Erika Webb
Employment History
I have been a switchboard operator and receptionist at various employers, I have worked in a variety of library roles, including the moving and refurbishment of three libraries. My main employment focus is as a Records Manager, I work in short term fixed contracts which are negotiated by a Employment Agency (Non Disability) which specializes in Records Management and the Library and Information industry. I have worked for Federal Government, State Government and Local Government, I have worked for Trade Unions, Lawyers, Accounting firms, various Mining Companies. I have worked as an Advocate for Blind Citizens WA for over six years. I recently qualified as a Social Trainer for people with disabilities. I also act as an Agent for my partner who does Professional Motivational Speaking. I am currently the NPDC representative for Western Australia. I have been a Scout leader for many years. I am very diverse.
Key Challenges
Mostly indirect discrimination, I may not get a job after an interview, because of my vision impairment, however, the reason they give me, maybe totally different than my disability for example, I am too qualified, not qualified enough, we found a more suitable applicant etc. Also not having a driver's license which has not been an inherent function of the job role, but on the basis that I can't drive, the employer can not see other options, like taxis etc. I recently didn't get a job because I used public transport, and it was perceived that public transport would take longer and is unreliable form of transport than driving. If I take the train to the city during peak hour it takes 2 5 minutes, if I sit in a vehicle on the freeway it will take at least 90 minutes to get to the city.
Other reasons for not getting employed are people's lack of understanding about disabilities and their personal fears.
How Did You Overcome These Challenges?
I have chosen to find other work. Some of these challenges within that workplace are almost impossible to overcome, but as I do contract work and I have an employment agency to negotiate on my behalf, many of these issues do not come up. In the Information Industry, I have an excellent reputation and many clients actually ask for me based on recommendations from other employees and employers.
Education & Qualifications
I have a Records Management qualification and have attended many industry specific training courses during the last 23 years. I also am a qualified Social Trainer and attained my qualification in Certificate 3 and 4 in Community Services in Disability Work. I am currently undertaking the Certificate 4 in Workplace Trainer and Assessor. I believe that we all need retraining and to learn new things, or else we are not up to the I industry standard for whatever industry we choose to work in. Many people do not wish to do continuous learning, and employers do not want people who do not want to learn, so this ; creates an opening for people with lifelong continuous learning like me.
I am willing to be a referral point for people wanting information on my areas of employment.
Contact me for Records Management, Library Officer, Advocacy, Social Trainer, Disability Awareness and Access Consultant, Agent for a Professional Speaker.
Contact Details
Email: erikaweb@perth.dialix.com.au
Phone: 08 9401 6078.