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Searching for someone willing to give her a chance
For years, hearing ‘no’ was a regular happening for Jessica when she looked for work.
Any job seeker will tell you that takes its toll.
And when someone says "yes", it is lifechanging.
When 20-year-old Jessica turned to her Employment Consultant Alysha as they walked out of an interview together, she was unsure if she had got the job.
When Alysha confirmed she had succeeded, Jessica recalled, “I cried and cried and cried.”
Strength of character
Jessica lives with anxiety and Cerebral Palsy, a lifelong disorder which primarily affects movement – the symptoms of which vary greatly from person to person.
She received support from the Disability Employment Services program, delivered by APM Employment Services.
She was always upfront about her disability when applying for jobs.
Many employers overlooked Jessica because they incorrectly assumed, due to her disability, she would be in a wheelchair.
While incredibly resilient, Jessica recalls how this affected her anxiety:
“I felt like no one wanted me and I would never get a job,” she said.
When her employer met Jessica at her interview, it was clear to see she had skills which were needed at Hair Art Café in Baldivis, south of Perth City.
She made a good impression wither employer, who admired her strength of character – and skills as a barista.
“I believe in giving everyone a go,” they said.
“She has moments where her disability might come into focus, but it’s not detrimental, my staff treat her exactly like everyone else”.