Caley's story transcript
Caley: There's still a lot of goals out there that I'd like to kick, but I like to think I've conquered the biggest hurdle, and as I'll happily say to anyone who asks, I have a reason to put pants on in the morning. What's not to like?
My name is Caley, and I work in the produce department at Woolworths.
Shelley: Caley was interested in retail or working with customers. We approached Woolworths, we explained to them that there were options of work experience. We could ascertain whether Caley was going to work in well with the store, and whether the store was going to be a good fit for Caley.
Caley: Having a job is important to me, because it allows me to give back to the community and put a little sunshine on their faces.
Shelley: Because he is such an energetic and charismatic person, I think it was really a good fit for him in the supermarket where people are walking in, and he can engage with them straight away.
Caley: I have Asperger's syndrome. That's a form of autism, for those who don't know, and I have cerebral palsy.
Really, the biggest hindrance is given that my left leg is naturally weaker, I can't be on my feet for too long. I'll need to take a break and sit down, and that's one of the good things about the small shifts that I usually have.
Shelley: He works four shifts a week, also picking up other shifts, and he's got long-term employment.
Caley: I've been working here for two years, and honestly, it's been the best two years of my life.
Leanne: The ongoing support with APM is great. It's not smothering. They just pop in and they make sure everything's okay, the occasional phone call, or Caley could touch base with them, if he wanted to. He thinks it's great that he's earning more money and feels more productive. I think APM found him the right spot.