It may not have been easy, but experiencing depression and anxiety would eventually put Ashley on a whole new career path.
One which is fulfilling, and one she is loving.
With support from the Disability Employment Services program by APM and the CROWNability program, she’s forging her career path with confidence and pride.
It hasn’t taken long for her outlook on the future to feel brighter.
“My future now, compared to about 10 months ago, is just amazing” Ashley said.
Working her way up
Ashley is one of the friendly faces from CROWN customers encounter when they arrive for their stay.
Referred to the CROWNability program through APM, Ashley’s skills made her a great fit for the Bell Services at CROWN Perth.
“She’s been an asset since the moment she joined” CROWN Hiring Manager Lucy said.
“Ashley’s disability did not have any impact on her being employed.”
During her shifts, Ashley greets customers and helps check them into their accommodation and arranges for their bags to be taken to their room.
Through her work Ashley’s customer service skills have shone, and she has progressed to higher duties.
Her superiors describe her as a positive influence on the rest of her team.
Ashley expressed her keen ambition to progress: “I’m working my way up and looking into different areas and sections of the hotel and resort”
Her lived experiences as a transgender woman included feeling excluded from certain workplaces and experiencing negative attitudes.
Over time these impacted her mental health, subsequently contributing to real and perceived barriers to finding meaningful work.
Finding a workplace which supports her mental health and career progression has been life-changing for Ashley.
“I’m just confident and happy that I have all these opportunities open to me” Ashley said.
A perfect partner for APM Employment Services, the CROWNability program is about ensuring people with disability are given every opportunity to gain employment and build meaningful careers.
Supported by APM, this national initiative provides tailored support for job seekers and managers through measures like job matching and post-placement support.
"An asset for us since the moment she joined"
A positive influence on her team
APM Employer Account Manager Kerrilee recalls meeting Ashley and seeing how her previous experiences had impacted her mental health.
“She had lost a lot of confidence, and we helped build that confidence back up” Kerrilee said.
APM Employment Services has supported more than 120,000 job seekers with an injury, illness, or disability into work over the last two years.
“I think it’s changed her life dramatically. She’s got a whole new career path ahead of her” she added.
Employers who include candidates living with injury, illness or disability in their recruitment practices too can find employees like Ashley who are “positive, hardworking, loyal and flexible.”
CROWN Perth Hiring Manager Lucy shares some of her insights
“When I’m looking to hire someone for a role, I’m looking for their attitude not their ability” she said.
“I think the more diverse our team is, the more we learn from each other.”
This approach has not just given Ashley more confidence and a more positive outlook on life.
Each time she comes to work, she knows she is welcome, visible, and capable.
And that is exactly how work can enable a better life for someone.
“My future now, it’s bright it’s going somewhere”
Are you eligible for Disability Employment Services?
You can join APM for Disability Employment Services through Centrelink.
When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you're eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider. Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.
To be eligible for Disability Employment Services, you must be:
- An Australian resident aged from at least 14 to pension age
- Receiving an income support payment, disability support pension, an NDIS participant or an eligible school leaver
- Able to work between eight to 30 hours per week (with support when required)
- Not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
- Not already working at or above your assessed work capacity
If you're already receiving an income support payment, you can also register with us directly.
If you’re with another provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.
When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you are eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider.
Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.
If you’re with another Disability Employment Services provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.
Frequently asked questions
APM is the largest provider of Disability Employment Services in Australia.
With more than 500 locations across the country we help more people into work than anyone else.
We know how hard it is to find work when you’re facing other challenges. We don’t just want you to find a job, we want to help you change your life for the better.
When you come to APM we get to know you so we can help you get the support that’s right for you.
We help you set realistic goals and keep you focused on finding a job that works for you.
There’s a job out there for you.
Let’s go find it.
Disability Employment Services (DES) is an initiative by the Australian Government to help people with an injury, illness or disability find and keep a job.
This can include helping people to:
- manage health issues that may be making it hard to get work
- identifying their strengths and work capabilities
- developing skills for jobs and being part of a workplace
- succeed when they start a new job with further information and support
APM is Australia’s largest contracted provider of Disability Employment Services and we deliver support programs to eligible people across the country.
You can join APM for Disability Employment Services through Centrelink.
When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you're eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider. Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.
To be eligible for Disability Employment Services, you must be:
- An Australian resident aged from at least 14 to pension age
- Receiving an income support payment, disability support pension, an NDIS participant or an eligible school leaver
- Able to work between eight to 30 hours per week (with support when required)
- Not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
- Not already working at or above your assessed work capacity
If you're already receiving an income support payment, you can also register with us directly.
If you’re with another provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.
When you register with APM for Disability Employment Services, we will contact you to confirm your eligibility and invite you for your first appointment.
You will get a local employment consultant who knows the employers, businesses and job opportunities near you.
They will listen to you and build a plan that takes into account your health, personal circumstances, interests and any skills or experience you may have.
Your plan will be unique to you and include steps to help with:
- building your confidence
- writing your resume and job applications
- searching for suitable jobs with potential employers
- preparing for interviews
- access to services to manage health issues or barriers to work
With APM, you get the support, you get the skills and you get the rewards of having a valuable job.
Don’t miss out on a program made just for you, by one of Australia’s best-rated providers.
APM has some of the highest job placement rates in the country.
You can transfer to your nearest APM team in three easy steps:
- Call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260
- Ask to transfer to APM
- Accept our invite to your first meeting
Join the thousands of APM job seekers who change their lives every year by finding valuable employment.
APM is Australia's largest provider of Disability Employment Services and we have more than 500 locations nationwide.
You can find your nearest APM team on our Find us page.
There are jobs out there.
We can help you find them.