Living with a lower limb deficiency can reduce your mobility, but it doesn't completely disqualify your ability to work
A lower limb deficiency specifically occurs when part of, or the entire leg is not fully formed or absent entirely - either from birth (congenital) or as a result of factors like disease, injury and amputation.
If you're one of the many people in Australia living with a lower limb deficiency, you may already know how difficult it may feel to perform every-day activities of daily living.
When it comes to employment, having reduced mobility can feel like reduced independence, and you might feel worry your job prospects are limited.
This doesn't and shouldn't exclude you from experiencing the benefits which come with having a job or regular work.
At APM we help people like you find a job every day.
While any work comes with responsibilities, you can complete a range of tasks within your capacity if you find a role suited to your requirements. Naturally if a role requires prolonged climbing, lifting, driving or standing, additional support is a vital consideration for you and your employer.
Whether you're looking for your first job, had a change in circumstances or are returning to the workforce, it can feel intimidating. Knowing where to start looking, understanding the recruitment process - it can be confusing!
It doesn't have to be stressful, especially when you have someone who knows the process, on your team for the whole journey. Supporting your capacity in a workplace is front of mind for APM's Disability Employment Services Consultants.
There is work is available for people with a range of abilities, and there are many benefits which come from having a job.
Our Disability Employment Services Consultants are here to guide and support candidates like you.
Our Consultants have access to organisations and companies that are supportive and can make adaptions to the workplace. There are employers who can accommodate any requirements you have to help you to stay productive, keeping you employed.
It’s important to remember the many benefits to having a job and an employment consultant with Disability Employment Services can assist you.
Here are the top 3 benefits of working for people with lower limb deficiencies:
1. Sense of independence
Earning money will help you to acquire the things you want or need. Things that can improve the quality of your life and increase your independence.
Some of those things might include access to better physical health care, things that add to or enhance to general wellbeing, a better social life, improved housing or accommodation arrangements, or better situations at home with family.
2. Better quality of life
With greater independence comes more confidence and a sense of purpose. Achieving a work/life balance is important for all people in the workforce, and the routine and stability which comes from regular work can have a positive impact on quality of life.
These improvements have ripple effects such as spending quality time with friends and family, capably managing your responsibilities, achieving tasks and goals and participating in hobbies or events. Overall, you can feel more focused and resilient, which further enriches your life.
3. Forging your own career path
Whether you continue in the type of work you have done or take a new direction in work that allows you greater support and flexibility, there are always opportunities to build on your career.
Your work experience enables you to learn new skills and increase your knowledge. You may also have the opportunity to complete role-related training, allowing you to advance your ingenuity.
Finding a job with lower limb deficiencies is possible, and our Employment Consultants are here to help you.
By discussing the physical and environmental adaptions you require at work will give them the best chance of helping you succeed. They specialise in finding jobs for people with disabilities and will not only help you succeed in finding a job, but help you thrive!
To see if you’re eligible for the Disability Employment Support or another one of our support programs, contact our support team today.
Call APM Employment Services today on 1800 276 276 or email apm4jobs@apm.net.au.