As an NDIS Partner in the Community, Disability Employment Service provider and Equal Opportunity Employer, SSI recognises the importance of reflecting on our practices to positively impact the lives and experiences of people with disability.

Acknowledging the value of lived experience, we knew that the voices of people with disability needed to be integral to the planning of our disability employment symposium in mid-February. At the helm was Michelle Brown, an ally of SSI local area coordination and a facilitator of SSI’s Ignite program.

The event involved discussions on enhancing the economic participation of individuals with disabilities. Attendees, including government representatives, service providers, and advocacy groups, collaborated to identify effective strategies for recruiting and retaining individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

The working group provided invaluable feedback on key aspects of the symposium, including making the auditorium more accessible, encouraging presenters to provide visual descriptions of themselves for attendees with impaired vision, and even the running order of the day.

“To showcase the experiences of what people with disability go through in terms of employment, we brought [the lived experience panel] to be first… I think that really shaped the day in terms of how things were run,” said Michelle.

Michelle’s desire to amplify the concerns and stories of those with lived experience comes from a personal place.
“I have worked for organisations that weren’t flexible around my needs,” she said, shedding light on the barriers people with disabilities face right from the recruitment stage.
“The advertisements [for most jobs] say you need your licence… I don’t drive so that’s been a big issue in trying to find a job.”

The conversations at the symposium also emphasised that people with disability seeking self-employment should also not be left out of the picture. This was an important message for Michelle, whose role sees her mentoring people with disability to explore and pursue self-employment through entrepreneurship.
“[The symposium] highlighted for me the need for such a program as Ignite,” she said .
“No-one really considers that someone [with a disability] could actually run their own business, so I feel it’s a very valuable program.”

Whilst the symposium highlighted pathways for many critical conversations to be converted into actions, Michelle acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to promote inclusivity in the workplace.

“It’s just the beginning,” clarifies Michelle, who emphasises the need for greater education and awareness surrounding the experiences of people with disabilities.
“In a way, [it] filters down to perhaps why there isn’t change.”

The symposium’s working group underscores SSI’s commitment to advancing the role of people with disabilities in the organisation.
“That’s another way that SSI has been successful; providing opportunities for people,” Michelle said.
“I was proud that the working group made a significant difference on that day, and I also thought it was really great that we were acknowledged in terms of the work we did.”

Through initiatives like the symposium and dedicated programs, SSI is committed to fostering the needs and hopes of people with disability to help make workplaces stronger, and more inclusive.

For more information SSI’s disability services, visit our webpage. You can contact our Local Area Coordination team via the following methods:
Phone: 1800 960 975
Email: ssilac@ndis.gov.au

Heather, a dedicated parent of two young children, was initially referred to the ParentsNext program when it was mandatory. Like many, she had reservations due to its association with Centrelink and potential financial implications. Her primary focus was on caring for her children, and she wasn’t ready to dive into job searching. However, her first appointment at ParentsNext was a pleasant surprise, with a welcoming and understanding atmosphere.

ParentsNext allowed Heather to engage with the program at her own pace, without immediate pressure to pursue employment. This flexibility was crucial as she navigated significant life challenges, including the end of her relationship. Throughout these difficult times, Heather received unwavering support from her ParentsNext facilitator during routine check-ins.

When Heather realised it was time to find employment, she turned to her facilitator for guidance. Despite uncertainties about her career direction and skills, she received invaluable assistance, including job leads, resume help, and mock interviews. This support led her to a fulfilling role as a disability support worker. Although health issues eventually forced her to leave that position, Heather persevered. She independently secured a retail job but remained determined to achieve more.

Heather continued her job search and found an administrative role within the ParentsNext program with SSI. With her facilitator’s guidance, she successfully navigated the application process and transitioned to full-time employment. For over 12 months now, Heather has been an Admin Intake Officer, managing intake processes, coordinating appointments, and supporting clients accessing services.

Heather has overcome numerous barriers, including a lack of work experience, financial strain, stigma fears, single parenthood, and health issues. Her current role has boosted her financial stability and confidence and allowed her to connect with other parents, offering them hope and support.

