Echuca mother-of-five Jaki Osborne does nothing but reflect fondly on her decision to move from hairdressing to the disability care sector.
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Today (Friday, December 3) is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992, with the theme of the event being understanding disabilities that you cannot see.
Jaki operates Shine Bright Disability Services, which has nothing to do with the highly respected child care organisation. She spoke with Riv editor Rohan Aldous yesterday in a Q&A format to explain her journey.
Where are you originally from, who lives in your household and what fields have you worked in?
I came to Echuca from Kerang 22 years ago, I have five kids — three virtually grown up and two foster care daughters who are 13 and eight. They’ve been with me since they were eight days old and two years old. Through the years we have had about 30 foster care children.
Husband Brent worked at Murray Goulburn until its closure. He was there for 23 years. I started off as a hairdresser, but I never really liked it.
I went from that after I saw an advert in the Riv many years ago, when everything was really different. It was personal care for a 30-year-old woman, which I did for two years. It was only two half-days a week.
Then I was off work when I had my children and when I wanted to get back to work, someone said I should volunteer at the specialist school. I didn’t have a connection there, but I volunteered. I worked casual and then full-time as a teacher’s aide. I was there for eight years.
Where did you study or gain your qualifications?
All experience-based work, on-the-job training if you like. The first principal I worked with was a great supporter, Marie Downie, and followed by Paul Marshall, who is still there.
What was the driving force behind moving into the disability sector? Any family connections or friends with disabled family members?
I’ve always loved kids and I like helping people. I used to volunteer at STEPS (Hands On Health). I used to cut hair there.
With the fostering we have always had kids who have been involved in trauma and had challenging behaviours.
But the best experience was at the special school. Now I am outside of the school I know the specialist school was a very good apprenticeship.
Both of my foster girls are on the spectrum.
Was working in the disability sector a long-time goal?
I started my own business three years ago. It was challenging to get it up and running — I plan a program that is specifically for the clients.
Charlie Apps has been with me nearly 12 months as an assistant. We were in the same circles and I was watching her interact with my own children before I offered her a role.
She will start her certificate in disability next year.
Is it all that you thought it would be, reflecting back on your time in the industry?
It is more rewarding than I thought it would be.
A lot of people wonder what their purpose is. I have found mine — I think I have the best job in the world.
I work with seven- to 24-year-olds and would love to follow them through until they don’t need a carer any more.
In your time, how has the disability sector changed?
Since I had my first client, 20 years ago, it has changed a lot.
If we were somewhere and she was making noise people would be staring. In Echuca at least it is now very accepted, people here can embrace diversity.
What are the types of clients, conditions, that you deal with?
A lot with challenging behaviours, autism, ADHD, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Ninety five per cent of people with FASD do not have the facial features associated with the disorder ... It is such a hidden disability. You just can’t tell from looking at them.
Is it just Moama and Echuca clients that you are involved with?
Solely based in this region. We have 10 clients, some clients are just one-on-one, but others will operate in a group.
How is the area serviced for disability support workers?
In this region we are very lucky with the quality of support workers.
What is your opinion about the NDIS and how that works for your clients?
The NDIS needs to listen to parents more about what their children need. These are the people that are living this every day. Assessments need to be based over a period of time, not just one meeting.
What are some of the tips you would give to people wanting to work in this field?
Do some volunteer work first to see if you are suited for the job.
What are the most difficult parts of the job?
I am not really sure, because I love it. The challenging behaviours are the most difficult, but I like working with those kids, because it is a challenge in itself.
What are the most rewarding parts of your work?
I love it when they do something new, or for the first time. We did training for the Melbourne run and the father of one client didn’t think there was any way he would do it. Come the day of the run, he was on fire. At the end his face was precious, he was so proud of himself.
Another of my clients is involved in the Dillmac production.
Even one girl, who we take to Woolworths. She finds it hard to pick things, but she gets so excited that she can pick one thing.
How many days a week are you involved with clients?
Most of the time it is six days a week, but during the school holidays we are flat out.
I can’t wait for these holidays, because we can finally do fun stuff again.
If you could make a wish for your clients and how they live in the world, what would it be?
Just to be treated like everyone else. They know they can do whatever they want to do in life.
What is lacking in regard to services in the Echuca-Moama area for people with a disability?
I honestly can’t think of anything. The services provided for people with a disability are great, so many businesses are great to us. People really are awesome with the way they treat my clients, like the Discovery Park in Moama (we take clients and stay there), Horse Hand (for their horse therapy), Billabong Ranch, Gravity Shack and Paramount. They are a few of our regulars during the holidays.
What do you normally do on International Disability Day?
Last year the kids wanted to have a cake and have a bit of a party, so we did that.
This year’s theme is not all disabilities are visible; do any of your clients identify with this or come under this banner?
A big YES for me. It excited me because more people need to know about FASD. If they came and lived with me they would not drink.
The differences come in very small things: something they might eat, wear or something sensory. It affects executive functioning, they have short fuses and are frustrated very easily.
Foster caring is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.