Today is International Day of People with Disability, and we are celebrating this year’s theme: ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for a sustainable and inclusive future’, by sharing the inspiring stories of our participants.
Simon is an active and valued participant at Avenue Parramatta and plays an important role in not one, but three different work teams. He contributes to the Animals, Hub Management, and Social teams, where his leadership skills shine.
Simon takes charge of a range of different tasks in his work teams everyday, but his favourite is managing the hub lunch orders. He knows the value of a happy work environment, and takes pride in putting a smile on his fellow team members’ faces when he delivers their lunch to them every day.
“At Avenue I like taking people’s lunch orders and seeing the smile on their face when I bring them food. I like making people happy,” said Simon.
Simon’s week at Avenue is varied due to his involvement in multiple teams, and his work provides many opportunities for skill development and social connection.
“In the Animals team I take the dogs for a walk, feed them and play with them. I lead the team when we go for walks, and sometimes I have to wait for them because they’re a bit slower,” said Simon.
Otto, the Animals Team Coordinator, says Simon’s natural ability to organise and lead the team is invaluable, particularly when preparing for work tasks.
“Simon is a new addition to the Animals team, but has already shown many skills within the team. He is often helping me ready the team for dog walks by asking others if they are ready to go, prepping the dog walk bags and coordinating who will be going down the stairs with the dogs.
“He will let me know when he has free time, so we can think of ways he can help out others or assist with organising things around the room. One of my favourite traits that I have seen is his charismatic personality, which is always energising other participants to engage more socially,” said Otto.
In addition to the Animals and Hub Management teams, Simon is also a part of Avenue’s Social team, where he enjoys activities like cooking, boxing, and his personal favourite – bowling.
He says Avenue has taught him valuable skills that are helping him in every part of his daily life.
“I’ve learned how to be more patient with people and give them the chance to talk without interrupting. I’ve also learned to budget money better, and I’ve been getting up earlier in the morning,” said Simon.
Simon’s increased financial and social independence has seen him taking on greater responsibility in both his work and personal life. His greatest achievement at Avenue however, has been the honing of his leadership skills.
“I take charge in the Hub Management team by telling everyone when it’s time to gather the lunch orders, and I also help guide the team sometimes.
“I think in work and social it’s good to have leadership skills because it keeps everyone communicating well. Communication allows us to know how everyone is feeling. It helps us to keep everyone happy.
“Leadership keeps the hub running smoothly, making sure our products get given to the right person so that we can earn remuneration. It’s important because it keeps the group together and on track,” said Simon.
Looking to the future, Simon is excited to take on more responsibility at Avenue, increasing his days in the Work and Social team to be at Avenue five days a week.
He also hopes to keep expanding his communication skills, sharing: “I want to be able to do a bit of sign language so that I can help people with it,” said Simon.