We first met Anne in 2023, at the Disability expo in Melbourne. She was there to learn about assistant technology for her MS reduced mobility. Instead, she found our Employment coaches who she claims, “went beyond instilling me with hope, they lit my ambitious [sic] fire I thought I’d lost forever”.

For many years, Anne was a corporate highflyer, working in client facing roles for large multinational corporations. She worked her way up the corporate ladder and happily juggled her roles as mother and wife. Diagnosed with MS at the age of 28, her mobility was still great and apart from the occasional flare up (as she describes it), her health was relatively stable and barely impacted her work at all.

Unfortunately, things took a downhill turn around 2006 when Anne started a new medication. Her MS began to relapse regularly. A few years later, a corporate restructuring then a secondary cut in funding in her next role, meant securing fulfilling employment became a real challenge. Anne struggled to find support from government agencies and faced obstacles in disclosing her need for an accessible workplace to potential employers. Feeling disheartened and overlooked, Anne thought her career dreams were dashed.

Then she discovered EmployAbility. Our independent organisation provided her with personalised employment coaching, including updating her CV, guidance on applications, and mock interviews. What made the difference for Anne was not only the practical assistance but also the boost in confidence and mindset shift—seeing her disability not as a barrier, but her skills as assets.

For Anne, EmployAbility wasn’t just about finding a job; it was about finding understanding and empowerment. Their support helped her reignite her ambition and belief in herself, proving that with the right assistance, individuals with disabilities can thrive in the workplace.

In her own words:
“The heavens opened!” “I thought, wow this is exactly what I need, I knew straight away, FINALLY, someone could help me, FINALLY someone just GETS IT!! I am so thankful that I found you all and cannot speak highly enough of the program and the many benefits I received from participating – and completing it!”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anne for entrusting us with her story. Today, Anne is not just a success story; she’s an integral part of EmployAbility, working alongside her former Employment Coach to train organisations in disability awareness.

If you are feeling isolated like Anne once did, reach out to EmployAbility via employability@scia.org.au, and together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive tomorrow.