Kelsey’s story: Change the Story
Kelsey’s story: Change the Story
Kelsey’s story is one of how hard life can sometimes be. From the minute she was born, Kelsey has had to fight. Her story shows how hard situations can breed new confidence and determination. This is a story about how your dreams are always at reach, no matter how tough the situation.
Video Transcript:
Kelsey: My twin sister Kelly and I were both premature born at 24 weeks. Doctors told my parents that we would be given a three percent chance of survival. I had 11 blood transfusions, my lungs kept on collapsing, and the doctors had to put me in an induced coma, I nearly died three times. That was the first time I’d proved people wrong, coming out alive and coming home with my family.
Kelsey: I’m Kelsey Carlisle and I’m from Sunbury, Victoria. The doctor told my mom at the Women’s Hospital, “Kelsey will have some difficulties in learning but will catch up to peers when they’re older. It will just take time.” I was diagnosed with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and a mild intellectual disability.
Sharmila: Kelsey came in to our Brunswick office, she had been looking for a job, but she was unsuccessful. I’m Sharmila, I’m from Workways, and I’m a customer experience coordinator. We are a Disability Employment Service. We help people with disabilities look for suitable employment.
Kelsey: I don’t think I have a disability. I was just born different. I call it an impairment because people said that with a disability, employers won’t even look at you. My PPL approached VCAT they had this program called the Accessibility Program and they were willing to give people with disabilities a job opportunity. So we came back and remembered Kelsey, who was so passionate about working in law and this would be the right fit for her. She nailed the interview and got the job.
Genevieve: VCAT is the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. I’m Genevieve Nihill, head of the Human Rights Division and also chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I work very hard to make sure that the services we provide here are available to everybody in the community and also that it’s possible for anybody to apply for a job here.
Kelsey: My role at VCAT is I’m an admin officer. I work on computers, documents, helping other staff out. Basically, that keeps the office running.
Geneveive: A person with a disability can work at VCAT and the appropriate support is provided and the appropriate flexibility and adjustment is made,
Kelsey: VCAT understands my condition and it feels like I am safe from all the negativity. person with a disability can work at VCAT. T
Genevieve: I’d say to other employers who are interested in rolling out something like this: jump in because it’s not hard. There’s plenty of support available and it’s good to know that a workplace is reflecting the diversity in the community.
Sharmila: She really grabbed the opportunity and she’s shined.
Geneveive: We’d love to see Kelsey fulfilling whatever her dreams and ambitions are, whether it’s advocating or with VCAT as a stepping stone to somewhere else.
Kelsey: I’m about to study for a Certificate IV in Legal Services at Swinburne University. It’s an entry-level base into the legal profession. I’ve got a mission to prove people wrong. I’m determined to get that certificate and put it on my wall. There’s no elevator to success; you gotta take the stairs. I’m still on this journey, so I’m just gonna take it day by day and one step at a time.