When Lachlan joined Uniting’s Pathways 2 Employment group in Melton in 2022, setting off on a pathway to a career – let alone finding something he enjoyed – seemed beyond his reach.
For Lachlan – and for so many young people living with disabilities – misconceptions about psycho-social disabilities and a lack of awareness mean that a young person’s goals and dreams can remain unrealised. Well-meaning teachers, health professionals and family members can assume that milestones such as fulfilling employment, friendships, and overseas travel aren’t possible for people living with a disability. As a result, a young person may not believe that their goals are achievable or try to explore these big life moments.
Assumptions about someone’s potential often come from a place of wanting to protect the person living with a disability, or keep them safe from disappointment. And while this is helpful in some situations, it can take a toll on confidence and development.
Programs such as Pathways 2 Employment (known by the NDIS name School Leaver Employment Supports or SLES) provide one-on-one, tailored support to explore goals, develop skills, and practice being out in the world as an independent adult – things many of us take for granted. And for people like Lachlan, these tailored supports mean he can understand himself better, try new things in a positive environment, and see a future that belongs to him.
When Lachlan started Pathways 2 Employment he was very quiet. “He didn’t feel confident when speaking with new people”, says Nicole Ferlazzo – Pathways 2 Employment Community Relations Coordinator.
“And he didn’t know what he wanted to do. He had never had the chance to explore his potential”.
Psycho-social disabilities – one of many so-called ‘hidden disabilities’ – can make it difficult for people to identify what supports they need. And people living with a hidden disability don’t always know what they need, until they get out and experience it. It can be hard to articulate what they will benefit from.
For Lachlan, being encouraged to explore his skills, and try a range of activities in a supportive environment meant that he eventually started to enjoy and excel at certain hands-on tasks.
“The big shift for him was starting hands on activities in work placement where he really shone and had the opportunity to show what he could do,” says Nicole.
Then Lachlan started his work experience at True Green Nursery, with the help of his Employment Coordinator. His tasks include moving stock, watering plants, weeding and tidying up garden beds, trimming plants and hedges, and helping customers take purchases to their cars.
And Lachlan continues to excel. “At a recent catch up with his work placement supervisor it was suggested that Lachlan could obtain a Bob Cat Skid Steer licence – something he never would have considered when he started with us”, Nicole says.
“Seeing his confidence build, and the smile on Lachlan’s face – we know this program works”, says Nicole. “It makes the team so proud to see him continue on this exciting journey.”
Learn more about School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES).
