Alex - Growing confident and independent
At school, Alex did work experience at an Australian Disability Enterprise. But her Grandmother, Rosa, felt that Alex could work in open employment. She brought Alex to meet Penrith NOVA Transition and, two years on, Alex has a job with Folklore Patchwork.
As a retail assistant, Alex helps with cleaning, folding fabrics, and sorting them into colour groups. She also helps customers attending sewing classes to find the right material or thread.
Being at NOVA Transition has helped Alex enormously with confidence. Having NOVA staff with her during her work placements was especially helpful. ‘They would encourage her to try things,’ explains Rosa. ‘[They’d say] “Yes you can, it’s alright; if it’s not right [straight away], you will get it next time,” and so on. They’ve definitely done a lot to encourage her.’
Alex is developing initiative, says Rosa: finding things to do by herself, without anybody telling her. ‘She’s just so proud of herself, because she’s done it all by herself,’ says Rosa. She recently offered to scrub paint off the sink at work, for example.
Alex’s mum Amanda has noticed her being more independent since being at Transition. ‘She’s getting more organised; she wakes up in the morning, she gets dressed, gets ready and goes, like it’s like a regular routine for her, which is good. And with the transport, she is very confident in where the bus stop is and how to get to and from her work; she’s really good at that now.’
Though she’s working with some lovely people at Folklore Patchwork, Alex still goes back regularly to see her friends at Penrith NOVA Transition. They’re like her family, Rosa explains.
Would you like to find work in open employment?
To discuss your options, call NOVA Transition on 1300 Ability (1300 224 548).
NOVA Transition accepts NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports.
