OUR IMPACT 2021/22
DISABILITY SERVICES
The Society is committed to advancing more accessible communities for all through our Disability Services providing accommodation, inclusion and employment opportunities throughout the state.
During the past year, 321 people were assisted through this directorate, growing approximately by a third from the previous financial year.
Our Supported Independent Living and Respite facilities based in the Sutherland Shire, Nowra and Coonamble assisted 31 people in the 2021/22 financial year. The effects of COVID-19 presented unique challenges for residents and staff at these services with steps taken to lessen the burden on residents by maintaining contact through phone and video conference, as well as maintaining structured activities for children attending schooling during lockdown.
149 people were assisted over the past year to access support coordination services through the Society. This included National Disability Insurance Scheme participants and people living with a disability requiring assistance to determine eligibility for the scheme. The Society provides additional assistance to people ruled ineligible to access supports in the community.
The Mary Mackillop Outreach, based in the inner west of Sydney, supported 34 people at the service located in Haberfield, along with in-home and community-based supports.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Our Assisted Disability Employment (ADE) enterprises provided 84 supported workers with employment and professional development opportunities over the past year. Staff based in metropolitan and regional parts of the state are able to find fulfilling work and connection as part of our ADE enterprises, including supporting NSW Health in the production of COVID-19 testing kits.
At our Ozanam Industries workshops in Stanmore and West Ryde in Sydney, and Castlereagh Industries in the regional community of Coonamble, supported workers are provided with varying levels of on-the-job training and support, linked to their needs and employment goals.
Training for employees with disability includes mail fulfilment, general packaging, textile recycling, warehousing of products, show bag assembly and shrink wrapping for business customers which help to fund our programs assisting people experiencing disadvantage.
GAINING CONFIDENCE AT CASTLEREAGH INDUSTRIES
Jessica is one of our valued team members working in supported employment through Castlereagh Industries.
First coming into contact with the Coonamble-based service as a teenager, Jessica volunteered each school holidays over the course of three years in preparation to transition into the workforce.
Beginning full employment in 2021 at the service, which performs a variety of tasks including packaging, assembling COVID-19 testing kits and laundry services, she initially struggled with the demands of working in a group setting, navigating interpersonal relationships, and her cognitive skills.
Thanks to the support and encouragement of staff, peers, and a strong family support network, along with daily on-the-job training, Jessica is now able to perform her duties with minimal support, while gaining the confidence to build friendships with co-workers and participate in social events outside of work.
Her primary job at Castlereagh Industries is in the laundry, feeding sheets through the roller press and folding them into the correct sizes, as requested by customers.
Today, she is one of the most vocal team members and is comfortable enough to speak in front of a group of people.
Jessica recently obtained her learners driver’s permit and is working with the Castlereagh Industries team to gain open employment work experience opportunities in the year to come.
