A Trip to Melbourne

Over the past 12 months we have seen some quite remarkable outcomes from our participating PATH finders and their families. Young people with disabilities, both physical and/or intellectual, often have a strong desire to be more independent and have the freedom that we all expect in adulthood. Although many adult pursuits may not be realistic for these young people, such as gaining their driving licence or live on their own, it may be possible to identify other ways that they can be more independent by thinking outside the square with the people prepared to assist.

One PATH finder’s dream was to get his driver’s licence and have his own car but because he has an intellectual disability this was unlikely to ever be possible. However, when the PATH team explored with him what he desired from being able to drive, it became clear that what he wanted was to be independent from his parents. After all, what 21 year old male wants to be collected early from a night out with your mates by their parents!?!. So this PATH finder, with his parents and friends tackled the question of independence in a different way. Instead of having to wait up to go and collect their son after a night out, they now had to wait for their son to come home from a flight from Melbourne (that he had booked himself) after a five day stay there with another friend (who also had a disability). No parents in sight …