Ellie Cole's Couch

A podcast series exploring disability and inclusion in the workplace.

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Ellie Cole in a park wearing an APM polo

Lived experience of disability

Ellie Cole sits down with team members from across APM to discuss how their own experience of disability helps them make a difference for other people.

Christine's daughter continues to inspire

Ellie meets Christine, a business manager for APM who found strength after suffering the loss of her daughter, and despite her own health concerns, is passionate about empowering others  

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Fran's unbreakable bond which inspired a career

Ellie is joined by Fran who shares how growing up with her brother Peter, who was born profoundly deaf, led to some special memories with her family and a greater understanding of people with disability. 


Graham rises to every challenge

For Community Engagement Consultant Graham, experience with his son’s conditions and his own physical challenges have made him aware of the issues people with disability can face.


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Bree's hearing loss brings deeper understanding

Ellie hears from Bree, an employment consultant with APM Employment Services in Newcastle, about the impact of growing up with hearing loss and how it helps her support people in the Disability Employment Services program.

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Lyndsey's ADHD experience is one of her greatest strengths

Employment Consultant Lyndsey has a powerful vision for inclusion of people with disability and shares with Ellie how her own experience allows her to connect with people looking for support. 


Lorna's strength and resilience makes a profound impact

Supporting APM Employment Services participants, Lorna shares how her lived experience with Parkinson's disease adds to her support of others with a disability or health condition.



Els on focusing on a person’s ability, not disability

Living with phonological dyslexia, a brain condition that affects her writing, reading, and spelling, business analyst Els has faced several challenges - but has never let her disability define her capabilities.


Growing inclusion and diversity

Ellie is joined by team members, and partners of APM, to discuss the impact of hiring employees with disability, and to explore how employers can support inclusion and diversity in their business.


Austin on the benefits of diversity for employers 

Ellie speaks with Austin, National Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at APM Employment Services, about the opportunities for businesses to benefit from diverse workforces and providing career opportunities for First Nations employees. 

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Ayesha on the value of hiring people with disability

Ellie speaks with Ayesha, a community capacity builder with APM Communities who lives with a vision impairment, about how employers and organisations should embrace the benefits of diversity, by hiring and including people with disability. 

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Will on the success of hiring Autistic employees

Ellie speaks with Will, Local Area Coordination support officer with the employment project at APM Communities, about the challenges and success he has had finding employment as a person with Autism. 

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Red on how businesses thrive with inclusive hiring 

In just four months with Compass Group Australia, Red, made a significant impact by championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.



Curtis on how inclusion supports healthy and productive workplaces

An expert in workforce health, safety, and performance, Curtis from Konekt shares how inclusive hiring practices and supportive measures from the very beginning, ensure employees feel valued and understood.



Explore more about APM's experienced team