Impact Story - Emma O’Keefe
A 34-year-old woman from Maitland, New South Wales, is proving that meaningful employment is within reach for people with disability, with the right support. Emma O’Keefe, who is Autistic and has ADHD, as well as other neurodivergences, is now thriving as a support worker after overcoming barriers in her job search thanks to the Disability Employment Catalyst (DEC) program.
Her pathway into the disability sector was not straightforward. After an initial rejection for her current role, Emma connected with The Achieve Foundation through the Disability Employment Catalyst initiative. This relationship proved pivotal. “I didn’t realise that there were people out there who would be willing to talk and see what could be done,” she recalls. “They advocated for me and got me in the door… I found they worked pretty well for my kind of needs.”
Emma explains that this kind of work is close to her heart. Having grown up with and cared for her two brothers, who both have disabilities, she now uses the communication skills and empathy she developed as a carer to support her clients. Her lived experience allows her to connect with participants in a meaningful and effective way.
Emma says that unlike previous engagements with job providers who rushed her into jobs that were a poor fit, The Achieve Foundation took the time to ensure she found a role suited to her and one she genuinely enjoys. She says her current position plays to her strengths as an individual, making it more sustainable and rewarding.
“The most rewarding part is that I actually get to make a difference with people who are disabled like me. My whole life I have wanted to help others… I never realised it would be disabled people like myself, or other people with other disabilities… I actually really enjoy this, and I really enjoy the fact that I am making a difference in their lives.”
Emma is also looking to the future. She is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Administration with the goal of transitioning into administrative roles within the disability sector.
Her aim is to contribute to the field from behind the scenes, where she can continue advocating for people with disability.
Emma celebrates the achievement of being employed as it is a milestone that once felt out of reach. She acknowledges that for many people with disability, gaining and maintaining employment can be challenging, and she hopes her engagement with the DEC will help show others what is possible.
“I know it is hard for people with disabilities to get work and to show that I can actually do it and that it is actually possible for other people like me, I think is a great achievement.”
