Alex’s journey into meaningful work

CoAct is a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider (now Inclusive Employment Australia provider) that specialises in supporting people with sensory impairments. Our goal is to help people with vision impairment and sensory disability find and thrive in the right job for them. Alex’s journey is a great example of how this works in practice.

25-year-old Alex has been vision impaired since birth. He has nyctalopia, or night blindness, and uses a cane to support his mobility and independence. Despite his outgoing personality and determination, finding lasting work had not been straightforward.

Taking the first step with CoAct

Alex was already connected to VisAbility, receiving support with occupational therapy and orientation & mobility training. After Alex completed a double Certificate 4 in IT, he was struggling to find work. That’s when Lisa from VisAbility’s client engagement team suggested he connect with CoAct’s Disability Employment Services (DES) program.

Because they already knew Alex well, the team had a good understanding of how to best support him. His DES team helped connect him to a one-year contract working at a TAFE IT kiosk. When the contract ended and wasn’t renewed, he felt disappointed and unsure of what to do next. Alex and his DES team went back to the drawing board to focus on a plan that would help him find stable, long-term employment in a job that was right for him.

A tailored plan for the right job match

Alex’s Recruitment Partner, Qonrad, took the time to understand Alex’s goals, skills and interests. Qonrad has worked in Disability Employment for 17 years and is passionate about helping people succeed in their employment journey.

Qonrad worked with Alex to:

• Update his resume and polish up his interview skills so he would stand out to employers.
• Approach local employers to find the right match. This is called reverse marketing – working backwards from a person’s strengths and experience to create a job opportunity.
• Provide transportation assistance to and from job interviews.

This led to Alex landing a custom role as a Minor Works Assistant at a sport and entertainment venues organisation, where he supports building maintenance tasks and general duties around the office.

Qonrad worked with Alex’s Workforce Partner, Greg, to ensure both Alex and his employer were set up to succeed. They supported Alex and his employer by:

• Advocating for and providing guidance on creating an inclusive work environment.
• Arranging large computer monitors for accessibility.
• Offering regular workplace visits to check in.

Ongoing support for long-term success

Qonrad, Greg and the CoAct team continue to support Alex, ensuring he has what he needs to thrive at work. Greg even drives him to work when they catch up for his fortnightly appointments.

Thriving in work and beyond

Since starting his new job, Alex’s confidence has grown and he feels like he’s found his place.

“The new job is more hands-on with a lot of interaction with other people. I’m enjoying working in a team where everyone gets along – it’s just a great work environment,” said Alex.

His employer Paul agrees:

“Alex has fit in extremely well and made a great impression in a short space of time. His work output is excellent, and he adds a lot of value to the team. It’s been a pleasure to see his confidence grow, and he’s already making a real impact. We’ve even extended his hours as the work he does is a great help to us, and on a personal level, he’s a fantastic fit. He gets along with everyone, and his positive attitude contributes to a great team environment.”

Alex is now working more hours and able to independently travel to work. He’s proud of how far he’s come, and so are we.

“CoAct changed my life and I’m grateful for them. I finally enjoy my work – it’s given me a sense of purpose,” he said.

A life beyond work

When he’s not at work, Alex has found a passion for ballroom dancing! He discovered Ballroom Fit through VisAbility’s eViews newsletter and now trains regularly at Handa Hall.

Last year he entered his first competition and is now preparing for his next one in Perth.
He credits his dance partner Kaley and coach Darryl for helping him find a new outlet for confidence and connection.

Want to find your own pathway to work?
Alex’s story shows what’s possible when the right support and the right people come together.

If you or someone you know is living with a disability and looking for employment, get in touch with CoAct. Our Disability Employment Services team can help you find a role that suits your strengths and support you every step of the way.

Click here to contact us and find out how we can help.

(Disability Employment Services Australia (DES) has now been replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).