Stories of Interchange – Meet Carys

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Carys participating at the Bunburry Jetty Swim in February 2021.

Meet Carys – the 26-year-old has been part of our Interchange community for the past eight years and has not stopped working hard and chasing her dreams ever since.

Carys is a very active young lady, a part-time worker and homeowner where she lives independently with support from her parents. Her Support Workers are busy keeping up with her and assisting wherever needed for Carys to keep smashing her goals. And Carys does not give up easy.

Sometimes I do face challenges because of my disability but there is always a way to keep going.

Carys has a rare form of the Sturge Weber Syndrome (SWS) and she wants people to know more about this syndrome and the impacts for people living with it. SWS is a neurological disorder that can lead to challenges in her day-to-day life these include.

Especially when facing challenges, the understanding, support and awareness of the people around her is most important to Carys.

Some disabilities are more obvious than others – it is important to remember that we are all different but what lies inside, is what truly matters and how we should be treated.

The young woman decided early on that her disability would not prevent her from achieving her goals and so Carys has been moving forward building a life she can truly be proud off. She is a student at TAFE studying a Certificate 4 in Library studies, Carys also recently decided to join the workforce and is now happily working at the Royal Lifesaving Society WA.

As an employee I enjoy working at the reception and my responsibilities, especially the interaction with people.

Considering that Carys loves everything that has to do with water this is definitely the perfect fit for her. When not at work or studying, Carys can be found stand up paddling or swimming. Someone truly inspirational to Carys is Elly Coleman, the Australian Paralympic swimmer who won four gold medals at the London Paralympics in 2012. It is therefore no surprise that Carys successfully took part at the Busselton Jetty swim this year and is already planning her next competition.

Through hard work and dedication Carys is going wherever Carys wants to go and no dream ever seems too big.

I want to travel and go to Europe, the Greek Islands and Japan. I feel like life has no boundaries and I can go and do whatever I want to.

You sure can, Carys! We are glad to be part of your wonderful journey, giving you a helping hand when needed and stepping back when not.

Do you feel empowered just by reading Carys’ story? Find out how we can help you smash your goals.Contact us today.


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