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Meet Jessica

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Jessica leaning on a counter smiling

Register for APM Disability Employment Services

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Jessica was 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.

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.”

Read a full transcript of this video. 

"I felt happy someone was willing to give me a chance"

Not treated any differently

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 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 James 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 with James, who admired her strength of character – and skills as a barista!

“I believe in giving everyone a go,” James said.

“She has moments where her disability might come into focus, but it’s not detrimental, my staff treat her exactly like everyone else”.

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"I believe in giving everyone a go"

Working with confidence

Jess works in the salon café preparing hot drinks and food for clients, and also assists with some team cleaning duties.

While some of Jessica’s movement and coordination is affected by her Cerebral Palsy, she is a confident worker.

“If I have an accident and I drop a cup, I just it clean up and move on to the next job,” she said.

James praised her work ethic:

“If there’s something she needs to know, I’ll tell her, like I would tell any of my staff members – and she adheres to that and carries on with her job.”

The experience of the Disability Employment Services program by APM has been incredibly positive for both Jessica and James.

James cites the level of employer support he received, making the process of recruiting Jessica easy.

“I had a lot of support from Alysha who was very good through the whole process. The support from APM has been very good,” he said.

“I’m happy to tell people I’ve got Jess on my team – she’s great!”

"It’s really helped my anxiety"

A lot more opportunity to come

Jessica’s Employment Consultant Alysha has been with her from the very start of her journey with APM, and she couldn’t be prouder of her.

“Jess was being judged and turned away without people getting to know her and she wasn't getting a fair chance,” Alysha recalled.

“I wanted to find someone who was willing to hear Jess’ story, and I came across James’ Hair Art Café – and he was willing to listen.”

Jessica has been reaping the positive, social benefits of work.

Alysha reflects on how Jessica’s mental health and wellbeing have transformed:

“She is a bubbly, vibrant amazing young woman – I’ve seen her thrive and she’s incredibly happy.”

“It’s really nice to get out of the house two days a week. I feel happy being busy, I feel more independent,” Jessica said.

“There’s a lot more opportunity to come, so I’m happy!”

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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.

Register now

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:

  1. Call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260
  2. Ask to transfer to APM
  3. 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.

Register now