By XAVIER SMERDON
FOR Hoppers Crossing’s Bryce Hamer, living with a disability has presented many hurdles, but that has not stopped him from jumping straight over them.
Yooralla, one of Australia’s largest disability services has been championing the employment of people with disabilities for years.
In 2011 they set up the UCAN Café in at the Altona North Community Library where Bryce got his start.
Since then he has been employed by Yooralla’s second UCAN Café in Williamstown, and life has never been better.
“It’s given me confidence,” Bryce said.
“I feel better about myself and I’m proud that I can earn my own money. I’ve also made friends here.”
The confidence Bryce has gained while working at UCAN Café has even been transferred to other parts of his life.
Last month he entered the City2Sea Challenge where he walked five kilometres from Hamer Hall to St Kilda.
Before taking part in the walk he needed get in shape and shed some unwanted kilograms.
“I lost 18kg. And I reckon that’s pretty good,” he said.
He covered the five kilometres in 49 minutes, but next year he is planning to take it up another level.
Bryce hopes to run the same distance at next year’s event.
Tom Bevan from UCAN said Bryce’s achievements showed how much of a difference confidence could make in a person’s life.
“Every member of staff receives full award wages. We focus on ability rather than disability in an environment where people with disability are challenged and supported to grow their skills and confidence,” Mr Baven said.
For more information visit www.ucancafe.com.au
