Giving Back - Zoe's Story

When I was 14 months old when I was diagnosed with clicky hips.

Since then I’ve had several failed operations on both hips, the latest of which when I was 21.

After my latest operation, I spent two weeks in hospital because the operation really knocked me around. My mobility was not good and I had to have a walker.

Prior to the operation, I had started a Cert III in Community Services at TAFE, however, by the time I was ready to go back I had fallen behind.

On leaving hospital, I was referred to Ability Links to help me get back into the community.

After meeting my Linker, I explained that I needed some support to complete my course and that I wanted a job working with either youth, domestic violence or drug and alcohol. I was sick of working at McDonalds!

TAFE had some concerns in regards to me completing my Certificate IV because I have Intellectual Disability and they were concerned the content was going to be too difficult for me.

Ability Links supported me with writing a resume and cover letter, as well as to set up meetings with TAFE to discuss my options and put in place the supports that I needed.

When I first met with Ability Links I didn’t have much confidence in myself. I was really negative and didn’t want to do anything.

Ability Links helped me to realise that I could achieve my dreams through different pathways and that it’s ok to ask questions and get help. That I could do it!!! It made a difference having someone believe in me…it then made me believe in myself.

A year later a lot has changed for me. I have completed my Certificate III and Certificate IV in Community Services and have just recently got a job as a Youth Support Worker.

While this has come with a lot of hard work and has been very challenging for me it has so been worth it.