Good News Stories

Colin registered with Ability Options almost two years ago as a voluntary client living on the Disability Support Pension. Colin has not worked in open employment since well before 1998.

Colin undertook light packaging work in Australian Disability Enterprise and was happy to attend appointments at Ability Options for a long time with no concrete answer as to when he would be given his chance at open employment.

Colin joined in with the Employment Assistance workshops, which are geared towards returning to work, and he showed an interest and enthusiasm for working with animals. He had worked with animals in the past on farms.

Working closely with Colin and understanding his capabilities, goals and interests, Ability Options Parramatta, contacted a local well-known horse trainer, who was willing to give Colin a chance.

Colin was accepted into the stable-hand team without any hurdles and was asked to start right away after his week of work experience.

Colin now works eight hours per week, arriving early and ready for his shift. He now has a job which he is proud of and allows him to be independent.

Colin was supported by Ability Options to open a bank account, buy a phone, learn about work attire and how to travel independently to work, all things that he had not done before and thought he may never be able to do.

His employer has implemented training methods and created an environment to support Colin, focused on overcoming any barriers, which makes Colin feel included and part of the team. Colin is now in control of his own money and life and loves his job at the Racecourse.