Post by Banjo on Apr 11, 2015 17:13:47 GMT 7
Disability sufferer: All Cat O'Leary wanted to do was work
Cat O'Leary has wanted to work ever since she started an after school job in 2000. But it was only this year she was hired for her first full-time position.
For many potential employers a person's abilities are hidden behind their disability. Recent studies, by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, show that people with disabilities are significantly under-employed and workforce participation is declining.
O'Leary has congenital nystagmus, rapid involuntary eye movements which make it hard for her to focus on small objects causing visual fatigue.
Despite successfully completing a course in childcare at TAFE and gaining many casual shifts, employers were reluctant to hire O'Leary permanently.
"Working in the child care industry was all I've ever wanted to do. The jobs were out there but I kept getting rejection phone calls saying I lacked experience or qualifications, even when jobs were advertised as entry level," she says.
"I became disheartened and accepted I'd never get a job doing what I loved."
Eventually O'Leary moved into administration but continued having trouble finding work.
"I was always told if you can't work then you studied," she says. "I would apply for hundreds of jobs and not get any of them. It made me feel worthless.
"It's even more frustrating when I would write up applications for friends and see them get the job.
"I'd give up then go back to it after a few months because I don't know how to do anything other than job hunt."
There are many Disability Employment Services assisting people in finding work but according to O'Leary many were too focused on government funding and recommended inappropriate positions.
"Most gave up on me," she says. "They told me not to set my hopes too high. No one should ever have to hear that. How can you have hope for yourself if other people have that attitude? I had to get really assertive to express what I wanted or go elsewhere."
She had a better experience working with Vision Australia, a specialist blindness and low vision organisation, where she learnt practical skills enabling her to act independently.
"They made me feel like I had a voice and understood my skills, helping me find a job that suited me. It's not just about finding clients any job it's teaching them how to do that on their own. What I valued more than anything were other people there with similar experiences. We could bounce ideas off each other," she says.
From a permanent position working six hours a week O'Leary built enough confidence and experience to now have a full time job at UnitingCare Ageing. In this administrative role processing client referrals she has become a valued member of staff.
UnitingCare's Natasha Canuto said she was most impressed with O'Leary's work ethic.
"She goes above and beyond to complete tasks, while bringing a wonderful sense of humour to the team. We feel fortunate to have her with us," she says.
After overcoming so many challenges this job means a lot to O'Leary.
"My negative experiences meant I talked myself down but all the damage has been repaired. I'm two months in and I feel secure and happy. I love that someone finally has faith in me. I'm not stressed about money any more, I can make plans. It's really liberating," she says.
www.smh.com.au/business/disability-sufferer-all-cat-oleary-wanted-to-do-was-work-20150411-1meu6u.html
Cat O'Leary has wanted to work ever since she started an after school job in 2000. But it was only this year she was hired for her first full-time position.
For many potential employers a person's abilities are hidden behind their disability. Recent studies, by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, show that people with disabilities are significantly under-employed and workforce participation is declining.
O'Leary has congenital nystagmus, rapid involuntary eye movements which make it hard for her to focus on small objects causing visual fatigue.
Despite successfully completing a course in childcare at TAFE and gaining many casual shifts, employers were reluctant to hire O'Leary permanently.
"Working in the child care industry was all I've ever wanted to do. The jobs were out there but I kept getting rejection phone calls saying I lacked experience or qualifications, even when jobs were advertised as entry level," she says.
"I became disheartened and accepted I'd never get a job doing what I loved."
Eventually O'Leary moved into administration but continued having trouble finding work.
"I was always told if you can't work then you studied," she says. "I would apply for hundreds of jobs and not get any of them. It made me feel worthless.
"It's even more frustrating when I would write up applications for friends and see them get the job.
"I'd give up then go back to it after a few months because I don't know how to do anything other than job hunt."
There are many Disability Employment Services assisting people in finding work but according to O'Leary many were too focused on government funding and recommended inappropriate positions.
"Most gave up on me," she says. "They told me not to set my hopes too high. No one should ever have to hear that. How can you have hope for yourself if other people have that attitude? I had to get really assertive to express what I wanted or go elsewhere."
She had a better experience working with Vision Australia, a specialist blindness and low vision organisation, where she learnt practical skills enabling her to act independently.
"They made me feel like I had a voice and understood my skills, helping me find a job that suited me. It's not just about finding clients any job it's teaching them how to do that on their own. What I valued more than anything were other people there with similar experiences. We could bounce ideas off each other," she says.
From a permanent position working six hours a week O'Leary built enough confidence and experience to now have a full time job at UnitingCare Ageing. In this administrative role processing client referrals she has become a valued member of staff.
UnitingCare's Natasha Canuto said she was most impressed with O'Leary's work ethic.
"She goes above and beyond to complete tasks, while bringing a wonderful sense of humour to the team. We feel fortunate to have her with us," she says.
After overcoming so many challenges this job means a lot to O'Leary.
"My negative experiences meant I talked myself down but all the damage has been repaired. I'm two months in and I feel secure and happy. I love that someone finally has faith in me. I'm not stressed about money any more, I can make plans. It's really liberating," she says.
www.smh.com.au/business/disability-sufferer-all-cat-oleary-wanted-to-do-was-work-20150411-1meu6u.html