Information for individuals with a disability 

Applying for the Mainstream Employment Programme

If you have a significant disability and you believe it is preventing you from getting a job, you might be eligible for Mainstream.

Being a Mainstream participant would give you two years in a job designed to match your skills with your employer's needs. It would also give you a chance to develop skills necessary for getting a job on your own merit at when the placement is over. 

You'll have to be prepared to disclose your disability to employers. You'll also have to be willing to learn new skills, and take charge of your career.

If you think Mainstream is for you, and you would like to apply, you'll need to first register with a placement specialist. Check the ASENZ website for a list of placement specialists, or phone 0800 MSTREAM.

The process for becoming a Mainstream participant

1. If you fit the criteria, a placement specialist will submit an application on your behalf.
2. If you are eligible, the placement specialist will begin to look for an employer for you.
3. Once an employer agrees to take part in the programme, the employer and the placement specialist will work together to create a tailored job description.  You should not approach employers yourself. It works best if someone skilled in setting up placements does this.
4. When a job has been proposed, Mainstream conducts the approval process. The employer signs an agreement with the Programme, and a start date is set. 
5. You and your employer sign an employment agreement.
6. You will be sent an information pack about the support Mainstream offers during your placement, including:

• funding for extra equipment or support you may need in the workplace (CODE funding)
• induction training for you and your supervisor to get you off to a good start
• funding for external training to increase your chances of sustainable employment (Training funding)
• regular reviews to make sure you are benefiting from the placement
• help if you have problems and need to talk to someone outside the workplace
• a training course in your second year to help you get a job at the end of your placement.
  

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Responsibilities of a Mainstream participant

Mainstream participants have responsibilities to their employer, the programme, and themselves. Most people only get one chance on the programme, so it's important to make the most of this opportunity.

The role of the Mainstream participant is to:

• Comply with the Employment Agreement and any general policies and procedures of the employer
• Abide by the State Services Standards of Integrity and Conduct
• Take part in training opportunities offered - both by the employer and by the Mainstream Employment Programme
• Complete regular Placement Progress Reviews and return them to Mainstream for evaluation 
• Apply for advertised vacancies throughout the course of the placement.

You will learn more about your part in the process when you attend the Mainstream Induction course. This is a one-day course, usually held in Wellington. Mainstream covers the actual and reasonable costs of your travel and attendance.

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Applying for Mainstream Training Assistance

Mainstream provides a training allowance of up to $4,000.00 (including GST) during the placement. The funding is provided to help you improve your employment prospects.

Please note:

• The training must be relevant to current or future employment options, or designed to meet your individual disability needs.
• Funding for on-the-job training is the responsibility of your employing organisation. Training funded by the Mainstream Employment Programme must be in addition to that provided by your employer.
• You are strongly advised to retain a copy of the training application and any completed enrolment documentation for your own records.

Training Funding review process

You can appeal if your application for training funds is unsuccessful.

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Cost of Disability in Employment (CODE) Funding

Your employer will provide the any resources that would normally be provided for employees, including reasonable adjustments to accommodate your disability.  If you need further support or adaptive technology, you can apply for CODE funding.

You can apply for CODE funding if you need:

• adaptive equipment 
• interpreter services
• adaptive software and hardware
• other assistance considered by the Mainstream Employment Programme Manager to be reasonable

to enable you to do your job.

CODE funds will not meet costs already covered under either a Ministry of Health or an ACC entitlement.

CODE Funding application process

1. The CODE Funding application form must be completed by you or your placement specialist in consultation with your direct supervisor.
2. You identify a need for assistance or equipment in your workplace. You can call on the help of your placement specialist or a disability sector agency at this point, either to provide the assistance, or to help with the application to Mainstream.  
3. In consultation with the direct supervisor, the application form for CODE funding is completed and sent to the Mainstream Employment Programme. 
   The application is approved or declined by the Mainstream Employment Programme Manager according to the criteria set out in the CODE funding guidelines.  
4. If approved, Mainstream pays a contracted purchasing authority or the supplier of goods and/or services on behalf of the participant.  Mainstream pays only upon receipt of acceptable invoices.

Please note: Any software or physical article purchased with CODE funding belongs to you.  You are responsible for maintaining and insuring it, and you should keep it for future employment.

The maximum amount of CODE Funding available is $16,900 (including GST) per year for each of the two years of Mainstream support.

CODE Funding review process

You can appeal if your application for CODE funds is unsuccessful.

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Mainstream frequently-asked questions (FAQs)

You can find some more information about the Mainstream Employment Programme here.

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