Heather loves connecting with clients and empathising with their journeys. She encourages those doubting themselves, saying, “I was you and have been in your position. You can do anything.”

Heather aims to become a facilitator and continue building her career. She also achieved a personal goal of buying her dad a car, highlighting how her career has positively impacted her family’s life.

Heather’s story exemplifies the resilience and capabilities of parents in the ParentsNext program. Her journey is a testament to the program’s commitment to supporting parents through their unique challenges and toward their future goals.

For over 11 years, SSI’s foster care program has placed children and youth in need in the hearts and homes of foster carers.

In the organisation’s first expansive foster carer recruitment marketing campaign, five former children in care shared stories and reflections from their journeys in foster care.

These incredible young adults have all been part of SSI’s Multicultural Child and Family Program and brought their unique experiences and perspectives to the campaign.

To attract new foster carers in the current carer shortage, the young people joined a day of filming to share their experiences in care and reflect on the carers who left a lasting impression on them.

Their stories encourage people to recognise that foster carers make a lasting difference in a child’s life, no matter the duration of time spent together. Every moment as a foster carer is a chance to create a meaningful chapter in a child’s life.

The campaign features a series of thematic videos that will be utilised across multiple channels over the coming months, with opportunities for future iterations.

Explore the campaign and learn more about the SSI Multicultural Child and Family Program here.

As his condition progressed, the 39-year-old realised he could no longer maintain his employment or drive his car. He became withdrawn from regular activities and spent most of his time alone.  

“Peter used to work full-time, drove everywhere, enjoyed cycling and surfing and lived a pretty good life,” said Beverley Sutton (Bev), Peter’s Local Area Coordinator from SSI. 

Bev has been working alongside Peter to support him in achieving his NDIS goals.  The new diagnosis meant that Peter, who was already an NDIS participant since 2020, had to reassess his NDIS plan to meet his new support needs. Peter and Bev also had to consider new ways for Peter to navigate and participate in his community and explore new social activities. 

“Bev has encouraged me to try so many things like being proactive and visiting Vision Australia, helping me know what questions to ask and the support I need; I now have some great glasses and my cane,” said Peter. 

“Using public transport with my cane was a huge step, and it took a while.” 

“Using my phone more with different apps.” 

Peter’s meeting with Bev at the SSI LAC Liverpool office was a significant accomplishment. This was the longest distance Peter had ever travelled since his diagnosis.  

“Peter caught a bus from his home, which dropped him off about a hundred meters from the office. Peter then used this phone to navigate to the SSI Office, the app on his phone would tell him the numbers of addresses until he reached the right one,” said Bev. 

Bev and Peter have focused on more than just his immediate support needs. The two have used a whole-person approach to identify additional support needs and seek these supports within the community. 

“[Bev has] connected me with a local psychologist that is easy to get to,” Peter said. 

“Bev has a knack for getting so much out of me from a phone call; I think I’m masking my depression, but she sees through it; she reads my tone.”  

“[Bev] let me know of activities in my local area, including bingo at my local club where I could meet new people; This is part of my life now”. 

Through his resilience and support from Bev, Peter is now an active participant in the community. He has more confidence in expressing his choice and control, whether it is at a café or when arranging his NDIS services. 

“More on Bingo, I go every Monday; I have a budget and have built my confidence to get a drink and a small meal at the café in the club. Bev encouraged me to ask more of the staff as they are there to help me – it has made a big difference; I could probably be called a regular now; I am very shy, but I have three people I say ‘Hi’ to and talk to briefly at Bingo; Their smiles help me when I am feeling down”. 

As part of the support Peter receives from the SSI LAC Program, he contacts Bev once a month, and Bev does regular check-ins at other times. 

Peter said, “I sometimes Pester Bev for advice, and she is the only one I can rely on and get support. 

“Bev can be blunt and to the point when I need a push. She talks to me with respect and a caring nature”.  

Peter’s NDIS plan includes support to assist him when completing his daily tasks can be more difficult. Expressing his needs is a crucial part of getting the proper support. With time and support, Peter gains confidence and understanding of his rights, choice, and control.  

