At Sign For Work, we pride ourselves on having hands-on leaders who remain connected to the people we support. Our managers aren’t just behind desks they’re on the ground, working alongside participants, advocating for their needs, and building strong relationships with employers to create positive employment outcomes.
One recent example involved a participant who has been receiving support from Sign For Work for more than 15 years while maintaining long-term employment.
When Sign For Work transitioned from the previous DES contract into our new specialist Deaf and Hard of Hearing contract under Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), the participant completed a hearing assessment which identified a significant level of hearing loss. This enabled him to transfer into our specialist service and access support tailored to his individual needs.
Recently, a workplace issue arose that was impacting him in his role. Sarah, our Victorian Hub Manager, worked directly with the participant and his employer, taking the time to understand the situation, advocate on his behalf, and support all parties to find a positive resolution.
Thanks to this collaborative approach, the issue was resolved and the participant was able to continue succeeding in his role.
The following day, he arrived at our office with his mother carrying a beautiful bunch of flowers to personally thank Sarah for her support and advocacy.
It was a simple but powerful reminder of the impact that genuine relationships, listening, and personalised support can have. For us, employment services are about more than finding and keeping a job. They’re about ensuring every person feels heard, understood, and supported to achieve their goals.
At Sign For Work, we’re proud to stand beside Deaf and Hard of Hearing Australians every step of their employment journey.
