Violeta Janeuski says, “Realise you are equal to anyone else. You have your own gifts and your own talents.”

Violeta was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 14. At 28 she had an aneurism which left her with impaired vision. Now she is a TESOL qualified, bilingual teacher and project officer with TAFE. Life threw her many challenges, but she threw them right back, went to university, got her Masters and is preparing for her doctorate.

Some people might think that Violeta has performed beyond expectations, but many people with disabilities overcome and achieve through motivation, commitment and with a little help.

Joseph, who studied Applied Science and Information Technology at university, is a successful credit analyst with a major firm and has the important task of reviewing loan applications.

Joseph has the right attitude and is well placed to give advice to others. He also has muscular dystrophy.

“It is important to accept your disability and recognise that there will be some restrictions. But it’s not going to affect what I can offer the company or my level of productivity,” said Joseph.

There were some small workplace issues to be resolved, such as repositioning the code pad for entrance to secure areas and lower door handles for utility rooms.

But Joseph is adamant about the advantages to business saying, “In reality, people with disabilities are more committed to their jobs, there is a point to prove, a challenge.” Team leader, Joseph Laquinto, continues to prove his point.

Daniel Bachi says, “Don’t give up. There is nothing stopping you.”

Daniel was born profoundly deaf but that didn’t stop him getting a TAFE Diploma of Information Technology, specialising in Systems Administration.

Now Daniel is working for the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority in computer services. Only a few modifications to health and safety warning systems and the installation of a telephone typewriter system were required.

How many people can say that they enjoy every minute of every day that they come to work. Daniel can and does adding: “My advice to people with a disability is: If I can do it, you can too.”