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Support team paves the way to a brighter future for Casey

Zoe Askew

CASEY Tomamichael is lighting the path to a brighter, more prosperous future for those living with barriers with the support of Marie Bryant from Workways Australia and Sale Specialist School principal Jamie Gay. Year 12 is an exciting time for many Australian children. The future tickles the end of stretched out fingertips. Opportunities and experiences are seemingly plentiful, and newfound independence is tantalising. However, the future beyond Year 12 can seem much less opportunistic for those living with barriers. The number of Australians living with a disability furthering their education beyond Year 12 has increased over the years with the support of government grants, such as the Higher Education Disability Support Program. However, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, only 9 per cent of people living with a disability aged 15–64 studied for a non-school qualification at TAFE or university in 2018. These numbers represent the significant number of men and women missing an opportunity to grow, learn and develop in adulthood. Casey, a vibrant young woman who lives with an intellectual disability, completed her final year of secondary education at Sale Specialist School in November 2021. Six months before completing Year 12, Sale Specialist School principal Jamie Gay introduced Casey to Marie Bryant from Workways’ Disability Employment Services. Ms Bryant has had more than 30 years of experience in community services and is working hard to fight the stigma surrounding disability and create more opportunities for those with barriers. Through her position at Workways, Marie strives to change the attitudes of employers, parents and education providers to give Australians like Casey every opportunity to lead a bright and fulfilling future. In late 2021, Ms Bryant made the trip to Sale Specialist School, prospecting for new clients to support through Workways Disability Employment Services Program. School principal, Mr Gay, thought of Year 12 student Casey. Casey harbours a passion and love for the outdoors and has always wanted to pursue a career in Horticulture. Ms Bryant’s visit could not have come at a better time as Mr Gay wished to organise a traineeship for Casey; however, he was uncertain how to initiate a traineeship for his nature-loving student. Mr Gay introduced Ms Bryant and Casey after the meeting, and the work began. Ms Bryant was determined to do everything she possibly could to help Casey and provide her with the best opportunities to achieve her goals. After countless phone calls and inquiries and with the help of Mr Gay, Ms Bryant secured Casey a traineeship with AGA, one of the largest providers of employment and training services in Australia. Today, Casey is working at the Sale Specialist School alongside groundskeeper Steve Humphrey as part of her new traineeship. For Casey, this traineeship provides much more than a Certificate III in Horticulture; it supports her continuous growth and development, provides her with a supportive community and gives her the best chance at gaining long-term sustainable employment. Mr Humphrey, who has been the groundskeeper almost three ye doing a tremend “Casey is doing g j having her on b there is an extra As a result, jobs g g done quicker, an done in a day,” h As part of a H traineeship, Cas TAFE in Sale. “When I am n g here, I go to TAF down the road,” “Sometimes, C I will sit down t on rainy days, a spend a few hou through the tex Mr Humphrey a “We are given books, one with and another to w our answers in,” said. “When I did my Certificate II, I think I ended up with heaps of books, at least six or so.” Casey said she is thrilled to be doing a horticultural traineeship because she gets to spend most of her time outdoors. “I love being outdoors, in the fresh air, not being cooped up inside,” she said. Ms Bryant has played an influential role in Casey’s traineeship and has made a lasting impression on the smiley 18-year-old. “Marie has been very, very, important in helping me get the right amount of hours and getting other organisations involved like AGA so I could do my traineeship,” Casey said. “Now AGA is helping me get work ffra one day would love at the school ll employ me nd Ms job so much. at I do,” she a a great act more t School to asey with Disability ervices t’s far too tudents t schools not eir studies r 12. nately, kids ialist schools through the Marie said. y’s hard work termination, he support Gay, Mr phrey, Ms nt and mum ndy, have nlocked a uture full of ossibilities. asey’s story a beacon of e for others with s, shining on a illed with y, growth, support, and

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Horticulture trainee Casey Tomamichael with supervisor and Sale Specialist School groundskeeper Steve Humphrey.

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