My name is Antonio Amoroso; I am employed at Activ Embleton in Business Services. I commenced employment on the 13th of February, 2012. I applied for a position with Activ as a last resort, not knowing anything about Activ at that stage. I had been applying for open employment unsuccessfully since 2009 due to my physical disability, being rejected for employment so many times left me feeling depressed and unworthy. I was interviewed by the Employee Coordinator at Activ Embleton, Chris Goh and immediately felt my life change for the better. He offered me a three month work trial which I accepted, it was the best three months I have had in my life, they were fantastic and I was made to feel very welcome. I accepted my condition (Cerebellar Atrophy Sca3) and realised that all my co-workers with Intellectual disabilities were eager to do their work and perform to the best of their capabilities and enjoyed every minute of it. After being accepted fulltime by Activ I successfully completed several courses - Leadership course, Transport and Logistics, and I am currently undertaking Cert 1 in Business. I also relieve as Administration Officer, I am Head of the Employee Committee, my current goal is working towards becoming a team leader. Working at Activ has given me aspirations and fulfilment something I thought I would never feel, I hope to continue working with Activ for many years to come.

after i graduated from high school, i spent a whole year looking for a job and every time i found one, i was turned down because i have a brain injury and they didn't think i was right for the job. however, in 2011, i was able to get a job at the phoenix society in torrensville. for three years i have worked there now and not once have i wanted to quit. working at phoenix, i have been able to learn new skills i otherwise would never have been given the chance to do so and have made friends there, who allowed me to understand things about myself i never even realized. if our factory is shutdown, i will not only lose my job, but i would lose my connection to my friends and the drive that helps me to enjoy the days after work in ways i didn't before. before i started working at phoenix, i always was worried I'd never get a job, but they gave me one and it has helped me in my life more than i can say. please, do not let our factory close and allow us to keep our jobs.

Wilhelm “I’m really proud of the work I do. It’s great to see the big brands in the supermarket and know I helped to get them there on time and in the right packaging.” -Wilhelm Supported employment not only provides meaningful work to people who are born with a disability, but also to people who acquire a disability later in life. Wilhelm, who works at the AFFORD factory at Minchinbury, has been working with AFFORD for over 9 years since he fought and won a battle with lung cancer. The illness left him unable to continue in his previous profession of dressmaker. Wilhelm wanted work that was less strenuous and stressful, and even though he receives the Disability Support Pension but he really wanted to work and be part of a productive and enjoyable work team. At AFFORD Minchinbury Wilhelm is solely responsible for a section which cuts the plastic tape that you see on large boxes or bundles of timber and the machine also attaches the buckles to the tape. It is enjoyable, independent work. When the factory is processing very large jobs for companies like Nestle, Wilhelm works alongside the other supported employees.
“I really enjoy working with people with disability, they are so genuine and we are all really proud of the work we do. The staff are great, very professional and they treat everyone with respect. AFFORD really is a good place to work.” says Wilhelm.

“Working here is great, it’s close to home and the people at all levels are friendly and really easy to get along with” - Michael Michael has worked at the AFFORD Pallet Factory at Minto for seven (7) years and this is his second time with the organisation. Originally from Wales, Michael is in charge of building bed frames for wholesale mattress companies. He works autonomously, with very little supervision and really enjoys his work days. Michael has been in charge of building bed frames for AFFORD for four (4) years now and likes the friendly and professional atmosphere in the Minto factory. “It is a very successful business here and we are all really enthusiastic about reaching sales targets for pallets and beds”.
The AFFORD pallet factory at Minto is a completely integrated workplace, where people with disability work along side able-bodied workers. The atmosphere is very positive and mutual respect can be seen amongst all the workers. They are all proud of working in a successful and growing business. Many employees at this site successfully transition to open employment.

Sue joined the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) Prestons factory three (3) years ago. After struggling at school with a learning disability, Sue started working at a childcare centre, but with the introduction of new training requirements she was unable to stay. When she found the job with AFFORD Sue wasn’t sure if she would like it, but very quickly made friends and really enjoys her work. Sue is very happy at Prestons,”I really like the variety of different jobs that we do and the people I work with are great. Even the supervisors at AFFORD are friendly and are always there to help if you need it. My family are really happy that I have found a job at a good company doing work I really enjoy.”

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.

Hi, My name is Joanne. I am currently working at Marriott Industries. I have enjoyed working for Marriott Industries for the last few years. After finding out open employment was not for me at the time, it was suggested to me to contact Marriott Support Services. Within my time at Marriott I was placed in the role of Assistant Team Leader. I enjoy meeting new wonderful people through my work at Marriott Industries and the challenges. I believe there is not enough awareness of organisations like Marriott and it should be advertised more.
Marriott gives people with disability the opportunity to be included in the workforce.

Kay -- I would be ecstatic if my daughter could be employed. She was working for Terama Industries on the Central Coast and was very happy there. She had to give up her employment there as she was assaulted on the bus to her workplace and it was unsafe to continue traveling on public transport. She received approx $20 a day. She was extremely happy with that amount of money and I thought that given her moderate to severe intellectual disability this was a fair amount of money. Unfortunately her life has been downsized from those days and I would love to go back so she could maintain her network of relationships she had formed there. Obviously some people with a disability are not entitled to the NDIS and need better pay.
David-- Kays husband -- I guess this direction is based on the "one size fits all mentality " there is such a broad range of ability levels when labelled with the tag Disabled, many disabled people would work for next to nothing to be allowed to belong , join in , and contribute in any reasonable workplace situation that allows them an escape from their isolated and lonely house bound existence, whether it be with parents or carers. This industrial relations and Union based political correctness applied to the Disability employment industry will destroy any chance of many people with moderate to more severe disabilities of having any purpose, meaningful social contact in the workplace or joy in their lonely and already isolated lives. A stupid , insensitive and uncaring decision ...what else is new?

Sophie is a 32 year old who has been employed at Sunnyfield Chatswood for over 7 years commencing employment in 2006 as a part time employee.
Sophie has limited communication skills, however works throughout the day on one step tasks with assistance from other employees and supervisors. Since joining Sunnyfield Sophie’s confidence levels have improved as well as her self-esteem.
Sophie is well liked by her peers and has developed a great friendship circle with employees and really enjoys the social aspect coming to work.

Ian is a long standing employee who commenced work with Sunnyfield in 1984 and has been employed full time with us for the past 30yrs. His primary disability is mild intellectual, however this has no bearing on his drive and passion to work hard. Ian constantly pushes himself to learn new tasks and skills.
Ian is a dedicated employee who always shows up ready to work with an enthusiastic attitude and is always willing to lend a hand to staff and his co-workers. Ian has worked in numerous areas of Sunnyfield over the years including Ablite, general packaging, and now currently works in our TGA area helping to package pregnancy test kits for one of our largest clients. During this time Ian has also completed many duties for Sunnyfield including electrical assembly work, labelling, re packing goods, stacking pallets and has even carried out some warehouse duties, assisting staff in receivables and dispatch of goods.
Ian has experienced many changes over the past 30yrs at Sunnyfield, none of which have ever made him waver from his dedication and long standing service to the company, making him a highly respected and valued member of the organisation amongst staff, his friends and co-workers. Ian quotes “Work’s good, I liked working in Ablite but now that’s gone I like working in TGA”. Ian also mentioned “the best part is seeing my friends and earning money”.