The Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment was established in May 1994 as an alliance of individuals and organisations providing opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain and keep paid work through supported employment practices.

The aim of NIUSE is:

“The promotion of good practice, dissemination of information and co-ordination of activities in the field of Supported Employment”.

This is achieved through development work, policy development, information and library services, conferences, seminars and workshops, staff training and development, membership services and networking at local, national and international levels.

• Development Work - promoting the Supported Employment model and providing technical support and advice on Supported Employment.
• Information and Library Service - NIUSE provides a central information resource including Newsletters, information leaflets, regular mailshots etc.
• Campaigning and Lobbying for changes in Employment Legislations to better the equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
• Policy Work - keeping up to date with changes in relevant training and employment policy issues for people with disabilities and responding to consultation.
• Consultancy & Information Service
• Conferences, seminars and workshops - Organising annual conferences and regular seminars and workshops.
• Staff Training and Development - Organising training courses.
• Networking - Developing links with vocational training and employment organisations and establishing local NIUSE branches.
• Membership Services - Corporate, Individual and Affiliated Membership consists of cross-sector representation i.e. Community/Voluntary, Statutory and Private Sector.

Beneficiaries include, People with Disabilities, Supported Employment Service Providers and Practitioners, Employers and Employer Organisations, Statutory Agencies, Trade Unions, Parents/Carers/Advocates, Disability and Community Organisations & NIUSE members.