Chanay's Story

Employment brings coffee with confidence for Chanay.

As a teenager trying to work out the steps to take when school finishes, the last thing you need is a sudden disability such as hearing loss.

Chanay was 16 when she discovered the hearing bones inside her ears were being eaten away by a disease.

After a series of operations, she required a cochlear implant to help her hear.

Like anyone, the loss of hearing and medical procedures that followed took their toll on the teenager.

“Being 16, I was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression just because the transition from going from hearing to not hearing was quite hard,” she said.

“I was really unhappy, I didn’t want to go anywhere or do anything.”

Then Chanay came to APM Employment Services...

Read a full transcript of this video.

"I was so excited, I couldn’t wait to get started"

Overcoming challenges

Chanay’s supportive family and friends encouraged her to take her time in finding employment and taking her next step in life.

But Chanay wasn’t willing to let life pass her by and was referred by Centrelink to APM Employment Services, who deliver the Australian Government’s Disability Employment Services program.

Working with a dedicated APM employment consultant to develop job seeking and interview skills, Chanay was soon offered an interview at a local coffee shop.

“It was applying for jobs that was hard. Having to go in somewhere and hand a resume in - that was really hard,” she said.

“I wanted to work in hospitality or retail. Somewhere I could make coffees or serve people."

Invited for an interview, Chanay’s employer saw her potential and offered her a job the same day.

“I was so excited, I couldn’t wait to get started,” she said.

"I don’t think I could’ve got this job without APM"

The difference a job makes

Chanay takes great pride in her customer service role and also knows the value of having a job when you’re facing additional challenges such as a disability.

“I used to see myself as having a disability, but I feel like I’m just like everyone else now because I have a job and more confidence,” she said.

“I don’t think I could’ve got this job without APM. I feel like I’ve been given a chance in the world of employment.

“I can do more things. I’m happy to go out on my own now. Everyone around me has seen the difference.”

Are you eligible for Disability Employment Services?

You may be eligible for our Disability Employment Services program if you:

Have a diagnosed injury, illness or disability
Are aged from at least 14 to pension age
Are at or above the minimum legal working age in your state or territory
Are able to work at least eight hours per week (with support when required)
Are an Australian resident
Are not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
Are not working at or above your assessed employment capacity

You can access APM Disability Employment Services through a referral by Centrelink or by registering with us directly.

When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you are eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider. Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.

If you’re with another Disability Employment Services provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.

Frequently asked questions

Who is APM?

APM is the largest provider of Disability Employment Services in Australia.

With more than 500 locations across the country we help more people into work than anyone else.

We know how hard it is to find work when you’re facing other challenges. We don’t just want you to find a job, we want to help you change your life for the better.

When you come to APM we get to know you so we can help you get the support that’s right for you.

We help you set realistic goals and keep you focused on finding a job that works for you.

There’s a job out there for you.

Let’s go find it.

How does Disability Employment Services work?

Disability Employment Services (DES) is an initiative by the Australian Government to help people with an injury, illness or disability find and keep a job.

This can include helping people to:

manage health issues that may be making it hard to get work
identifying their strengths and work capabilities
developing skills for jobs and being part of a workplace
succeed when they start a new job with further information and support

APM is Australia’s largest contracted provider of Disability Employment Services and we deliver support programs to eligible people across the country.

Who qualifies for Disability Employment Services?

You can join APM for Disability Employment Services through Centrelink.

When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you're eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider. Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.

To be eligible for Disability Employment Services, you must be:

An Australian resident aged from at least 14 to pension age
Receiving an income support payment, disability support pension, an NDIS participant or an eligible school leaver
Able to work between eight to 30 hours per week (with support when required)
Not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
Not already working at or above your assessed work capacity

If you're already receiving an income support payment, you can also register with us directly.

If you’re with another provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.

What to expect

When you register with APM for Disability Employment Services, we will contact you to confirm your eligibility and invite you for your first appointment.

You will get a local employment consultant who knows the employers, businesses and job opportunities near you.

They will listen to you and build a plan that takes into account your health, personal circumstances, interests and any skills or experience you may have.

Your plan will be unique to you and include steps to help with:

building your confidence
writing your resume and job applications
searching for suitable jobs with potential employers
preparing for interviews
access to services to manage health issues or barriers to work

With APM, you get the support, you get the skills and you get the rewards of having a valuable job.

Already with another provider?

Don’t miss out on a program made just for you, by one of Australia’s best-rated providers.

APM has some of the highest job placement rates in the country.

You can transfer to your nearest APM team in three easy steps:

Call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260
Ask to transfer to APM
Accept our invite to your first meeting

Join the thousands of APM job seekers who change their lives every year by finding valuable employment.

Find your nearest APM location

APM is Australia's largest provider of Disability Employment Services and we have more than 500 locations nationwide.

You can find your nearest APM team on our Find Us page.

Meet Chanay