Ashleigh’s Story

Ashleigh is a fiercely independent young lady who has always wanted to work and do the things she sees other people doing. Recently Ashleigh has gained employment and is loving life, but it’s taken a lot of time and support from her mother, Carol, Support Coordinator, Rhonda and others to get to where she is today.

“Ashleigh was a beautiful baby,” tells her Mum, Carol. “I connected with her straight away.” Ashleigh was born with Apert Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting the formation of the skull, face, hands and feet. “After Ashleigh’s birth her father and I were basically sent home with no information or support. I just had to deal with my new baby, who required a lot of operations over the years, on my own. I had to become an advocate for my child and stay strong to support her.”

In her early years Ashleigh had a lot of support from Biala, and started her journey with Peninsula Special School at kindergarten age.

“Ash loved school, she was a social butterfly,” tells Carol. “For me it was a nice bubble, a lovely community of parents. There was lots of communication with the school and concerts at the end of each year.”

During her school years Ashleigh had a lot of support from Anglicare. “They were a godsend,” tells Carol. “They were a great stepping stone and provided lots of resources for us. There were often respite weekends for parents which gave me a chance to connect with other parents and let my hair down.”

The transition from finishing high school to life was challenging for Ashleigh, who suffers from severe anxiety and is very aware of the fact that she is built differently to other people.

Almost by luck, Carol stumbled across the HappinessFirst Café in Rosebud where she met owner and founder Rose Farfalla. Located on Point Nepean Road, the café’s workplace culture removes labels and empowers staff to move past their disability to find meaningful employment.

“Since working at the café Ash is more motivated, she gets up and gets herself ready and is excited to go to work. It gives her a sense of normality, independence, meaning and she feels valued.” You can find Ash at the café each Monday from 12pm till 2pm.

After her shift, Ash, with her support worker, attends a social group with a few other girls. “Socialising was especially needed after all the lockdowns,” says Carol, “she still is finding it difficult to integrate into groups.”

Ashleigh recently attended an all abilities formal where she dressed in a beautiful blue ball gown and had her make-up and hair done. She attended dance classes each Wednesday in the lead up to the event. “It was a beautiful night with a three-course meal at Amberlee Receptions in Cranbourne,” says Carol. “It was a wonderful opportunity for Ash to participate in something she wouldn’t normally get an opportunity to do. It was a massive confidence booster for her.”

“Our Support Coordinator, Rhonda, has been a huge support to us since Ashleigh received her first NDIS plan. She’s really helped take the pressure off, has saved me a lot of time, and has helped us keep Ashleigh’s behaviour support therapist which is a blessing.”

Carol hopes Ashleigh’s future is one of independence and opportunity. “It only takes one person to form an idea and create an opportunity. We need more people like Rose from the HappinessFirst Café to create opportunities for people with disabilities.”