“Some providers haven’t been reliable in the past, and Bev has encouraged me to contact others to support me; I have a little more confidence in asking for what I need and want, not accepting bad service”. 

When asked what’s next for him, Peter said, “I am more confident in walking to my local shops and have a timetable of activities on my fridge; I enjoy bus and train trips.” 

“[Bev] is encouraging me to travel to Macarthur Square in Campbelltown – after I learnt how to get to Casula Mall; One step at a time”. 

The SSI LAC Program is designed to support you along your NDIS Journey, giving you the knowledge and confidence to access services that potentially have positive life-changing impacts. 

SSI is partnered with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver LAC services in NSW. The services provide a person-centred approach to support people with disability, their families, and their carers to pursue their goals, exercise choice and control, and connect with the community. 

For more information, visit our webpage or call 1800 960 975 to speak with the SSI LAC Intake Team.   

“I have worked with cars since I could talk; I have a really big passion for cars,” said Charlie, an 18-year-old man who lives with autism.  

During his final years of high school, Charlie accessed the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) with the support of the SSI Local Area Coordination (LAC) Program and his LAC, Allyson Drever.  

They discussed Charlie’s goals during the planning meeting, which included passing his driving test. The approved NDIS plan included funding for Charlie to participate in specialised driving lessons to help him gain the necessary skills and confidence to pass.  

With his eyes firmly set on the goal of car ownership from a young age, Charlie had started working at a local fast-food restaurant when he was just 14. So, shortly after obtaining his provisional licence, Charlie could purchase his own car. 

“If he wants something, he knows that [he] has to work for it; this is how much it’s going to cost, and he saves for it,” said Lenora, Charlie’s mum.  

Lenora explains the remarkable transformation in Charlie’s driving since obtaining his provisional licence thanks to his specialised lessons. Whilst he was previously very anxious, Charlie has gained more confidence.  

“Now he has all the confidence in the world to drive,” Lenora said. 

“The constant experience of driving and the reassurance that he was doing the right thing, that’s what made the difference.” 

Another goal in Charlie’s NDIS plan was to gain employment as a mechanic. LAC Allyson provided him with post-school options and linked him to mainstream supports to help achieve his goal. With Allyson’s help, Charlie secured an apprenticeship in the first term of Year 12. 

Charlie’s life-long dream of becoming a mechanic has become a reality, and he is now thriving in his apprenticeship. He has taken the initiative to purchase his own set of tools to support him in his work and has also expanded his skills and gained new experiences through further education.  

“I am also a qualified detailer and went to TAFE for it. Detailing is just as fun, and if you know what you’re doing, it’s absolutely amazing,” said Charlie. 

Charlie’s journey has not been without its challenges, but he says that he uses strategies he has learned along the way. 

“For example, when I was a mechanic, I learnt so much that I lost confidence in what I was doing. I had to learn to write things down and six weeks later see how much [I’d] grown,” Charlie said. 

Lenora expressed how the NDIS and SSI LAC program have been an immense help for Charlie, providing not only financial relief but also the stability needed for his interventions. 

“It’s been fantastic; thanks to the NDIS, my son has been able to continue his therapies,” Lenora said. 

“How would I find that support if it wasn’t for the NDIS?” 

Lenora has been working closely with LAC Allyson to support Charlie. Having formed a strong partnership as Charlie’s supporters, Lenora recognises that she and Allyson can work together to help Charlie overcome any challenges and get the most out of his experiences. 

“One new challenge to me is about finding and keeping a job. I’m very much looking forward to how we can communicate Charlie’s needs and how he can thrive in his new environment,” Lenora said.  

The SSI LAC Program is designed to support you along your NDIS journey, giving you the knowledge and confidence to access services that potentially have positive life-changing impacts. 

SSI is partnered with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver LAC services in NSW. The services provide a person-centred approach to support people with disability, their families, and their carers to pursue their goals, exercise choice and control, and connect with the community. 

For more information, visit our webpage or call 1800 960 975 to speak with the SSI LAC Intake Team.   

*Name has been changed.