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A community prepared to think outside the square will open the doors of possibility for people with a disability.
Jen Tait is a Wodonga mum who doesn’t just want inclusion for her own autistic son, Alec, but for anyone living with a disability.
Ms Tait and business partner Toni Reeves started Employment Circles of Support to help people with disabilities achieve typical and ordinary lives.
“We believe everyone has value and a contribution to make in the community,” she said.
“It’s a big topic about how people are currently not included.
“It’s one thing to be allowed to participate; it’s another to really be included the same as everyone else.”
Employment means a lot more than a pay cheque – whether you have a disability or not.
“It’s about having equal opportunity for employment,” Ms Tait said.
“Employment doesn’t have to look the same for everyone; if a person has a really specific skill they can provide a real benefit to a business.
“Jobs mean so much, they’re how we identify ourselves.
“Having that sense of value and of belonging is really important – all people want is to belong.”
Ms Tait said there was nothing more rewarding than seeing the pride on a person’s face after receiving pay for a job well done.