20% of Western Australians have a disability*, but in many cases it may not be obvious to anyone else. Disabilities are not necessarily evident in the way a person looks or acts.

(*2000 Annual Report, Disability Services Commission)

Although the majority of people with disabilities are born with an intellectual impairment, a disability can strike at any time in your life. Disabilities - such as mental illness, and vision or hearing impairments - can develop as a person ages, or may be the result of accidents. In an instant a life can be changed forever, and without support and encouragement it can be very difficult to adjust.

Obtaining employment can make all the difference to someone who has a disability. It is a chance to participate in the mainstream of life and earn a living - building self-esteem, learning new skills and making new friends.