Social firms: creating accessible employment for people of all abilities

Social Firms Australia (SoFA) is a not- for- profit organisation developing social firms in Australia. SoFA is committed to improving the quality of life as well as the social and economic integration of Australians living with a psychiatric disability.

What is a social firm?
The social firm model originated in Italy in the 1960s, and is now widespread throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. A social firm is a not-for-profit business enterprise whose purpose is to create employment for people with a disability. Modifications required for employees in need of support are built into the design of the workplace.

A social firm has a supportive work environment that:

• employs between 25- 50% of its employees with a disability.
• is based on the premise that every worker is paid the award rate or productivity based rate.
• provides the same work opportunities to the disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged employees.
• provides all employees with the same employment rights and obligations.

SoFA Social Firms Information Kit

Request a copy of the SoFA Social Firm Information Kit. Please include 'Infokit' in the subject line.