By Callum Ludwig
Finding a job can be hard enough at the best of times, but all-abilities opportunities can be hard to come across for disabled people in the Yarra Ranges.
Campbell Page, operating out of the Upper Yarra Family Centre in Yarra Junction, are helping residents of all abilities with a free program to find a career path catered to their needs.
Campbell Page Employment Consultant Kate Ludowyke said the Yarra Junction hub is a one stop shop.
“We have all the services someone might need under one roof,” she said.
“We work directly with a range of fantastic community partners to support our customers with housing, finances and more to provide a holistic experience that meets their needs.”
The employment consultants at Campbell Page have had success finding clients jobs in childcare, driving jobs, shopping centre positions, cleaning services, support work, farm and agriculture positions and hospitality jobs.
Ms Ludowyke said it’s not about finding just any job in any industry because they’re hiring. “We’re ensuring our customers find work and stay employed. We look at a whole range of factors when finding work such as their likes, dislikes, skills, qualifications and importantly their health condition,” she said.
“If a person has a back injury, we’d never expect them to start a job that involves a lot of lifting, we would instead look at finding positions that don’t exacerbate their symptoms, but still match with their goals.”
Campbell Page offers a range of services to support clients with training, education, building skills and confidence, resume, and cover letter writing, preparing for interviews and more.
The Health Support Services team also help tailor plans to better manage health conditions and can arrange workspace modifications and employer support.
Ms Ludowyke said “unfortunately, there is still stigma that surrounds hiring people with a disability
“There’s a perception from some employers that they can’t or won’t perform as well in the workplace,” she said.
“This just isn’t the case and many organisations are missing out star candidates as a result.”
People with disability are often fearful of the job search process due to the stigma or negative past experiences, with employers often holding unfounded concerns about a person’s capability because of their condition, or over the amount of sick leave a staff member with a disability will take.
Some also have a difficult time managing the symtpoms of their health condition, while for others, it’s simply a case of a lack of confidence or need for skill building to better present themselves as a potential candidate.
“There’s a job out there for everyone and a disability doesn’t have to stand in the way of that,” said Ms Ludowyke.
“Sometimes it can take a little bit of time, but with the right support it’s possible.”
