ADE Statement on the Minimum Wage Exemption Permit (MWEP)

Our primary purpose is to provide meaningful work for disabled people and in the main people with an intellectual disability or similar.

Our organisations are the only enterprises consistently making employment accessible to and a reality for people with an intellectual or similar disability.

Every week there are 900 people exercising their self-determination by choosing to work for us. Their continued attendance is their voice and their vote of confidence in what we do for them.

Many of our employees are on a government ‘supported wage scheme’ (MWEP),  with their total income comprising part wage and part benefit, the sum of which often equates to greater than minimum wage. This scheme allows us as employers to pay wages based on the level of support the person needs (higher levels of care and safety) and productivity. This affirmative action scheme enables us to provide employment and be sustainable as an organisation. All profits are invested directly back into our disability enterprises for the welfare of our employees with disabilities.

We believe that it is a person’s human right to equal remuneration for work of equal value as outlined in Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which this supported wage scheme allows us to do. It supports the expectations that member states provide appropriate policies and measures to promote the employment of persons with disabilities.  It is a vital incentive to employers that allows work to become a reality for people with an intellectual or similar disability.   

The skills and experience acquired working in a commercial environment have transformed their lives, enabling them to thrive in life in the community.

Disability Enterprises are the most successful model of employment support for people with an intellectual disability or similar. We are the only employers with proof of success.