Bundaberg Australia
Options day 2017 Ambassadors
Our Options Day 2017 Ambassador Stories
Hayden Medcalf (16 Years old): My Story
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of nine. I don’t see Asperger’s as a disability it just means I am different, I see the world differently.
Having Autism affects my ability to concentrate, focus on tasks and handle pressure. With the love and support of my family, teachers and professional’s there have been many tears and triumphs to get me where I am today. I am just about to finish a school based traineeship in media while working at Bundaberg Broadcasting in editing and sound production. I have been accepted at two universities’ to study a bachelor of sound engineering.
I would like my role as an Options day ambassador to inspire others who are different like me to step out and challenge themselves to get out there and follow their dreams.
Monique Van Kooten (18 years old): My Story
I have Asperger’s Syndrome which is on the autism spectrum. My disability is a developmental condition that affects my ability to effectively communicate with others. I could not talk until the age of five and had difficulties socialising with others.
However, with early intervention from multiple providers and the support and love from my family and friends, I have been lucky. All these people have had a major impact on my life so far, and they have helped me with strategies and support which in turn, helps to limit the impact that my disability can put on me in the broader community.
Despite my disability I was able to graduate high school with an OP 2, obtain a full time traineeship at Southern Cross Support Services and got accepted into UQ University next year studying Architecture.
I hope my role with being the Options Day Ambassador can encourage people with disabilities that they can achieve their goals and do things just as well as anyone else can.
In this picture L/R: Monique Van Kooten and Hayden Medcalf.
#OptionsDay17
When: Thursday 7 September | 9.30am-1.30pm
Where: Bundaberg Multiplex Centre | 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg West
#FREEentry
#freesausagesizzle
#NDISready
#bundaberg
#widebayburnettregion
#queensland
#Australia
Options day 2017 Ambassadors
Our Options Day 2017 Ambassador Stories
Hayden Medcalf (16 Years old): My Story
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of nine. I don’t see Asperger’s as a disability it just means I am different, I see the world differently.
Having Autism affects my ability to concentrate, focus on tasks and handle pressure. With the love and support of my family, teachers and professional’s there have been many tears and triumphs to get me where I am today. I am just about to finish a school based traineeship in media while working at Bundaberg Broadcasting in editing and sound production. I have been accepted at two universities’ to study a bachelor of sound engineering.
I would like my role as an Options day ambassador to inspire others who are different like me to step out and challenge themselves to get out there and follow their dreams.
Monique Van Kooten (18 years old): My Story
I have Asperger’s Syndrome which is on the autism spectrum. My disability is a developmental condition that affects my ability to effectively communicate with others. I could not talk until the age of five and had difficulties socialising with others.
However, with early intervention from multiple providers and the support and love from my family and friends, I have been lucky. All these people have had a major impact on my life so far, and they have helped me with strategies and support which in turn, helps to limit the impact that my disability can put on me in the broader community.
Despite my disability I was able to graduate high school with an OP 2, obtain a full time traineeship at Southern Cross Support Services and got accepted into UQ University next year studying Architecture.
I hope my role with being the Options Day Ambassador can encourage people with disabilities that they can achieve their goals and do things just as well as anyone else can.
In this picture L/R: Monique Van Kooten and Hayden Medcalf.
#OptionsDay17
When: Thursday 7 September | 9.30am-1.30pm
Where: Bundaberg Multiplex Centre | 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg West
#FREEentry
#freesausagesizzle
#NDISready
#bundaberg
#widebayburnettregion
#queensland
#Australia