Michael Mansfield has flipped the traditional disability narrative. Instead of coming to St.Giles for disability services, he is working at St.Giles.

After 10 years of the NDIS and a month before October’s publication of the disability scheme’s review,  St.Giles Lenah Valley staff member Michael Mansfield sees no barriers to work.

Michael started working at St.Giles in 2021, initially supported by a job coach but quickly gained confidence working alongside the administration team.

“Having Michael as part of the team has enabled staff to have a greater focus on their core tasks” said St.Giles Manager of Corporate Services Sharon Hammond.

Michael took on cleaning duties to enable St.Giles services to function during the COVID pandemic before transitioning to other tasks at the Lenah Valley centre.

“We created visual resources for Michael to assist him with new tasks, but once he becomes confident they are no longer required” said Ms Hammond.

As Michael’s skills and confidence grew, so did his task list.

“I check and order stationary, clean the toys and clean the therapy rooms,” Mr Mansfield said.

“I like looking after the cars and using a computer – that’s a new skill.”

After 85 years of operation, St.Giles is continuing to be a leader in disability services across Tasmania and the organisation hopes to have more workers like Michael join their ranks.

“I’m glad to come to work, the people here are friendly and say g’day” Mr Mansfield said.

A version of this story appeared in The Mercury newspaper September 5th 2023