Ms Brooks has a congenital vision impairment, which meant she was born without any sight and relies on her white cane to negotiate her way through each day.

To promote the Have Cane, Am Able to Work campaign coordinated by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Ms Brooks spoke openly about the discrimination she has endured in trying to find work.

“Employers are reluctant to employ people like me because they are concerned, number one, I don’t have a driver’s licence so how do I get to and from work,” she said.

“And they are worried I pose a risk at work in the area of Work Health and Safety.

“In fact, because we are so focused on our movements and ensuring to get around as safely as possible,  we are in fact less likely to pose a risk in the workplace than people who have perfect vision – you won’t find me texting and walking at the same time.”

Growing up in Dubbo, Ms Brooks and her sister who like her was born with Leber’s congenital amaurosis has received support from Guide Dogs.

She has undertaken orientation and mobility training in various environments including school, university and the workplace. 

The 27-year-old attained a Bachelor of Social Work from Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, living on campus while she studied for the degree.

“Guide Dogs services have meant the world to me, without it I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere,” says Ms Brooks, whose latest program with Guide Dogs involved training in how to safely walk from her home to her new workplace.

“Without this training I wouldn’t have been able to go to uni or get a job.

“I’d just be relying on people to take me everywhere, which for me would be very disempowering. 

“If I didn’t have orientation I wouldn’t be able to find things like the toilets – and there goes my dignity every time I ask someone when I need to go.”

Ms Brooks considers employment extremely important and believes society defines a person by their job. 

“My job provides mental stimulation, allows me to give back to the community and also gives meaning to my life,” she said. 

Before gaining her current role in May this year, Ms Brooks said she experienced barriers in the job application process due to her disability. 

“Sometimes employers see me as a safety risk,” she told The Argus.

“For example, I missed out on a job in a public hospital because the employer was worried I wouldn’t be able to see and respond to emotional clients, that it would be too difficult to access and become orientated to the building and that the IT systems would be inaccessible IT systems. 

“All these things can be easily overcome with the help of organisations like Guide Dogs.” 

Her message to employers is: “Think outside the square; get creative and consult with the person; ring them about the issues and look for solutions.” 

Mission Australia area manager Luke Butcher said his organisation was committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, as well as meeting the needs of our employees so that they can fulfil their potential. 

“People with a disability – including people with impaired vision – like all staff come with their own unique skills, talents and experiences,” he said.

“Our focus as an employer is on harnessing and growing these skills. 

“Ashleigh is a welcome addition to our Singleton office, and we are proud to have her on our team.”

The link to the employer guide Guide Dogs has launched as part of their campaign is www.guidedogs.com.au/untapped-workforce