean for families, job supporters and service providers in NSW.

✔️ Connect with a community of people committed to inclusion

Build networks with families, advocates, employers and professionals working toward inclusive employment in NSW.

Event Details

Dates:

Monday 9 February 2026 – Employment: Strategies in Practice
Tuesday 10 February 2026 – Shaping Employment Reform

Location:
PARKROYAL Parramatta, 30 Phillip Street, Parramatta NSW

Pricing:
People with disability & families:

1 Day – $75
2 Days – $100

Professionals:

1 Day – $250
2 Days – $400

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

People with disability seeking employment
Families and carers
Self advocates
Employment practitioners
NDIS professionals
Support coordinators
Education Professionals
Policy makers interested in disability employment reform

Be part of a movement shaping the future of employment in NSW

Whether you're new to Customised Employment or looking to strengthen your approach, Securing Futures is designed to help you take the next step. This event brings together expertise, lived experience and practical tools to support more inclusive employment outcomes for people with disability across NSW.