May has a chronic skin condition. She lives with Epidermolysis Bullosa and has undergone  skin graft surgery.

But perhaps a greater disability is more than skin deep.

When May reached out to Workbridge for help, she had already been searching for work, without success, for a year.

Like so many other jobseekers struggling with disabilities and society’s attitude towards them, May had lost confidence, was dealing with anxiety and felt her job choices were limited.

But her employment consultants realised she had great listening skills, was reliable and eager to learn.

Confidence grew as Workbridge supported her applications for work at the Auckland District Health Board.

And when she missed out on one job, May listened to the feedback, practised her interviewing skills and nailed the next one that came along.

Workbridge and the district health board have supported May in her new role, and her confidence has grown to the point that she’s applied for another role within the ADHB, as a  ward clerk at the Kereru Kidney Centre, which is closer to home.  

Which just proves that when employers look beyond the surface of disabled people, they will discover great employees who can make fine contributions to their business.

Acknowledging that, both the district health board and May have been nominated for the ACC employer category at this year’s Attitude Awards.