Garry trained as a fitter and turner and at 38 was having a great time in a steady job, enjoying his family and supporting his beloved St George Dragons football club. Just when life was going so well, Garry lost his eyesight. “I had to battle to come to terms with my disability for several years, I had contemplated going to work, but never really tried, and then my sister told me about the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) and that they employed people with disability”. Five years later Garry is a valued member of the work team at the Prestons factory. “The support that the staff gives you makes it a lot easier for blind workers and I get around easily in our work area.”
Garry enjoys the work at Prestons and gets up each morning at 4.30 am to lift some weights before coming to the factory. “I have come a full circle in accepting my disability. Being with AFFORD has made me more independent and they have a wide range of services that can support any person with a disability.” AFFORD, recognises that everyone has ability and work programs are tailored to individual needs. “The most important thing is to contribute in some way, develop good social relationships and enjoy what you do every day and do it well” says Garry.