Raising and nurturing skills to harvest talents.

When Aaron was born he seemed to be a perfectly healthy baby. He spoke his first words at 9 months. He took his first steps at 14 months. Everything was just right!

Then, when Aaron’s language didn’t progress as it should, it was later observed that he had low muscle tone. Following some medical tests it was discovered that Aaron was actually born with a ‘Ring 22 Chromosome’ – a rare chromosomal disorder, which occurs randomly for unknown reasons. The symptoms in each person vary and depend upon the amount and location of the chromosome that is missing.

Aaron has a moderate intellectual disability as a result. He cannot cross the road by himself, cut up his own meals, shower independently or manage tasks that most 23 year old men take for granted.

His verbal communication is delayed and limited, but that doesn’t inhibit his social personality. Aaron gets along well with everyone and loves to help whenever there is an opening to provide assistance.

Although Aaron’s muscle tone is diminished, it fortunately hasn’t affected his physicality too much. “Aaron loves being outdoors”, says his mum Lindy. Aaron lives on a dairy farm about 10km out of Forbes. He loves feeding his calves, riding his quad bike and collecting cow manure.

“We could see that Aaron needed to do something productive with his energy” says Lindy. The family then encouraged him to start his own Cow Manure delivery business. Aaron gathers the manure and fills the bags ready for delivery in the Forbes area. He is so excited about the amount of orders he has received so far and talks every day about going home to bag the manure. This new venture not only gives Aaron the opportunity to earn some money; it provides him with a sense of independence.

When Aaron is not bagging cow manure he attends House With No Steps Post School Program (PSP) 4 days per week. Post School Program provides training to school leavers with a disability to teach independent living skills, social skills and helps to prepare them for the possibility of either supported or open employment. Aaron has been involved in House With No Steps since participating in our Little Learners program as a young child.

It is wonderful to watch Aaron’s independent living skills improve. He can now manage activities he had great difficulties with before – like making his own sandwich, using the microwave and handling hot water and foods.

His helpful nature is on display every day. When he makes himself a cup of tea or coffee, he always makes one for the staff. When he and his friends arrive in the morning, there is always a big smile sprouting from the edges of his lips as he delights in carrying his bag inside.

Aaron’s love of helping out has been harnessed by entrusting him with the task of independently setting up the program area each morning. He proudly empties the bins, vacuums the floors, prepares all the tables, turns on the radio and organises the musical instruments.

HWNS prides itself on ensuring the right balance is maintained in the services we provide to create a successful outcome for each client. Ensuring that people with disabilities feel valued is the number one priority in everything we do.

HWNS founder Lionel Watts contracted polio in 1956, which left him with quadriplegia. He told us,

“When I began my own rehabilitation, I found there were many misconceptions about people with disabilities - that ‘they couldn’t do it’. House With No Steps began, based on the belief that people with disabilities ‘could do it’. We also tried to convey the importance to all individuals of a sense of being needed and loved. To find love and acceptance is a struggle for so called ‘normal’ people, and it is very much harder for those who are a little bit different – maybe with a disability.”

House With No Steps is still striving to ensure people with any kind of disability feel needed and loved.
As a supporter of House With No Steps, you too help fulfil this powerful need, thank you.

"Donate Now " www.hwns.com.au/donate