My son Matthew, 29, was involved in a Living Skills Programs but was frustrated at the lack of structure and routine. We had one disastrous attempt at open employment, which Matt wasn't ready for. Then, about six years ago, we discovered our ADE, Wallara Industries, through a friend of mine who worked there. I was surprised and excited about the opportunities available to him. I also liked the attitude of the ADE staff and support available not only to Matt but also to me as a parent.
He has now gone from working on the assembly line, picking and packing, supervising, receipting orders coming into the warehouse, to now being their main forklift driver and also training for his truck licence. He has achieved a Certificate 2 in Warehousing – his days are full and his confidence and self-esteem are high. He loves getting his payslip! But just as important are his development of a strong work ethic and the connection with his peers, which has led to outside activities such as tenpin bowling and the Special Olympics. He truly bounds out of bed in the morning to head off to work and then loves coming home and discussing his day with me. In our area there would not be anything else suitable for the skill level that he has now achieved and what he would expect to do.