Where are they now?

Jessica’s on the road to adventure

When her NDIS coordinator suggested Jessica register for Disability Employment Services to get help finding a job, she couldn’t imagine what would happen in the months that followed.

The young and happy job seeker not only found a role she loved, she became a star member of the team at Hair Art Café.

And shortly afterwards, she found herself the star of APM Employment Service’s national advertising campaign.

Sharing her experience of struggling to find a good job as a young woman with cerebral palsy and anxiety, Jessica’s story become a popular video for other people facing challenges to employment.

“I felt like no one wanted me and I would never get a job,” she said about the barriers to finding a job.

And it was her open, warm and friendly personality, which made Jessica perfect for the television advert that followed, and the posters and billboards that popped up around the country.

Five years later, we contacted Jessica to see how she had progressed since finding work through the Disability Employment Services program.

After building her confidence and customer service skills at the hair salon café, Jessica said she wanted to take on more adventures.

She returning to study at TAFE and volunteered at Perth Children's Hospital too.

With some addition support from APM a few months later Jessica started a role as a personal shopper for Woolworths.

Fast forward to 2025 and Jessica’s confidence and taste for adventure is even stronger.

She’s now embarking on a road-trip across Australia with her family.

The trip is expected to last for several months, and Jessica says her plan is to enjoy every moment of the special trip.

But that hasn’t stopped her plans for the future and Jessica’s already thinking about her next employment goals – to explore training and courses to become a nurse assistant.

In the meantime, Jessica still keeps in touch with the APM team members who supported her years ago.

And we can’t wait to see what she achieves next.

Read more about Jessica’s original story.

Read a full transcript of this video. 

About Disability Employment Services

If you have a disability, injury or health condition, we know that doesn’t define you.  

If you’re eligible for Disability Employment Services (DES), speak to APM Employment Services for help finding meaningful and fulfilling employment, and to get you to where you want to be.

Your support is unique to you, your goals, and the type of work you’re interested in. It may include:

• help to prepare for work
• job-specific training
• access to health or other local support services

You’ll also get support to search and apply for jobs.

When you’re ready to work, we’ll help with interviews and meeting local employers too.

When you start work, we may also help with on-the-job training, access to tools, uniforms or assistance with transport costs.

Chat with us today and choose what defines you – including a job you love.

Call 1800 276 276 or click Register now below to get started.