Thomas’ journey to meaningful employment

Thomas’ journey with CoAct + Ability Options has helped him gain independence and confidence in his role at Impulse Purchase Specialists. With personalised support from his Workforce Partner, Courtney, Thomas has grown in his job and now works independently for part of each shift. 

Living and working in Hornsby

Thomas, a 24-year-old with an intellectual disability, has worked at Impulse Purchase Specialists for over four years. Living in the Central West Sydney region, Thomas takes great pride in his job, which includes cleaning, office management, and ensuring supplies are correctly stocked. 

Thomas enjoys making his colleagues smile and says that telling jokes and working with his team makes his day brighter. He values being part of the team and loves his work. 

I like working and telling jokes. I like making people laugh—it feels good.

Building confidence with CoAct/Ability Options

Thomas joined CoAct/Ability Options DES (now Inclusive Employment Australia IEA).

in July 2020 and immediately received the support he needed to thrive. His Workforce Partner, Courtney, has been working with him weekly to provide the assistance required to help him succeed in his role. 

Courtney helps Thomas with tasks that require more focus, such as managing his time and completing tasks in order. She also provides tips to help him improve his fine motor skills, such as unscrewing caps and filling soap bottles. 

“Thomas is very thorough, and sometimes he can get caught up in one task and not realise it’s time to move on,” Courtney said. 

With Courtney’s support, Thomas has become more independent and now works an hour of each shift on his own—a big achievement for him. 

Carving out a space for intellectual disability in the workforce

Growing up, Thomas wanted to find a job—but it was a difficult process, especially with an intellectual disability. 

It’s difficult to do all the steps. There are lots of jobs out there, and you don’t know what one to choose.

Despite the barriers that exist in the workplace for many disabled people, Thomas has found a team that values him. 

“They’ve been very supporting, carving a role out around here to help Tom and support him,” Courtney said. 

Thomas’s employer, Andrew Mackenzie, says that Thomas has been a huge asset to the business. 

“We love Thomas. He fits right in, and everyone loves him. He’s a very important part of the business,” Andrew said. 

Thomas works two days a week, and his colleagues enjoy his positive energy. One colleague even mentioned a fun dance moment with Thomas, which made everyone’s day. 

Thomas’s team don’t judge him: they support him—and he’s been a great addition to the team. 

We love having Tom here,” said Perri, one of his managers. “He is missed whenever he has a day off.

Jono, one of Thomas’s colleagues, says he brings a spark to the workplace that brings everyone joy. 

“Thomas is great, and always in a good mood,” Jono said.  

We like his energy, and even had a fun little dance moment the other day, which just brightens your day.

He’s as an important part of the team as anyone else, and we respect everyone here.

Looking forward

Thomas continues to grow in his role, and with the support of CoAct/Ability Options, he feels confident in his abilities. His goal is to increase his independent work hours, save for a home, and continue making his colleagues’ lives a little brighter. 

“More independence is good, but I like the help I get from CoAct/Ability Options,” Thomas said. 

Thomas’s journey shows how tailored support and a caring workplace can create opportunities for people of all abilities to thrive. 

For tailored, friendly support in your employment journey contact us today.