In focus

Managing work and a disability

‘I was unable to walk or attend work, I felt anxious and terrified about losing my job ’.

Managing work and a disability was a challenge for Jayne particularly when her health changed multiple times. Jayne shared her story with Pulse to help others in a similar situation.

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Jayne was referred to a Disability Employment Service (DES) provider who helped her develop a resume and her interview skills. Shortly after, Jayne successfully found a suitable position as a Customer Service Representative.

The first time that Jayne’s health changed while she was working in this position, she contacted her DES provider to seek assistance. Her case manager provided her with new workplace equipment to ensure her work station was suitable so she could continue working. Her health then changed again quickly and mobility became very difficult, even when using her walker. At one point, Jayne was unable to walk and could not go to work.

“I felt anxious and terrified about losing my job and losing the function in my legs”, Jayne said.

Although Jayne was hesitant to pick up the phone again, her case manager was at her door within a day and a workplace assessment was organised. The assessment determined that Jayne required a new wheelchair to be able to continue working. After qualifying for funding, Jayne was provided with a loan powered chair so she could return to work immediately.

“I received my own chair soon after and I haven’t looked back since. The experience of using an electric wheelchair was not as traumatic as I thought it would be. Others have said I look great and less tired now, which must be because it is not such a struggle for me to mobilise since using an electric wheelchair”.

Jayne no longer needs any special allowances or extra time to get to meetings.

“It’s fantastic to now be treated as a ‘normal’ team member with no ‘special’ needs. The support and people who were involved in this program, have made such a difference in my life”, Jayne said.

DES providers are available to assist people living with a disability, injury or illness to either seek and maintain employment. If you would like more information about how you can access a DES provider visit the Disability Employment Services page at www.centrelink.gov.au or call Centrelink on
13 27 17.

If you would like to share your story with Pulse go to the Contact Us page on this website. You can also sign up to get the latest news as soon as it’s available from the Pulse e-newsletter.

Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) in Action

Café 64 on a highway to good business

If you have ever travelled through a little town called Walgett in far Northern West New South Wales you may have stopped for a coffee at Café 64.

Café 64 is a well known establishment around the Walgett area. In fact, it’s the only dedicated café in town! It’s made its name for two reasons. One, its great coffee and service, and two, it’s the only employer of people with disability in the area.

Café 64 is an Australian Disability Enterprise providing employment to about 20, mainly Indigenous, people with disability. They offer a dine-in and take away food service to the people of Walgett (population approx 2,000) and to the many travellers passing through to Queensland or heading to the tourist attraction of Lightning Ridge.

Café 64 Chief Executive Officer Martin Wren says there is a wonderful sense of satisfaction and pride for the people that work there.

‘We’ve had some excellent feedback from visitors about our café over the years. Our team works hard to provide an excellent service, and has continued to do so while also going through some difficult times here at Café 64,” Martin says.

‘Walgett was cut off due to flooding and lost power for several days

during the January 2011 floods and the team pulled together during that time to keep the Café up and running,” he says.

‘Our staff are really proud of the Café, which is a place where, through their efforts and work they can find fulfilment, friendship and a fair wage.’

Martin says the Café links workers with TAFE to ensure all Café 64 staff participate in formal training (Barista and Cert 1 or II in hospitality).

‘We work with our employees to facilitate their movement to open employment wherever possible,’ Martin says.

‘Together we’ve created a first class business that pays good wages, develops skills and has been a great stepping stone for career advancement.

‘Our food and beverages are a fair price and our team works hard to make sure our customer’s dining experience is worth returning for more,’ he says.

Café 64 were also the 2008 Runners up for the National Small Business Champions Award and the 2009 National Small Business Champions Award.

Don’t forget to visit Café 64 next time you are driving through Walgett, located at 64 Wee Waa Street.

From cleaner to barista: Susan makes her mark at Ghunmarn Culture Centre

You wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at her but the smiling, confident woman serving your coffee as you visit Ghunmarn Culture Centre in Beswick, Northern Territory, would have had trouble saying hello to you 12 months ago.

Susan Ashley was first referred to CRS Australia in August of 2007. At that time, Susan had never worked, had minimal spoken English and literacy and was experiencing complications with her prosthetic eye.

But Susan did not want to give up. From her first appointment, Susan made it clear that she wanted to work.

‘I wanted to work to help my family and improve my skills,’ said Susan.

Over the next 18 months, CRS Australia provided assistance and support to Susan. This included identifying her strengths and skills, applying for jobs and liaising with the local medical clinic to ensure timely management of her health condition.

During this time Susan remained positive and continued to look for local jobs.

‘I had some relatives working at the Culture Centre and thought I’d be good as a cleaner there,’ said Susan.

Although no jobs were available, Susan turned up anyway to help out and get some experience. Her determination, persistence and commitment to gaining skills on the job led to the manager offering Susan a job.

‘Susan’s potential far outweighed her health challenges’, said Fleur Parry, Development Manager for Djilpin Arts. ‘We’re committed to empowering community and individuals.’

Susan was offered a part-time position in July 2009 and CRS Australia continued to support Susan’s employment for a further six months. During this time Susan’s confidence continued to grow as she learned skills in hospitality and gallery retail.

More than a year later, Susan has signed a second 12 month contract and loves her job. ‘I even got to travel to Melbourne and Darwin with art exhibitions and help in the collection of bush materials for cultural programs,’ said Susan. ‘Work has made me proud of myself.’

Visit www.crsaustralia.gov.au for more information about CRS Australia and their services.