My Journey and New Venture

About Me

Hi, my name is Ethan. I’m turning 18 this year. I am profoundly deaf and do not have speech, so I use Auslan to communicate. I also have polymicrogyria, an intellectual disability, and last year I was diagnosed with generalised epilepsy.

My Family and Support Network

Because of my recent epilepsy diagnosis, I can’t be left alone. When I’m not at home with my mum, stepdad, and brothers, you’ll always find me either at my dad’s house or at the speedway.

I have support workers who come to help my mum three times a week, giving her time to get other things done. I use a night alarm that alerts us if I have any major movements, or if my heart rate goes up, so my mum must get up to the alarm multiple times a night. Because of this, my mum had to quit her job and now stays home with me. She doesn't mind too much, because, as she says, I’m pretty awesome to hang out with.

Work Experience and Challenges

I used to work in a coffee van with my last support company and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the appropriate epilepsy training, so I could no longer work there.

I have also had interviews at McDonald’s and KFC, but they were unable to employ me as I’m considered “high risk”.

My Attitude Towards Money

I’m a great saver and enjoy earning my own money. I love watching my bank account grow and resisting the urge to spend my savings. My favourite trick is spending Mum’s, Richard’s, and Dad’s money instead!

Hopes and Goals

The thing I don’t understand is that all I want to do is work and have friends, but I don’t understand why I can’t.

Creating My Own Opportunity

So, my mum and I have decided to create my own job. I absolutely love a good hot chocolate, and I love seeing other people enjoy something I’ve made for them. We decided the best plan was to buy our own coffee van. We’ve set up the company and just need the funds to get it running. My family are helping as much as they possibly can.

Community Support and Next Steps

Myself, my mum, and my support worker have all worked hard to find locations, events, and schools where we can trade, and the response has been really positive.

We are also open to sponsorship opportunities. If you’d like your business to be featured on my van, please reach out!

Our Commitment to Inclusive Employment

We are dedicated to working hard to provide others who are in similar circumstances with the chance to gain employment. If you are interested in joining our team, we encourage you to send us your resume. We focus on assisted employment, ensuring that we remain completely independent and do not rely on external services, such as the NDIS.

Maintaining Independence in Employment

While the NDIS is an incredible support for people with disabilities, it can create a conflict of interest when accessed by family members. As this is not legal, we are unable to use the NDIS for these purposes. Each employee is responsible for managing their own arrangements independently and is welcome to come to work just like everyone else.

How You Can Help

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you’re not in a position to support me financially, I’d be grateful if you could share my fund. The more people I can reach, the more people we can hopefully help as well.

A Final Encouragement

You are beautiful, you are brave, and you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.