HERVEY Bay local Brian Reckenberg is helping the Fraser Coast community navigate the NDIS system through his new role at My Hero Disability Services in Pialba.
Brian is legally blind and can only see outlines and shadows.
NOW READ: Fifteen groups benefitting from Fraser Coast Community Grants Program
He requires glasses, a walking cane and is also assisted by his gorgeous black Labrador guide dog, Koda.
Brian is one of those people who lights up a room whenever he walks in.
He is a confident, outgoing, determined and intelligent person and had hoped by utilising the services of APM, he’d be able to find a job that matched his personality.
ALSO READ: Good news for whale watching in Hervey Bay
His dream job was in administration.
Despite being capable, skilled and qualified – and APM being willing to ensure he had the technology and equipment required for any role – many potentially employers struggled to understand how Brian would be able to complete tasks on a computer.
Jobs
Whenever an administration job came up, his name was first on the list.
In May, a phone call was made to My Hero Disability Services – a small NDIS provider new to the industry and region.
My Hero were eager to meet with Brian.
At his interview, Brian conveyed a comprehensive understanding of the NDIS system, as he uses the system himself, and explained his knowledge, background and skills.
Realising how much of an asset Brian would be to their business, My Hero Disability Services hired him on the spot.
ALSO READ: New book details history of Maryborough’s mayors
He was welcomed with open arms and received his own office space, which had enough room for his guide dog too!
Employment Consultant Kathryn Carter ensured Brian was well equipped for his new job.
Fund
Through the Employment Fund, she was able to able to buy a laptop and monitor, a docking station for a vision impaired keyboard and speech programs so Brian could complete his tasks.
And don’t forget a dog bed and bowls.
CHRISTMAS CHEER: Add your home to the Light up the Fraser Coast Trail
APM also organised an IT specialist to set up Brian’s equipment at the office.
Since starting in May, Brian has gone from strength to strength.
He began working his eight benchmark hours a week.
Hours
This has increased to 12, with Brian looking to increase his hours to 16 per week in the near future.
Meanwhile, Brian’s commitment to helping others was recognised at the 2022 Fraser Coast Ability Awards where he received the Community Spirit Award.
ALSO READ: Rounding up the weekend with The Low’n’Slow BBQ Shack
The Fraser Coast Regional Council said Brian was a fantastic role model, was always willing to help others and never lets his disability hold him back.
For more on APM, click here.
You can find more details on My Hero Disability Services by following this link.
My Hero Disability Services is located at Shop 4 / 40 Torquay Road, Pialba.
Hashtags: #goodnewsfrasercoast | #frasercoastnews | #frasercoast | #finditfrasercoast
Keywords: Good News Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast News | Hervey Bay news | Maryborough news | Find it Fraser Coast