Wayne is a happy bloke. And he has every reason to be on top of the world. He has his health, his mates, a job he enjoys and his independence.

It hasn’t always been that way though.

Wayne was born with Fragile X Syndrome. Fragile X is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known genetic cause of autism. For Wayne, this means that he has learning difficulties, poor concentration and autistic behaviours.

It was hard for Wayne to hold down a job. Wayne used to find it difficult to deal with his emotions and when he had issues would not turn up to work. Most employers didn’t understand his disability, so Wayne didn’t last long. He was also easily influenced, which sometimes got him into trouble. That’s all changed now.

House With No Steps nurtures people with a disability

We create opportunities for them to make the most of their abilities and live full, valued and productive lives. Wayne is now one of the best workers at Growing Care, a business division of House With No Steps (HWNS) which provides horticultural and landscape management services. Our business enterprises help people with a disability achieve independence through training, employment opportunities, social interaction and economic security.

When Wayne first started he was a bit of an outsider and didn’t mix with the team. However, the understanding and perseverance of the staff at Growing Care enabled Wayne to build self esteem, improve his communication skills and develop healthy new friendships.

The positive influence and camaraderie of the Growing Care team has had a huge impact on Wayne’s life. Wayne is now a real team player. He rarely takes a day off work because he doesn’t want to let his mates down.

Wayne can be counted on to complete a quality job. His attention to detail has really improved and he takes great pride in his work.

Wayne has also gone from strength to strength in his training with equipment. He has goals now – something he never considered before coming to HWNS. Wayne aspires to be a team leader one day and to get his licence so he can work on the ride-on mowers.

Wayne’s achievements don’t stop there

He really blossomed when he lost over 20 kilos. Wayne had a terrible health scare last year. He was over 100kg when he collapsed and had to be hospitalised due to type 2 diabetes. “It really scared me” Wayne says, “I had to change.”

Wayne was determined to lose the weight. With support from HWNS’s staff he is now a much healthier 74kgs and no longer needs to have insulin injections. “I’m off the needles now!” says Wayne, beaming with pride. His overall quality of health has flourished and Wayne is now very aware of what he should and shouldn’t eat. 

Wayne lives in a HWNS group home – a place he is proud to call his home. A smile blooms on Wayne’s face as he says, “It’s very good. This was my last move. I am happy I don’t have to move again. I’ve been here for eight years. I get sick of moving house.” Wayne gets the support he needs at home, whilst maintaining his independence.

Wayne has progressed so much over the past couple of years. He is a bit of a role model to the other residents now. “A lot of the blokes look up to me for some reason.” Wayne says shyly. Wayne lives with a group of other men with varying disabilities. His housemates have also become good friends. “We eat together, go out to bowling, the movies, and picnics – we do it all. I don’t ever get sick of the boys.” Wayne is truly happy.

House With No Steps offers support

At HWNS we adopt a holistic approach and offer support and services to people with a disability in many areas of their life.

HWNS acts as a warm and inclusive community for every person with a disability. As a donor, you are a part of this community too. The support that you offer is fundamental to the wellbeing of our clients. We have been providing support and opportunities to people with a disability for nearly 50 years.

Your support will help us turn lives around and provide opportunities to people with a disability in your community.