With Challenge Community Services, even those who are growing up with a disability can gain skills they need for their independence.

For two years, Harley has participated in life skills lessons through Challenge Community Services Choices day program.

The program prepared him for the move from his family home into supported accommodation in August 2016.

“Since attending the Choices day program, which was designed for his individual needs, Harley can now complete a range of tasks which will improve his life in the future,” Chris said.

The program focuses on independent living skills and teaches tasks we all undertake every day.

A trip to the shops is a learning experience in itself. Selecting items to buy and paying for them; using the library; showing good manners to others, all become lessons in life.

“Now, with assistance from staff, Harley can prepare and cook his own meals, wash and dry up, pay his bills, wash and hang out his clothes, interact with members of the community and obey road rules,” Chris said.

The improvement in Harley’s skills and self-confidence is noticeable.

“He has more self-expression,” Chris said.

“He is much more confident doing things independently, he doesn’t need me to do everything with him. He has made lots of new friends.”

With over 30years’ experience in the field, Chris knows the ins and outs of the disability industry and said he is very impressed with Challenge Community Services.

“Challenge have good quality staff, which is important! They are tolerant and accepting, with a broad range of experiences.”

Challenge Community Services encourages participants, parents and carers to learn about the opportunities and options available to them through the National Disability Insurance Scheme NDIS.

Challenge is available to assist with the pre-planning and structuring of NDIS packages to ensure the best funding and support possible.