“Having a disability hasn’t stopped me.” Sonja’s story.
Vision impairment hasn’t hindered Sonja’s efforts to find a rewarding career. The Adelaide job seeker who is blind in both eyes started looking for work in April this year. With years of administration experience and seven years as a non-paid Carer, it wasn’t long before a local NDIS provider recognised Sonja’s skills and lived-experience.
“Bissycare is a lovely family business,” Sonja said. “I knew the manager, Bismark and after joking with him about working there, he asked me if I would like a job!”
Sonja had previously worked at SAPOL transcribing court documents until she left to provide full-time care to her mother in 2014. Her career has also included several years working in administration roles at the Guide Dogs and Royal Society for the Blind. She is now the first point of contact for BissyCare clients and is loving her new role.
“Working again is just wow! It’s something I wanted to do again,” Sonja said. “I really like that kind of work and helping out other people with disability.
“The clients have complimented me on my phone skills and I get a thrill out of helping people solve problems. I love having a chat with the clients and it makes them feel not just like a number.”
DES Employment Consultant, Robyn Hearne from MatchWorks Salisbury supported Sonja into her new role.
“Sonja is a very warm and personable woman who engages well with anyone she speaks with,” Robyn said. “We knew she would have a great rapport with clients as she has a very kind and soothing manner on the phone.”
“Robyn was so lovely and really encouraged me,” Sonja said. “She helped me get the equipment to do my job through JobAccess. She helped with clothing and getting the specialised footwear I needed. I was so surprised, I had never had that before.”
Sonja said having a disability hasn’t stopped her in life and she has settled in well to the role.
“If you want to work, show people you want to do it. Keep knocking at that door,” Sonja said. “I’m happier because I now have job stability and a good wage. My husband and I can do more things now, like enjoy a weekend away for our anniversary and relax.
“It’s good for people out in the community to see what a vision impaired person can do.”
BissyCare is an NDIS provider and delivers in home support, nursing and home maintenance to people living with disability.