Discovering What’s Possible
Joshua joined our Customised Employment program a few months ago with some previous work experience under his belt, but was unsure about his future.
As an autistic person, Joshua experiences challenges with spelling, concentration and traditional classroom environments. Over time, he had developed a narrow view of what was possible for his future. Like many young people who experience disability-related stigma, he had often been guided towards limited employment expectations, believing that his only options were entry-level roles such as warehouse work.
His goals include gaining employment, achieving financial independence, obtaining his P plates and moving forward with his adult life. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active by going to the gym and riding his bike, and has a strong interest in nature, wildlife and animals.
With support from his NDIS Employment Coach, Amy, Joshua has worked through the first phase of Customised Employment, the Discovery stage. Discovery focuses on observation, exploration and understanding the whole person. Joshua has now commenced the next stage of Customised Employment which includes identifying vocational themes and developing pathways towards meaningful employment.
Before joining the program, he had gained work experience through a variety of roles that helped him better understand he conditions he requires to be successful in employment. These included shelf stacking and tidying at Foodland, gardening, and assisting with pie making at Minda Café.
Gardening and other outdoor activities were particularly enjoyable for Joshua, while food preparation environments were less suited to his preferences due to sensory preferences and challenges with certain textures.
A key outcome of the Discovery process involved developing a Positive Personal Profile, a person-centred tool designed to highlight an individual's strengths, interests and conditions for success. Ensuring all three of these areas are met is vital to securing sustainable employment.
Throughout Discovery, Joshua and Amy completed a range of activities, including discovery records, life skills assessments, home visits, neighbourhood observations and informational interviews with people who know him well.
During these activities, significant changes began to emerge. Initially struggling to see beyond immediate employment outcomes, Joshua gradually came to understand the purpose of the Customised Employment process. Through motivational interviewing, positive reinforcement and consistent guidance, he learned that Discovery is about building confidence, developing skills and preparing for long-term employment success in an industry he will enjoy working in.
Over the following months, noticeable growth was seen in his concentration, confidence and willingness to explore new possibilities. His thinking gradually expanded from "I just want a full-time warehouse job" to considering opportunities connected with nature, wildlife, animals and outdoor environments. The safe, one-on-one support provided by Amy helped Joshua feel heard, valued and supported throughout the process.
As he continues through the program, Joshua is preparing to participate in further Customised Employment activities, challenge himself outside his comfort zone and explore new pathways towards achieving his goals through meaningful employment. His journey highlights the power of Discovery: when a person is truly understood, possibilities expand.
Learn more about Customised Employment
As an autistic person, Joshua experiences challenges with spelling, concentration and traditional classroom environments. Over time, he had developed a narrow view of what was possible for his future. Like many young people who experience disability-related stigma, he had often been guided towards limited employment expectations, believing that his only options were entry-level roles such as warehouse work.
His goals include gaining employment, achieving financial independence, obtaining his P plates and moving forward with his adult life. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active by going to the gym and riding his bike, and has a strong interest in nature, wildlife and animals.
With support from his NDIS Employment Coach, Amy, Joshua has worked through the first phase of Customised Employment, the Discovery stage. Discovery focuses on observation, exploration and understanding the whole person. Joshua has now commenced the next stage of Customised Employment which includes identifying vocational themes and developing pathways towards meaningful employment.
Before joining the program, he had gained work experience through a variety of roles that helped him better understand he conditions he requires to be successful in employment. These included shelf stacking and tidying at Foodland, gardening, and assisting with pie making at Minda Café.
Gardening and other outdoor activities were particularly enjoyable for Joshua, while food preparation environments were less suited to his preferences due to sensory preferences and challenges with certain textures.
A key outcome of the Discovery process involved developing a Positive Personal Profile, a person-centred tool designed to highlight an individual's strengths, interests and conditions for success. Ensuring all three of these areas are met is vital to securing sustainable employment.
Throughout Discovery, Joshua and Amy completed a range of activities, including discovery records, life skills assessments, home visits, neighbourhood observations and informational interviews with people who know him well.
During these activities, significant changes began to emerge. Initially struggling to see beyond immediate employment outcomes, Joshua gradually came to understand the purpose of the Customised Employment process. Through motivational interviewing, positive reinforcement and consistent guidance, he learned that Discovery is about building confidence, developing skills and preparing for long-term employment success in an industry he will enjoy working in.
Over the following months, noticeable growth was seen in his concentration, confidence and willingness to explore new possibilities. His thinking gradually expanded from "I just want a full-time warehouse job" to considering opportunities connected with nature, wildlife, animals and outdoor environments. The safe, one-on-one support provided by Amy helped Joshua feel heard, valued and supported throughout the process.
As he continues through the program, Joshua is preparing to participate in further Customised Employment activities, challenge himself outside his comfort zone and explore new pathways towards achieving his goals through meaningful employment. His journey highlights the power of Discovery: when a person is truly understood, possibilities expand.
Learn more about Customised Employment
