Leonie's Story

Leonie felt invisible when she kept getting overlooked because of her disability.

Being supported by Alysha and Ryed has helped change her life for the better.

Leonie is 57 years young and after injuring her neck and damaging nerves in her right leg, she wanted to work again.

She felt her age and disability became barriers, which led her to feel hopeless about finding work.

For her Employment Consultant Alysha, she knew Leonie’s lived and professional experiences would make Leonie an asset to All-U-Need Pest Control.

Read a full transcript of this video.

"She’s a wonderful person and an asset to our company"

Small changes which made a big difference

Leonie’s story is one of great personal and professional success – someone who really found the right fit.

Likewise, All-U-Need Pest Control found the right fit too – someone who has become like family.

Leonie has faced many challenges and barriers:

“When I disclosed (my injury) people in mainstream didn’t want to know – it was ‘too hard’” she said.

What’s helped Leonie manage in her role while living with disability and chronic pain has been working part-time, a Xero short course to refresh her knowledge and her special chair, both provided by APM.

Having a chair at her desk which was high enough to support her shoulders and neck is just one of the many ways she has been supported in her role. This small adjustment to her workstation enables Leonie to work comfortably and productively.

Her Employment Consultant Alysha is one of the Leonie’s biggest supporters:

“I think people with disabilities bring an energy and a drive that just unlike any other – they want to work and they don’t want to be looked at as their disability.”

“Leonie was tired of being overlooked" Alysha said "the day I called All-U-Need Pest Control I had an honest and amazing conversation with the owner, Ryed. Within ten minutes he was willing to set up an interview to meet her.”

"Going to APM was just the best thing ever"

A very special employer

Alysha recalls the first time she spoke with Ryed as “the most supportive conversation I’ve ever had.”

It takes a special person to be as open, supportive, and non-judgemental as Ryed has been with Leonie.

When he was told Leonie needed a special chair, he went and picked it up for her!

“We never noticed that she had a disability, she fits in nicely with all the other staff and gets along beautifully with everyone in the office” Ryed said.

He has nothing but praise for her and her work ethic, saying “she’s very empathetic with our clients – she’s very understanding, and her customer service is excellent.”

"We're lucky to have her."

People with disability deserve the opportunity to work and to begin a new career journey – to become part of a workplace who see her as like a family member.

Just like Leonie has.

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.