Jodie focuses on the future
Before participating in the Post School Services program, Jodie lacked self confidence and direction. Today, she is full of pride and enthusiasm as she talks about her passion for photography and her plans for the future.
Jodie initially wanted to be in front of the camera, but after preparing a personal plan with her support worker she developed an interest in getting out and about and taking photographs.
"The Post School Services program, funded by Disability Services Queensland, helps young people with a disability to transition from school to independent adult living. It aims to develop skills that enable them to participate in the local community and take on adult roles within their family," explains Sharron Allen, services manager with the Endeavour Foundation's Gladstone office.
Each program is tailored to target individual needs and, where possible, involves activities relating to education, lifestyle, training and community service.
"Everyone who receives funding has certain obligations and standards. To ensure we meet these commitments we have a planning session with the client," says Sharron.
During the planning session, Sharron and Jodie identified that Jodie needed to develop some budgeting and planning skills as well as become more active.
"This led to discussions about her being behind the camera," says Sharron. They then agreed on a tailored program and how Jodie could get out and about with her support worker to develop her skills.
Jodie says she likes to take photos of people, places and flowers found "out in the community".
"At the botanical gardens and the marina," she says, as well as "people's gardens".
Funding for the Post School Services program helps young people with high needs resulting from a disability to make the transition from school or special education programs or services. Funds are allocated by Disability Services Queensland to an organisation that works closely with the young person to deliver the individually tailored program.
To be eligible applicants must be 18 years of age, reside in Queensland and have no other support options such as pre-vocational training or employment.
For more information please call 13 13 04.
In just a few months, Jodie had progressed from "cutting people's heads off" and was well on her way to perfecting the art of photography. She took her digital camera wherever she went "just in case" she wanted to capture the moment.
Jodie's efforts were recognised when she entered the 2008 Intercity Images photographic exhibition and her photo was selected to be exhibited in Japan as part of a photographic exchange between Gladstone and its sister city Saiki.
Sharron says the skills and public recognition Jodie has received through her photography have given her a "real boost".
"Jodie now has confidence, self esteem, pride, ability and direction. Previously, she thought she was never going to get a job. Now, she dreams and she works towards goals."
Furthermore, Jodie has learned to plan out her photographic assignments, is developing computer skills and is getting out and about in the community, meaning she is much more active than in the past. She also hopes to exhibit her photos at the gallery within the botanical gardens.
Today, Jodie and her support worker can regularly be found taking photographs at the botanical gardens and the marina. Jodie says taking photos makes her feel great. "I'm full of passion and I feel I'm interested in photography and I feel happy to take photos," she says.
Jodie is also on the look out for more photography competitions to enter.