In the diverse tapestry of Australia’s workforce, the stories of individuals with disabilities shine as beacons of resilience and triumph. Here, we embark on a journey through some inspiring disability employment success stories that demonstrate the power of inclusivity, and the opportunities forged by disability employment.
Guiding this voyage are the indispensable NDIS employment support and dedicated Disability Employment Agencies that have served as bridges, connecting the aspirations of disabled job seekers with a world of prospects.
In this inclusive ecosystem, employers go the extra mile to create inclusive workplaces in Australia, making necessary reasonable adjustments in the workplace to ensure that every employee can thrive. Supported by visionary programs, individuals with disabilities enjoy a wealth of disability employment benefits.
As we embark on this journey, we invite you to explore the remarkable employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the range of job accommodations for workers with disability in Australia. Brace yourself for a captivating exploration of disability employment success stories that showcase triumph over adversity, proving that disability is no barrier to achieving professional excellence.
Join us on this enlightening odyssey as we celebrate the resilience, determination, and undeniable potential of people with disabilities who have carved their own paths to success in employment. These stories are a testament to the power of inclusivity and to the limitless possibilities that await within disability employment in Australia.
Elliot’s Story
Having someone to help you get the ball rolling can be the first step towards your next job and life pathway.
For Elliot, now age 45, the pressures of being a Young Carer (in his late teens and early twenties) alongside his own mental health problems and early unemployment, combined to create a situation in which his motivation was low, and he felt his prospects were limited. Elliot also had a negative relationship with alcohol, drugs and smoking, which he has worked hard to overcome.
He now speaks positively and articulately about his journey, including those from Nexus Human Services who have supported him, and the people who he in turn would like to support in future.
“I didn’t have a good early work ethic to be honest, and I had lots of challenges to overcome. I was dealing with mental health problems and Centrelink put me in touch with Nexus. My job coach was really helpful. He gave me the push I needed, and not in a negative way, but by giving me options and taking action. Sometimes you need someone who can understand the process and encourage you along,” says Elliot.
Nexus Human Services continue to support Elliot with his employment and in other aspects of his life and community contribution.
Jessica’s Story
Navigating job seeking and employment can be overwhelming for people from all walks of life. This process can be significantly more difficult for people experiencing mental illness or psycho-social disability.
One such client is proud Ngunnawal woman Jessica of North Canberra, who has been supported by Nexus on her employment journey since 2017. Jessica, age 31, experiences the day-to-day challenges of living with schizophrenia and other mental health challenges. In addition to her symptoms, living alone was a contributing factor to feelings of isolation. She needed the financial and social benefits of regular employment. Like many Nexus clients, Jessica was referred through Centrelink, and linked up with an appropriate Nexus Employment Coach to meet her specific needs.
Jessica has been supported by Employment Coach, Mona to secure and maintain work at a local pharmacy, where she has been contributing with her strong work ethic and positive attitude. Jessica speaks highly of the support she has received from Mona who has built a rapport with her client, “Nexus were really good and understanding of my situation, and Mona has been helpful.”
Ishma’s Story
Ishma, age 22, lives with her partner near Nambucca Heads, NSW. She has found a good employment fit working as a Support Worker in an aged care setting, and with the help of Nexus is enjoying her job. Ishma experiences severe anxiety and PTSD, which she says made it difficult to find and sustain employment. She was keen to share her experience and speaks with high praise for her Employment Coach, Kim, who assisted her with life and career changes.
“Kim and Nexus have done so much for me. I have a weekly appointment, but their door is always open, so if I need to, I can go in at any time. If Kim isn’t there, there’s always someone else I can talk to. If I’m having a bad day, they’ll get me through.”
With the right supports and development, Ishma has all the attributes that will enable her to shine and succeed, both personally and professionally.
The road to a more inclusive workforce is ongoing, but these stories illuminate the path forward. They serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action, challenging us all to champion inclusivity and celebrate the remarkable achievements that arise when we embrace the diversity of our workforce. In this collective effort, we can truly unlock the full potential of disability employment in Australia, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
If you’re a Job Seeker or Employer looking for help with employment, or you’d like to learn more about the benefits of inclusion in the workplace, give us a call today on 1800 163 987.
