Maegan found a role to suit her ability.
Following major spinal surgery to treat her scoliosis Maegan needed some accommodations to assist with her healing and pain management.
After many attempts applying for work, she wasn’t finding the success she’d hoped for.
Maegan had undergone a spinal fusion surgery which involves the joining of two or more vertebrae in at any level in the spine.
Fusion surgeries have permanent results, altering the mobility of the of the spine to counteract the effects of her scoliosis.
A fusion in her lower back meant Maegan has some reduced movement and she cannot lift above a certain weight.
She just hadn’t found the right role which highlighted her ability, not her disability.
That’s when she reached out to APM and found the CROWNability program.
"Her disability does not affect her ability to work"
Read a full transcript of this video.
Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice
Maegan was hired as a Bar Attendant at Crown Perth’s HI-LINE bar.
As part of living with a spinal fusion, Maegan found her pain levels and nerve pinching could sometimes be unpredictable.
When they met, APM Employer Account Manager Kerrilee saw her potential and arranged a ‘meet and greet’ for her with Crown.
“APM actually listened to my concerns, and then they were able to put me in contact with that were willing to work with people such as myself,” Maegan 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.
Maegan’s manager Nick observed great potential in her from the beginning.
“Since Maegan started at HI-LINE, we noticed a strong sense of responsibility and a very good initiative about her,” he said.
Located in the Crown complex, the HI-LINE rooftop bar is a spacious outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Perth skyline. Patrons can choose a range of beverages and signature cocktails, along with Mexican-inspired food.
Maegan is responsible for preparing and serving drinks, providing service as a waiter and working at the venue’s private functions.
“In Maegan’s role, her disability does not affect her ability to work in any way whatsoever” Nick said.
“She has not only excelled in doing her basic duties, but she’s also taking on responsibilities in running our functions, leading to a lot of very good positive feedback from our customers.”
Having gone from strength to strength, Maegan has since been promoted, becoming a permanent staff member.
"She looks like a whole different person"
A deep confidence in herself
Kerrilee remarked on the difference employment has made to Maegan’s life.
“Seeing her now, she looks like a whole different person.”
Maegan recalls feeling hopeless about searching for work.
“I thought no-one is going to give me a chance or work with me” she said.
“It is always a joy to come to work, I work with some great people.”
“It definitely has boosted my confidence” she added.
People with disability are part of our everyday lives, deserving equal opportunity to be part of the workforce.
Nick shares his experiences of accommodating disability in the workplace at Crown
“We do have to make minor adjustments and we do have to take the time to adjust to them - for example rostering and their duties, the benefits outweigh any minor inconvenience.” he said.
The positive impacts of employment are not localised to one person. When someone finds a supportive workplace where they are in a role which allows them to balance their physical wellbeing and limitations, it creates ripple effects.
“I definitely feel like I’ve been given role which is suitable to my ability rather than my disability.”
“I think it’s super important to give people with disability a chance, I think it has a flow-on effect” Maegan said.
“You help people, and those people can give back to the community and help in ways that might not have been seen before.”
"It definitely has boosted my confidence; it lets me know that I can do these things"
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.