LITTLE STEPS BECOME Big Steps

Carmel Crouch would like to remove two words from the dictionary: ‘disability’ and ‘retire’. Tricia Welsh meets this energetic businesswoman to find out why.

From its embryonic stage in 1989, STEPS is now a national operation based in Caloundra with 26 locations across Australia employing more than 350 staff nationally, 226 of those on the Sunshine Coast, with an enthusiastic team of 160 volunteers. It has branched out into education and training programs, mental health and disability support, social enterprises, as well as disability employment services and National Disability Insurance Scheme support.

In a purely voluntary capacity, Carmel drove the not-for-profit organisation as Chair and President of its board for 19 years, the past 14 as Managing Director – all this while running her own successful local businesses.

“I guess one of the things I’ve always been really good at is crisis management,” she said. “And I’m a very solutions-orientated person.”

One of her proudest achievements was the realisation in 2017 of STEPS Pathways College, a revolutionary model giving young adults with a disability the opportunity to gain unprecedented levels of independence through holistic life skills education. The first of its kind in Australia, the college attracts students from all over the country to take part in its boarding program, and newly developed day and online programs.

The college offers accommodation for 14 students in modern, self-contained units designed for independent living. There is also 24-hour onsite support for students plus external CCTV for security.

The recent acquisition of more units means that during 2021 they will have the capacity to accommodate a total of 26 students.

Students reside at the college for two years learning the skills needed to make a seamless transition into independent living.

“One thing that is very important to us is that we never set somebody up to fail,” Carmel stresses. “We are very careful to be sure that not only the young person is wanting to learn to live independently, but their parents are happy for them to live independently, too.

Specific modules have been written around everything these students need to learn.

“We recreate as near-real life living as we can possibly get,” said Carmel.

“Socialisation is really important. Some days they learn in a classroom environment, the rest of the week is practical – learning ordinary tasks of living life.”

Before leaving college, they are taught how to prepare for work, how to walk into a potential employer with confidence and be able to do the job. “We have a fantastic success rate from our training courses,” Carmel added.

The cost of running STEPS Pathway College is funded through their charity.

An enduring inspiration for all, this astute businesswoman and true community leader was awarded an Australia Day Ambassadorship in 2019 and was one of four nominees for themost recent Queensland Senior Australian of the Year Awards.

But, she confided, the thing that gives her the greatest joy and pleasure is giving parents their own independence. “It’s about giving the parents the independence they were never likely to have,” said Carmel. “That’s the bit that gives me goosebumps. The kids are always going to be great. Once they come in, I know they are going to go out with the most amount of independence they are going to have in their lives. It’s a beautiful program. I’m so proud of it and I’m so proud of the people who work in it. www.stepsgroup.com.au

Support Steps Today

STEPS operate a number of community projects and social ventures aimed at improving well-being, building skills, and developing pathways toward independence. Support these initiatives today:

STEPS NURSERY

Buy quality plants and gardening supplies and experience the joy and benefits of gardening.

9 George Street, Caloundra (enter via Ulm Street)

Mon-Fri, 8.30-4.30pM, Sat: 9am-4pm, Sun 9am-2pm. Phone 5436 6023

STEPS CAR CLEANING

Professional car cleaning and detailing service that comes to your workplace using the best cleaning products and materials. From $55 per car (minimum three cars) Phone 5448 3000

STEPS COMMERCIAL CLEANING

An experienced and reliable cleaning service offering customised solutions to suit any business or budget. Perfect for Medical Centres, Resort Complexes, Child Care Centres, office premises. Call 5458 3000 for a free quote.

Study face-to-face, online or as a boarding student

Training that combines classroom learning with hands-on application

Students learn skills for independence