Finding confidence and belonging at work: Ping’s story
Nov 17, 2025
In this article, Ping, Accounts Receivable Officer at Yooralla, shares his journey to employment at Yooralla. From gathering the confidence to apply for his initial role, to now excelling in the role.
We’re sharing the stories of our colleagues with disability, in a new initiative from Yooralla’s Systemic Disability Employment Network (DEN). These stories aim to help us all better understand the challenges people with disability may face and the difference we can make through awareness, respect, and inclusion.
By listening to these stories, we can build greater awareness of the barriers people with disability may encounter in the workplace, and the role we all play in fostering inclusion.
In this article, Ping, Accounts Receivable Officer at Yooralla, shares his journey to employment at Yooralla. From gathering the confidence to apply for his initial role, to now excelling in the role he was promoted to in February, Ping’s story shows how people with disability can excel in the workplace when supported.
Growing with the right support
When Ping first joined Yooralla almost three years ago, he wasn’t sure what the future would look like. Now, as an Accounts Receivable Officer, he reflects on a journey filled with resilience, growth and pride.
“I studied commerce at Monash University. At first, I started full-time like everyone else, but I didn’t realise how much the support aids I had at school were helping me, until I no longer had them at uni,” Ping recalls.
“I eventually moved to studying part-time and finished my degree in seven years,” said Ping. After graduating, Ping took some time to find his confidence again, before starting his quest to find a job.
“I was a bit worried about how my transcript might look, when you’re applying for jobs that’s all the evidence you have to show you can do the work, and there were some gaps in mine,” he said.
Ping first heard about the role in the Accounts Receivable team from Mira, his OT from Yooralla, who strongly encouraged him to apply for the role and connected him with Nat, who would eventually become his manager.
Nat was understanding of Ping’s apprehension and persisted, patiently waiting for Ping to submit his application for the Accounts Receivable Administration Officer, for which his application was successful.
Ping started small, working one day a week, and gradually increased his hours. In February last year, he was promoted from Accounts Receivable Administration Officer, to Accounts Receivable Officer.
“It’s been slower than I hoped, but I’ve had to be realistic about what my body can handle. Still, I’m proud of where I am now,” Ping said.
What inclusion means
For Ping, inclusion at work is simple: it’s about being treated the same as everyone else.
“An inclusive workplace is somewhere I feel comfortable without sticking out. I don’t want to walk around the office with a sign that says, ‘he’s disabled.’ I just want to slip in like any new starter.”
That mindset extends to advice he shares for others with disability seeking employment.
“Be yourself. Don’t try too hard to be who you think they want you to be, because you’ll get found out eventually. Not every job is going to suit you, but there is something out there,” said Ping.
“If you need something, ask for it. If an employer has already looked past your disability to hire you, they’re not going to ignore you once you’re in the job. And once you get through the door – make some noise.”
A message for employers
Ping hopes more employers will see the value of giving people with disability the chance to contribute.
“Treat us like everyone else. Don’t keep us on just to make up a number or for optics. Be understanding, but be real,” Ping said.
For Ping, success has come from patience, persistence and the right support. His story is a reminder of what’s possible when workplaces are inclusive and people are given the chance to thrive.
Are you a person with disability seeking employment?
Yooralla can support you to pursue your employment goals by providing job skills training and building pathways into employment