Barkuma Inc is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. Established over 50 years ago, Barkuma has been committed to assisting South Australians with disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives by providing a comprehensive range of disability support services.

History and Mission

Founded more than five decades ago, Barkuma Inc has developed a strong presence in South Australia as a leading disability service provider. The organisation’s mission is to partner with the community to deliver supports designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Barkuma focuses on empowering individuals to transition confidently out of high school and build a life that includes quality employment and appropriate accommodation[1][2][4].

Services and Support

Barkuma offers a wide array of supports tailored to individuals with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Key service areas include:

• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES): Helping young people transition from school to work.
• Transition from High School to Work: Building capacity and confidence for independent living and employment.
• Supported Employment: Offering meaningful work opportunities through Barkuma Commercial Services.
• Open Employment: Assisting individuals with disability to obtain and maintain jobs in the open labor market via Disability Employment Services (DES).
• Supported Independent Living (SIL): Facilitating accommodation supports to enable independent living[1][4].

These services are delivered with a person-centred approach that encourages inclusion, skill development, and community participation.

Business Solutions and Partnerships

Barkuma operates two commercial factories where it provides quality manufacturing and business solutions, creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Through partnerships with local businesses, such as the collaboration with Weber Australia, Barkuma drives job creation and skill development for South Australians with disabilities, fostering greater workforce inclusion[1].

Values and Approach

Barkuma’s work is guided by core values emphasizing:

• Rights and respect for aspirations
• Inclusion and safety in all environments
• Collaboration and partnership to achieve positive outcomes
• A "with, not for" approach promoting capability development
• Accountability and impactful service delivery
• Continuous learning to meet future challenges[2]

These values ensure that Barkuma provides respectful and effective support aligned with the goals of the individuals they serve.

Recognition and Impact

Having served over 700 people, Barkuma is one of the largest disability organisations in South Australia. Its commitment to quality and innovation has been recognised, including receiving the Service Provider Award at the 2023 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards for their effective social enterprise model[4].

Community Engagement and Governance

Barkuma also nurtures leadership within the disability community through initiatives such as the Board Observership Program, which cultivates governance skills among people with disabilities, enabling them to participate in high-level organisational decision-making[1].

Barkuma Inc exemplifies a longstanding commitment to enhancing the independence, skills, and employment opportunities of people with disabilities in South Australia, making it a pivotal organisation in the Australian disability support sector.

[1] https://www.barkuma.com.au [2] https://www.barkuma.com.au/about-us/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/a5272fcf-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/profile [4] https://buyability.org.au/organisation/1001/ [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/a5272fcf-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/documents/e9d5fa08-52c8-e811-a961-000d3ad24282