How John never let intellectual disability stop him from finding a job or being part of his community
My name is John Catling, I am 27 and I live in Queanbeyan. I also have an intellectual disability. I’d wanted to find a job since the time I left school and a few months ago I finally got one. Before I got the job I was bored and sat around a lot even though I Read more...
How I never let my disability stop me from getting a job
After I completed high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I started the Transition to Work program run by Northcott. During the three years I took part in this program, I learnt many work related skills like how to write a resume and cover letters, interviewing techniques and how to catch Read more...
10 things often said to one woman with disability
When you have a disability people sometimes say things to you that they wouldn’t say to other members of the community. Some of the things they say are strange, sometimes I understand where they are coming from and sometimes I can even laugh about them. Here is a list of 10 things people often say Read more...
How I overcame episodic disability challenges and returned to full-time work
Eighteen months ago, when I first started using Northcott’s Employment Service, I wasn’t ready to start work because I have epilepsy and fractured six vertebrae during two seizures. The staff that supported me at Northcott understood that I needed rehabilitation and assistance to re-enter the workforce. They worked as a team and helped me with Read more...
Disability won’t stop Dinesh from becoming a Doctor
I started medical school after finishing a degree in law. That prompted a lot of people to ask me why I went on to study something completely different. The truth is I didn’t always want to be a doctor but a career in medicine really resonated with me after spending a couple of years reflecting Read more...
Jess’ journey: From school yard to Oxford Street
I have Neurofibromatosis, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This has meant I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs in life and these are some I’d like to tell you about. Firstly school, where I had teachers tell me I wasn’t worth teaching because they didn’t understand me or the disabilities I Read more...
Disability related bullying almost destroyed me but I’m fighting back
My name is Samira and I am 19 years old. I have Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which is a mild form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am an Australian Muslim of Lebanese and Palestinian descent. I was a victim of bullying and harassment throughout primary and high school. I was called ugly names because I was Read more...
Dear Northcott…
A few years ago our family hit a brick wall. To us, life was perfect and we never questioned why our daughter, Jazelle couldn’t sit up, crawl, walk, talk or eat solid foods. Read more...
How one grassroots partnership is getting kids with disability more involved in sport
During my time working in the disability sector I’ve heard a lot about the grief that parents and carers feel when their kids can’t join in any sporting activities. Many of the parents and carers I work with report feeling frustrated at the lack of opportunities their kids are given to take part in mainstream Read more...
Accessible bathrooms are called that for a reason
Does anyone else feel like there are a growing number of people that think accessible bathrooms are there for them to use at their own leisure? I do and this concerns me. These bigger and generally cleaner bathrooms are not for you to use just because you want to pee in peace. They actually serve Read more...