By Violet Li
With two casual jobs, volunteer work, and co-hosting a radio program about disability, Clyde North resident Scarlett Jennings has been embracing her hectic and vibrant life wholeheartedly.
Diagnosed with an intellectual disability at the age of 10, now 20-year-old Scarlett could not be more proud of what she has achieved in her recent transition from school to working life.
She works two shifts a week under the guidance of qualified chefs at L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Café, Florist and Art Space in Cranbourne, and two shifts a week at nearby Amstel Club where she splits her time between the bistro and its Every1 café which is run by people with a disability.
Aside from paid employment, Scarlett volunteers weekly at her local Salvation Army store and co-host Disability Matters, a monthly radio program on online station The Buzzz.
Scarlett showed signs of intellectual disability when she was six, followed by early intervention therapies.
She joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2019 that covered the cost of speech and occupational therapies for her and engaged with the provider Umbrella Support after she left school.
Her mother Vanessa said she was very grateful for what NIDS had done for her daughter.
“Through the NDIS, they’ve supported her placements in work, and through Umbrella Support, they’ve supported her in social activities like dealing with friends and radio experience,” she said.
“Without the NDIS, we don’t think she would have had these opportunities that lead her in employment.
“It’s really been life-changing for her, so we’re big fans of the scheme in the support it gives. We wish the NDIS had been around when Scarlett was younger.”
Scarlett loves the variety of her jobs as she gets to learn something new each week.
“Workplace is really different to school and it’s learning how to be a bit more mature and more punctual on time,” she said.
“The staff is so supportive. They encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.
“It developed my confidence to give things a go and I gained more independence.”
She said her voluntary decision at the Salvation Army Store was purely out of goodwill to give back to the community.
“I work on the cash register with support from staff. I serve customers and price donations,” she said.
“They’ve been fantastic for giving me an opportunity to develop my skills.”
Umbrella Support founder and worker Cindy Warren co-hosts The Buzzz with Scarlett and she spoke highly of Scarlett for her full drive.
“She gives everything a go, setting goals and working towards them,” she said.
‘She has an outgoing personality. When faced with a challenge, she will seek guidance and move forward.
“Scarlett is proof that the NDIS does assist those living with a disability to strive for their goals.”
Vanessa said being part of society as a working person had always been what she wanted for Scarlett and she was glad her daughter was on the track with the help of the NDIS.
“It’s really tricky for people with disabilities to get paid employment,” she said.
“Scarlett has been really valued at the workplace for what she can bring, and she’s a really hard worker.”
Scarlett said her goal was to live independently one day and she was striving hard on her way.
“Get out there and explore options so you never know where those opportunities can lead you,” she said.
