At 19, Ben took a bold step toward independence by landing his first job at Natural Floorcoverings Australia through Scope’s Disability Employment Services (DES) program. But this milestone didn’t happen overnight—Ben’s journey began when he made the life-changing decision to join Scope’s School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program.
Starting out as a school leaver
“I originally met Ben when he was in our School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program,” says Simone, the Scope DES Program Business Manager. “Progressing into the Employment Service (DES) space for a school leaver is sort of the rainbow behind all the hard work that goes into our school leaver program.”
Ben shares, “I joined DES because I wanted to change my life. I wanted to learn about work, develop new skills, and find a job.”
Through DES, he received training on work safety, learned how to manage his Centrelink obligations, and gained the independence to handle life’s day-to-day responsibilities.
Floored by a new lease on life
One of the key traits that made Ben an ideal candidate for employment was his willingness to step up and get involved. “Ben is caring and compassionate, and he puts people first,” Simone says. “Any job he puts his mind to, he’ll be able to achieve.”
She knew these traits would make him a great fit for the Natural Floorcoverings Australia.
In his role at Natural Floorcoverings Australia, Ben is thriving. “I’ve been working here for a month now,” Ben says proudly. “I manage samples, and fix rugs. My favourite part is stacking the shelves and working with the rugs.”
For Ben, getting a job wasn’t just about earning money—it was about achieving something special. He’s saving up for a trip to Hawaii in January to celebrate his dad’s 50th birthday, a trip they’ve both been looking forward to.
“I’m saving my money because my dad hasn’t been to Hawaii in a long time,” Ben says with a smile.
A sense of belonging in his workplace
At the Natural Floorcoverings Australia, Ben has found a supportive and encouraging workplace.
His boss, John, didn’t initially plan on hiring through the DES program but is grateful for the connection that led him to Ben. “It came about accidentally,” John recalls. “I was hiring for a sales role when I connected with Scope. While the original candidate wasn’t the right fit for that position, it opened the door for me to learn more about the program. Through a series of events, this led to hiring Ben.”
John sees Ben’s potential and has tailored the role to match his strengths. “Ben’s been doing a variety of jobs—rolling up rugs, producing carpet samples, and more,” John explains. “He’s a quiet, polite young man who’s eager to learn, and it’s great having him here.”
An employer’s commitment to diversity
John’s commitment to inclusive hiring is deeply personal. He recalls his own previous boss whose son, also named Ben, was on the autism spectrum.
“When I first bought this company 10 years ago, I wanted to hire my friend’s son Ben. As my friend aged, he worried about what his son’s future would be like – would he find his place in his community? Would be productive and financially safe? I wanted to help,” John shares.
For John, this history made his decision to hire Ben a natural fit.
“I like having Ben on our team. I feel good about this type of employment relationship. He’s keen to grow, learn, and develop, and we’re exploring new skills he can pick up here. It’s a testament to his character.”
A continued support line with Scope
Scope’s role hasn’t ended now that Ben has secured a job. The team continues to check in with him regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly.
“We call Ben every fortnight, sometimes more,” Simone explains. “His Employment Consultant Talia talks with Ben, John, and even Ben’s mum, just to make sure everything is going well. We also support with things like uniforms and transportation—anything to help Ben succeed.”
Ben has to put on those shades…
Ben’s future looks bright, and his journey with Scope and Natural Floorcoverings Australia is just the beginning.
John is committed to helping Ben reach his full potential. “I hope Ben learns skills here that he can take into the future,” John says. “He needs to set his own limits—and I hope they’re very high.”
Simone, too, is optimistic about what lies ahead for Ben. “I just hope that Ben gains strength and experience from this role and moves on to something that truly fulfils him,” she says. “The future is so bright for him—he might need sunglasses!”
For Ben, his advice to others considering the DES program is simple but heartfelt: “Good luck for your new life and future. It will be fun and exciting.”
With his first job secured and a supportive team behind him, Ben is on the path to a future filled with possibilities.
Emily Longbottom, a proud Aboriginal woman with Autism from the Yuin Mob down south, has faced a unique set of challenges in her journey toward independence. However, with the support of the Disability Employment Services (DES) program, she has found a fulfilling career and a newfound sense of independence.
A new opportunity opens with DES
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.
Martin's journey began with Scope's School Leaver Employer Supports (SLES) program after a tough time in high school.
