Living with physical disability and a psychosocial disability can be disempowering and it is within our power to identify strategies that will empower us.

I'd love to share with you the journey that led me to create X Factor Abilities.

Living with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) has shaped my journey and led me to incredible opportunities for growth and resilience.  Despite having FSHD since infancy,

I wasn't diagnosed until 2014, then escaping an 18-year cycle of family violence after realising its impact on my physical and mental health gave me the strength to break free for good. I came to see, that despite the forms of coercion used to keep me within the cycle of violence, the grass is in fact greener on the other side.

In 2017, I began a journey of self-discovery and a pursuit of my passion for helping others. Despite having prior certifications in Childcare and Education Support, the progression of my FSHD made those careers no longer feasible. I went on to earn a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and a Diploma of Community Services: Trauma-Informed which was followed by training for the Lifeline Crisis Support line and working full-time in Employment Services for the past three years.

After a successful scapula operation ten years ago, I had a similar procedure in October 2024 which hasn't resulted in the same smooth recovery.  This unexpected turn of events has propelled me to finally launch X Factor Abilities, a business I've been envisioning since 2023. I understand firsthand the upheavals that can accompany living with physical and/or psychosocial disabilities. X Factor Abilities is inspired by my own journey of finding empowerment through creative pursuits and the continuous learning of new skills.

I'm passionate about helping people with disabilities, fostering creativity, and fostering a healthy sense of empowerment over the impacts of living with disability,

I look forward to supporting you in your journey.

Opportunities to Join X Factor Abilities

Are you passionate about empowering others and making a positive impact in the lives of people with psychosocial disabilities? X Factor Abilities is always interested in connecting with individuals who have lived experience—either personally or as a carer—and who hold (or are willing to work towards) a Certificate in Mental Health or higher.

While we are not currently in a position to offer paid employment, we welcome expressions of interest from those who would like to volunteer or support our programs. Your unique perspective and commitment could help us grow and shape the future of X Factor Abilities. As our organisation expands, we will reach out first to those on our list of interested supporters when paid opportunities become available.

If you’d like to be part of our journey—either as a volunteer now or as a potential future team member—we encourage you to get in touch! Please email us at empowering-activities@xfactorabilities.com.au or call 0494 318 254 to express your interest, share your story, or ask any questions. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how we can make a difference together.