While Una’s colourful pastel hair and confident presence catch the eye, it’s her extraordinary story that truly makes an impression.
At 21, Una’s life changed forever when a motor vehicle accident left her completely blind. Rather than let it define her, she rebuilt her life – completing a psychology degree, postgraduate studies in social work, and pursuing a career helping others.
‘I can do everything,’ Una says, ‘I just can’t see.’
In 2020, Una connected with Maxima, looking for help to find work in her field. From her first meeting with Louise Mascall, who is Maxima’s Manager of Inclusive Employment Australia services in Western Australia, she knew she was in safe hands. Louise became Una’s advocate, mentor, and steady companion through 18 months of job searching. Together they wrote applications, called employers, and prepared for interviews – with Louise often driving Una to meetings, sitting beside her when needed, and making sure each experience was accessible and fair.
Some interviews were disheartening. In one, Una was handed paperwork to ‘read’ even though the employer knew she was blind. In another, the pair had to trek 15 minutes through an unfamiliar suburb just to find the right address. But they laughed through it and kept going.
Then came the breakthrough: Una was offered her first paid job at age 59, as a counsellor supporting others through difficult times.
Maxima’s support didn’t stop there. Louise joined Una on her first day, helping her set up her workstation and learn her way around the office. Maxima worked with the employer and JobAccess to secure funding for screen-reading software, a Braille note-taker, a scanner, on-the-job coaching, and training for Una’s colleagues so they could better understand how to support a blind co-worker.
When Una encountered accessibility challenges in her online learning modules, Maxima stepped in again, providing her with a private workspace at their office, where staff were on hand to help her navigate parts of the system incompatible with her screen reader. They negotiated extensions during technology upgrades and maintained close communication with her employer to ensure expectations were fair and achievable.
Thanks to Maxima’s advocacy, Una’s workplace has recognised the barriers in their online learning system and implemented recommended changes. The organisation is now making substantial progress in improving accessibility, benefiting not only Una but also colleagues with low vision or other learning needs.
Now permanently employed, Una is thriving in her role, and somehow still finds time for Pilates, reading, sewing, knitting, art, sculpture, singing lessons and even horse riding. Life is busy, but full.
Maxima continues to check in with Una through regular calls and site visits. Staff still assist her with training updates, workplace adjustments and, occasionally, a friendly walk to Subway for lunch.
Reflecting on her journey and the ongoing support she receives, Una shares her experience in her own words:
‘I am very impressed with Maxima’s commitment to me – and of course to their other clients – and in their attention to detail. From the beginning I felt that I was in the safe hands of a friendly and professional team.
I am thankful for having a job, for a support system, and for the dignity of earning a salary and – above all – being able to contribute to the wellbeing of others.’
If you or someone you know has a disability, injury, or health condition that makes finding or keeping a job challenging, Maxima can help through Inclusive Employment Australia services. To learn more, click here.