Angela lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, resulting in limited mobility in her hand and impaired motor skills. After many failed attempts at finding a job, Angela turned to WISE Employment for help.
“One reason why I think I was held back from gaining employment, was sharing my disability with potential employers,” explains Angela.
Angela met WISE Employment Consultant Gary and they began the job search, sharpening up her resume and interview skills.
Her In-Work Support Consultant, Bianca, first met Angela at the start of her time at WISE Employment. She commenced a new role with Crowne Plaza Sydney in July 2022 and is now on receptionist and housekeeping duties three days a week.
Initially, when Angela first landed this role it was supposed to be the customer service portion of the business, looking after guests at the front reception. However, she noticed the stress of face-to-face was triggering her epilepsy, so she gave housekeeping a go, and really enjoyed it.
“Crowne Plaza Sydney is incredibly supportive, particularly within housekeeping shifts and advocates for her to wholeheartedly perform tasks to her best ability. And if she’s unable to, they offer alternatives,” explains Bianca.
Bianca visits Angela once a month at her workplace and organises special equipment so she is comfortable when doing big cleaning jobs. Her manager is also very supportive, helping with any concerns and making sure Angela’s needs are accommodated.
“You can tell she’s so much happier. She’s gained back her sense of independence, and even catching the train into the city. She’s loving the job, the people and the culture that comes with it,” reflects Bianca.
Angela aims to stay there as long as she can, making adjustments as she goes and building resilience. For example, she has to be mindful of the lights in the office as they can flicker and can trigger an epileptic episode, and sometimes she will switch up tasks due to limited function in her hand.
Crowne Plaza Sydney’s HR Manager Tina Pham has found having an In-Work Support person from WISE – someone they rely on – a big help. For any issues or concerns, they know that they are always readily available.
“I feel that people tend to shy away from potential candidates with a disability, we are lucky that we have WISE employees because they have been a blessing to our business. Angela is seen as a person, a colleague and a friend to many – she is not seen as her disability. As there is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more,” says Tina.
Besides enjoying her independence and financial stability, Angela has loved meeting new people and interacting with them day to day. She feels that it has helped lessen her anxiety and self-doubt overall.
“The team has been so welcoming and nice – I’ve made a lot of friends. Bianca has also been such a big support and you could tell she was so happy when I showed her around my workplace. They put a pin-up wall on the new colleagues, and what we’ve achieved. It was nice to see my name up there,” adds Angela.
And her advice to anyone living with a disability and struggling to find employment?
“Give WISE a go. They will accommodate and help you, but most of all understand you’, reflects Angela.
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