Against All Odds

Sharon Foreman became a quadriplegic as a consequence of a car accident in 1991.

After spending a year in rehabilitation, Sharon had to decide what to do about her career; she had been a nurse before the accident, but knew it was impossible to return to this type of work. 

So she undertook computer and office skills training with the assistance of reSolutions Employment, a service run by the Endeavour Foundation, and gained a position as an administration assistant at a day care centre.  

It was here she discovered an interest in the field of psychology, and shortly after, Sharon began a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology.  She received her degree and was then accepted for the Psychology Honours program.

Upon completion of her studies, Sharon returned to reSolutions Employment for assistance in finding employment as a psychologist.

“I discovered early on the barriers that people with a disability,” said Sharon.

“For example a person in a wheelchair has to deal with issues of accessibility.  Checking whether a building has a ramp for wheelchair access etcetera, has been a constant issue in my life.”

“Another issue I have faced has been ignorance about disability within the community. But I have found that being open and honest about my condition helps to educate people.”

While Sharon has faced plenty of obstacles since her accident, the sense of achievement and independence that she has gained as a result of her persistence and success have been rewarding. 

“Now I am excited about the future and am quite certain that no barrier I may be confronted with is impossible to overcome.”

reSolutions Employment specialises in assisting people with a disability to find suitable employment in various industries within the community, and provides a holistic approach ensuring that any barriers to employment are identified and addressed in order to maximise employment options, at no cost to the jobseeker.