Joshua’s green thumb is growing stronger – and so is his impact. Through Disability Employment Services, he’s sowing the seeds of change in his community.
Joshua, a participant in Disability Employment Services (DES), has grown through two separate roles so far in his employment journey. Both roles have set him on a path to success in the world of gardening services.
For just under a year, Josh worked for one of Ability Options’ valued partners, Aussie Gardening & Cleaning based in St Mary’s. Having worked with Ability Options for more than five years, Aussie Gardening & Cleaning has employed more than 80 people like Joshua in this span of time. They support our people and help build their confidence to tackle more challenging roles and explore employment opportunities.
“It felt like I was stepping back into the right work environment,” Joshua says.
Having fostered necessary gardening experience and skills from his time with Aussie Gardening & Cleaning, Joshua joined the Gusto’s Home Hub team in late-2022 alongside Will. Since, he’s become known colloquially as the Gusto’s ‘Lawn Mower man’ among the team. Well-liked by all staff, Joshua is the wingman of Gusto’s senior gardeners.
When he first encountered Gusto’s, Joshua explained that all he wanted was a chance to shine.
All I want is an opportunity. If you can give me an opportunity, I’ll run with it and do the very best that I can.
Joshua – Disability Employment Service participant
Given a trial shift under the guidance of a senior employee, Joshua says he felt as if he wasn’t at his full potential as he was just stepping back into things. But once he found his groove, he improved significantly from there.
Checking in on him every week or so, Ability Options consistently supported Joshua throughout and following his placement with Gusto’s Home Hub. The support he received ranged from phone calls to check in, to appearing on site for a face-to-face catch up on his progress. Site visits from Ability Options staff allowed Joshua to talk about how he felt he was tracking towards his goals. “I’ve found that support from my Ability Options consultants has been helpful,” he shares, “I’m very grateful for the help I’ve had from them”.
“I’d say that, beyond the support I’ve received, I’m a pretty ambitious and self-driven person overall. I’m always up for a challenge, especially if there’s a chance to do anything for the first time, to give it a go to the best of my ability.
Joshua is not only supported, successful, and finds his job fun, but sees a greater purpose in the work he sets out to achieve daily.
“I have long believed that while we all work hard to provide for ourselves and our loved ones, we have a responsibility to support others as best as we can,” he says.
“I work not just to provide, I do it to have fun, go out and about, do the best I can, and be super helpful to people to the clients in the houses we serve. I truly value giving back to the community and working with people.” When Joshua started with Gusto’s, he was initially working two days a week and has since progressed to working between three and four days.
He says his communication skills have improved greatly, and his interactions with both clients and customers have come a long way.
“Ultimately, I won’t say how I’ve developed is like night and day, but there’s certainly a major difference. My progress isn’t over – I still find ways to improve, but I am guided by my goal to give back to the community,” he says.
Ability Options delivers Disability Employment Services in partnership with CoAct
If you’re ready to take the next step in your employment journey, reach out to Ability Options today and discover how tailored support can help you achieve your goals. Learn more about how our friendly employment services team can assist you, call us today at 1300 422 454 or click here to get started.
