Boyd Slade, an 18-year-old with an intellectual disability, was at risk of falling through the cracks after finishing school. Without the support of his parents, both of whom had passed away, Boyd faced the challenges of transitioning to adulthood largely on his own.
Boyd was living with his older brother at the time (and continues to do so today), but without a guiding parental figure or community ties, the future felt uncertain. Driven by a determination to work, he found a path to success through the Disability Employment Services (DES) program at Scope.
Boyd finds a foothold to his future with Scope
Boyd’s employment journey began when he joined DES during his final year at school. The program quickly became a lifeline, offering him the skills and tools he needed to navigate the job market.
His DES consultant at Scope, Agnes Rocco, remembers her early interactions with Boyd fondly, “My favourite thing about Boyd is his personality—he always has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy, and positivity. He was keen to work and had clear goals, which made it easy to support him.”
Agnes and the team at Scope helped him practice for interviews, taught him how to apply for jobs online, and identified areas for upskilling.
DES also provided practical support to ensure Boyd’s success. The program paid for Boyd’s new clothes for both home and work, removing financial barriers and allowing him to present himself confidently in professional settings.
A bright opportunity in Ampelite
Boyd secured a position at Ampelite NSW, a company specialising in fibreglass production, thanks to the support of DES and Agnes’s ongoing encouragement.
His older brother was already employed there, which helped ease Boyd’s transition into the workplace.
Steve Mackie, the factory owner, recalls that hiring Boyd was an easy decision.
“When it came to hiring Boyd, I didn’t look at it as hiring someone with a disability. I saw him as a young fella who deserved a chance. His brother was already working here, and Boyd seemed like a good fit.”
From his first day on the job, Boyd showed a strong commitment to his role. He took on responsibilities in two key areas: operating the gel coat line and performing quality assurance at the end of the production line.
The gel coat line involves applying an extra protective coating to the fibreglass, a technical task that requires care and attention to detail.
“Most of the guys on the team don’t like doing the gel coat because it involves mixing chemicals, and you need to wear a mask and gloves,” Steve explains.
“But Boyd loves it. It’s his favourite part of the job, and you’ll always get a wave and a smile when he’s doing it.”
Quality control is another key role Boyd is tasked with. He ensures that the finished products meet quality standards before they are sent to customers. Steve remarks that Boyd’s attention to detail and pride in his work make him an absolute asset at this task.
An all-star employee
“He’s very particular about his job,” Steve notes. “He never misses a shift, is never late, and frequently volunteers for Saturday shifts. I couldn’t be happier with him.”
Boyd’s positive attitude and strong work ethic have earned him the respect of his colleagues and his boss.
Steve even sees a bright future for Boyd at Ampelite, “I think he could be the General Manager here one day if he keeps going the way he’s started. He can achieve anything he wishes for.”
For Boyd, work has become more than just a job - it’s a source of pride and belonging. “I like my boss, Steve,” Boyd says. “He’s always in good spirits, and he’s appreciative when I come in in the morning.” Boyd enjoys the routine and structure that work provides, and his favourite task, the gel coat, gives him a sense of responsibility and fulfillment.
Boyd’s income from his job at Ampelite allows him to contribute to his household, helping his brother pay bills and buy food. This financial independence has given him a sense of purpose and control over his life. “It’s fun to work,” Boyd says with a smile.
A wrap-around community of support
Looking back on his journey, Boyd is grateful for the support he received from DES, especially from Agnes.
“DES and Agnes helped me get the job that I needed. If someone was thinking of joining DES, I would tell them that Agnes is a good person, and she would help anyone that she can.”
Agnes continues to check in with Boyd regularly, offering guidance and encouragement. Their fortnightly conversations not only focus on work but also on Boyd’s personal life, reminding him to stay on top of washing his work clothes, and even catching up on footy predictions.
For Agnes, seeing Boyd’s transformation has been joyful. “Before, he was just floating by after school, not knowing what he was going to do. Now, he has routine, structure, and something to look forward to each day. It’s really rewarding to see.”
Boyd has gained not only employment but also confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
As he continues to grow and build on his skills, there’s no doubt that Boyd will excel in whatever he sets his mind to. The future is bright for this young man, and those who have supported him along the way couldn’t be prouder.
At 24 years old, Jonah, or "Joe" as he prefers to be called, has spent the last six years with Scope. For the past three years, he’s proudly served as a school crossing guard. But for Joe, it’s more than just a job—it’s a purpose.
At just 19 years old, Jorja has already achieved a major milestone: she’s working in her dream role at childcare centre Hippo’s Friends. Her days are filled with caring for children, helping with meals, and teaching tiny tots valuable life lessons through play. However, Jorja wasn’t always the confident, capable childcare worker she is today – it took a helping hand to set her on her path to success.
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