Lorna on why disability doesn't define you

Lorna, a spirited 63-year-old from South Africa, has always been a beacon of resilience and strength.

Supporting APM Employment Services participants, she uses her lived experience with Parkinson's disease to support others with a disability or health condition, making a profound impact on their lives.

Lorna's journey with Parkinson's began with a tremor in her thumb. "I thought, Oh my goodness, what's happening now?" she recalls.

The tremors soon spread to her hand, leading to a diagnosis that would change her life.

"It was a big shock, but it was like it left me without a feeling," Lorna explains.

It took months for the reality to sink in, but once it did, she embraced her new reality with remarkable courage.

Drawing from her own experiences, Lorna offers invaluable support to her clients at APM.

"Look at me, 63 years old, Parkinson’s, I'm still here at work," she often tells them, emphasising that a disability does not define a person.

Her personal journey allows her to connect deeply with those she helps, providing not just professional guidance but heartfelt empathy.

Lorna's childhood memories of her father, who lost his legs to diabetes, also shape her approach.

"People think because my legs are gone, I'm only a half a person, but I'm actually still the full person," her father would say.

This perspective has instilled in Lorna a profound understanding of the importance of seeing beyond physical limitations.

Lorna in front of a mic speaking to Ellie Cole

At APM, Lorna is part of a dedicated team that uses their personal experiences to uplift others.

"We need to overcome the fear. You got my support. So you're not alone in this journey. I can walk the journey with you," she assures participants.

Her advice is simple yet powerful: "Accept what happened. You got a card. You have to deal with that card now."

Lorna finds immense pride in working for an inclusive organisation that values and supports its employees and clients alike.

"I'm proud working for APM and there's not enough words to say thank you for what APM is actually doing for the clients and for the employers," she says.

Ellie Cole’s Couch

In this incredible series, Ellie sat down with team members from across APM to discuss how their own experience with disability motivates and inspires them to support people with disability.

See more of these conversations and how APM’s diverse and dedicated team members deliver on our shared purpose of enabling better lives, on the Our people page.