Our Story
The project was started in 2010 with 8 participants. A second group joined in 2012 with 7 new participants. The initial aim was for the group to be able to work independently after two years but at the six month review it was obvious that participants were unable to apply their skills within the community.
Most people who participated in the project received treatment at the LAMB Rehabilitation Centre when they were children. As they grew older, there were no more occupational opportunities for them, and the participants could not gain income from work within normal society. These issues revealed the need to extend the rehabilitation program to include adults.
Currently, 23 participants receive on-the-job training and supervision. Our working hours are from 9 am to 4 pm and participants work twice a week on allocated days. The group is separated into male/female groups and different ability groups. A basic cash payment and lunch are given. There are daily group meetings and regular meetings with parents.
In the future, we aim to become more financially sustainable and grow our project. We want to place an increased focus on supporting parents, empowering them within their local communities to spread awareness and knowledge of disabilities, and support one another in groups and advocate for the rights of disabled people in their communities. Our long-term goal is to provide supported living accommodation, shared houses for 2 to 3 adults with disabilities, offering an independent lifestyle within the community, but with help from experienced and skilled caregivers supporting them to do the things they struggle with.