Articulate, well-qualified and experienced in her field of marketing, Zoe Brissett​ would appear to be an ideal candidate for an employer. Yet the 27-year-old Frenchs Forest woman has previously struggled to land a full time job.

Ms Brissett, who has a hearing impairment and cerebral palsy, learned not to mention her disability to recruiters ahead of a job interview.

"My chances of getting the job were lower if I disclosed beforehand," she said. "Whereas if I turned up at the interview without disclosing, at least they have a chance to see me for who I am and hear what I can offer them. The minute I mention disability before the interview, the attitude changes."

Now working full time in marketing, she believes some employers perceive workers with a disability as a potential burden rather than an attribute.