A home of Micaela’s own
Many parents find it hard to conceive of their child flying the family nest, and especially so for parents of children with a disability. But for Werribee parents Carmel and Rex, their advice is to have a vision for the future and grab every opportunity with both hands.
Their daughter Micaela, now 30, will soon be moving into her own home, and is as excited as her parents are proud.
‘I’m really excited about living at home on my own soon. I am looking forward to managing myself and my house too,’ says Micaela.
Micaela, who has Down Syndrome, is a social butterfly, frequenting the movies, dinner outings and dances with her friends. But Micaela’s independence has not come without effort.
Carmel initially struggled to come to terms with her daughter’s disability. It was not until her aunt delivered some words of wisdom that her perception shifted.
‘She said to me, ‘Write the story that you want to have in the end for Micaela,’ says Carmel.
‘Those words motivated us to join every organisation, become interested in every club and program that was available, find out as much as we could, and create something different for Micaela.’
Carmel says Micaela’s independence is a result of years of skill development at a specialised early intervention program and ongoing support from her family and other services.
‘From six weeks old she attended a specialised program for children with Down Syndrome. It was very intense therapy that prepared her for entering mainstream school,’ says Carmel.
‘Her preparation for living independently didn’t start at 30; it started when she was four or five,’ says Carmel.
In her adulthood, Micaela has become a Gateways Support Services’ ‘frequent flyer’, attending regular recreation programs. She has struck up friendships with other participants and continues to build on her skills.
‘Gateways has been a big part of my life for a lot of years. I have made some friends there. I really like the carers too,’ says Micaela.
‘I like going to Bingo on Thursday nights. It’s really great fun. I love going swimming too. Also, bowling is fun and the live shows.’
Carmel says Gateways’ programs have helped build Micaela’s confidence and develop life skills such as cooking.
‘My all-time favourite is cooking classes. I really love learning how to cook different foods,’ says Micaela.
14 years ago Carmel and Rex purchased the house neighbouring theirs, with Micaela set to move in once renovations are complete.
Micaela’s family have no doubts that she will flourish in her new home.
‘We are sure she’s going to make mistakes, but we will have all the problems ironed out long before we get too old to manage Micaela,’ says Carmel.
‘The NDIS will still provide some support but the actual running of the house, I think she will do very well on her own. She already does a great job helping to look after this home.’
Having seen how early intervention and support helped Micaela develop her independence, Carmel hopes to inspire other parents and carers.
‘I hope my story will motivate some other parents to think of the future for their kids. We are not going to outlive our kids, so hopefully when that time comes, she’ll be set up, independent and living happily in her own home,’ says Carmel.
To find out how Gateways Support Services can help you meet your goals, or to find out about our recreation activities, contact your support coordinator or nearest Gateways Support Services office.
