Meet Maegan

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.

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.

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.”