Your Stories

CQPAO Update: The Voice Spring 2025

Recently, I caught up with Amanda and Grant — our People’s Rights Committee (PRC) Chair and Deputy Chair — to talk about the work we’ve been doing together to make sure participants’ voices are heard loud and clear. Amanda and Grant told me that one of the highlights of their role was that

Arts and Culture

, Day Programs

, Disability Services Stories

Turning Bottle Caps into Art: Daz’s Creative Journey 

At Ability Options’ Day Program, creativity is encouraged in all its forms – and one participant has recently turned an everyday item into eye-catching art.  Darren, or Daz as he’s warmly known, is an active participant at our Forster Day Program centre. Daz brings a great sense of hu

Accommodation

, Disability Services Stories

From short stays to a place to call home: Jo’s journey with Ability Options

It is always exciting to welcome a new resident, especially one who has been part of our community for many years. Jo has grown up with Ability Options, first connecting with our organisation as a young child.  She first accessed support through our Short Term Accommodation (STA) services, where sh

Disability Services Stories

, Therapy

Wraparound supports help Scotty step confidently into independence 

When Anne and Phil made the decision to relocate to Coffs Harbour five years ago, it wasn’t just a lifestyle change — it was a decision made with their son Scotty’s future in mind.  “After high school, Scotty started to go backwards a bit,” Anne explains. “We felt his NDIS funding c

Disability Services Stories

, Our People

The real work behind Support Coordination: Helping people make the most of the NDIS

The NDIS promised choice and control – but making it work can be complex. That’s where Support Coordination comes in. What is it, and why do so many call it a lifeline? We spoke to someone who lives and breathes the system to find out. When the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rol

DES

, Employment Services Stories

, Interest

Josh’s green thumb sows seeds of positive change

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 CoAct/Ability Options Disability Employment Services (DES) participant, has grown through two separate roles so far in his em

Lisa finds purpose in everyday moments

Learn how Taree local Lisa stays connected and active with the support of her NDIS Day Program Lisa is the kind of person who’s always been motivated and independent. A decades-long career at Woolworths, purchasing her own home, and living life on her own terms have all shaped her story. Now enjoy

Disability Services Stories

, Interest

, Our People

A spotlight on Grant’s journey with Ability Options

At 21 years old, Grant was introduced to Ability Options thanks to his dad – it was the beginning of a long and meaningful journey. Now a passionate advocate and Deputy Chair of our organisation’s People’s Rights Committee, Grant is not only receiving support but is actively contributing to im

Employment Services Stories

, Interest

, WorkReady

If there’s a Will, there’s a way

From learner driver to confident Team Leader, WorkReady participant Will’s journey has seen him flourish from behind the wheel to the front of Gusto’s Home Hub’s gardening services. Since attending Ability Options’ WorkReady service in 2019, Will was supported to achieve a major life goal in

Employment Services Stories

, WorkReady

Inclusive family dining through diverse hiring at Chickanji

Working to build an all-inclusive family dining establishment, local business owner Mike has been partnering with Ability Options to provide employment opportunities to a passionate workforce eager to make a difference. Over the past year, Tracey and Eddie, two Ability Options WorkReady participants