Support Worker Story

Alessia

Alessia and her sons, Alex and Daniel, now in their twenties, have navigated school, early work, and young adulthood. Over time their connection with LMW has become a partnership Alessia trusts. She shares their story.

Before we joined LMW, support out there for parents felt minimal. I had a network of friends in a similar position, but it was hit and miss trying to find the right support. LMW have been absolutely amazing! They help liaise with the NDIS and have all the industry knowledge and contacts to navigate everything we need.

Alex has achieved a lot in the last two years since finishing school. He completed some TAFE studies – Cert II in Kitchen Operations, his RSA, and some hospitality work experience which he absolutely loved. His goal is to work permanently in hospitality, but it’s been quite hard to find mainstream work, even though he’s more than capable.

“When employers see disability, either mild, moderate or severe, often they attach a stigma.”

– Alessia, mum of members Alex and Daniel

They think it’s too hard but disabilities come in all forms and not only intellectual like physical and emotional.

A recent win for Alex is an opportunity with Civic at their catering warehouse. He starts initially two days a week, and it could lead to more. It’s a great chance to build more skills and a step towards open employment. Alex also recently made the Greek Oztag team and is heading to the World Games, something he’s very proud of.

My other son Daniel loves listening to music at home all the time. He has an amazing memory for 80s music, and any song you give him, he knows who sings it.

Daniel fills his week with different supports, day programs, and other activities. He’s with a carer we know well for one of the days and is free to plan whatever he wants to do. He also enjoys a day program working in a warehouse. It’s very structured, but Daniel likes knowing exactly how his week will run.

As a family we love watching rugby league. We support the Dragons and go to a lot of games which we enjoy. We’ve also got two dachshunds who are little characters and we love spending time with them.

“What I want most for the future is stability and structure for the boys in whatever they enjoy doing.”

– Alessia, mum of members Alex and Daniel

My advice for other families is never give up. Don’t close yourself off – there’s always help out there, you just have to find the right fit.

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