South Fremantle award winner helping people with disability to achieve their goals and aspirations

SOUTH Fremantle’s Andrea Holden has dedicated herself to helping a young woman living with a disability.

Laury and Dan Colgan were so touched but Ms Holden’s commitment to helping their daughter Amy complete a TAFE course, learn to use public transport and begin volunteer work at a dog shelter that they nominated her for the a Disability Support Award.

The National Disability Services WA agreed with the Colgans, announcing her as the award winner for Excellence in Improving Participation last week.

Ms Holden said just because a person had a disability it did not mean they did not have the same goals and aspirations as others and that she was happy to help them achieve those goals.

“Sometimes the support they need may not be obvious and that is where thinking outside the box and using initiative is invaluable,” she said.

“My role with Amy allows me that luxury, her parents encourage me to bring my unique networking skills to Amy’s schedule.

“These last few years has been very rewarding seeing the growth and changes in Amy and she has been on quite a journey, losing weight and becoming more health conscious , meeting new friends, completing an art course and has had her work displayed in a gallery.

“It is a wonderful feeling to know they appreciate the positive energy I bring to their household and the care and support I provide to their precious daughter.”

NDS WA state manager Julie Waylen said working in the disability sector was more than just a job and congratulated Ms Holden on the positive impact she has had on the Colgan family’s lives.