When Ben Lees lost his sight to a rare autoimmune disease, he braced for a whole new world - until a loyal guide dog named Grainger and a new career path helped him find the way forward. Ben is sharing his story as part of International Day of People with Disability on December 3, with thanks to employment provider APM, who helped him land a job with Clarence Valley Council with beloved Grainger by his side.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00This time last year after I got my diagnosis, it looked like things weren't going to be good for me.
00:06But APM helping me get a job has been major.
00:11I have autoimmune disease.
00:13I was 23 years old when my eyes got attacked from my immune system.
00:17It was really hard.
00:19He was really like down on himself.
00:22Always going like, what can I do as a blind person?
00:25As a partner hearing that does break your heart a little bit.
00:29APM's goal was finding Ben meaningful employment.
00:33Something that's not just a job.
00:35APM helping me get a job has been great.
00:38I'm a safety support officer in the Clarence Valley Council.
00:42I have all this assistive technology to help me work.
00:45There's so much support out there with workplace modifications.
00:48It is possible to have an inclusive disability environment.
00:52Ben's done so much for us since he's been here.
00:55It's been fantastic.
00:56When you can see the rewards, when you can see how it's changed Ben, it's so worth it.
01:01Granger lights up the place.
01:03He's Ben's assistant dog.
01:05People love Granger.
01:07He's very cheeky.
01:10Since Ben's been working with us, he's proud of himself.
01:14I find his confidence has gotten so much better.
01:17It's just been amazing to see the growth in him.
01:20If a person was feeling apprehensive about employing someone with a disability,
01:24I would just tell them just to do it.
01:26Look at their ability, look at their skills.
01:28Everyone has something to offer to a workplace.