BRANDON’S BARREL OF FUN
Special-needs student takes important step after landing work experience at his favourite surf shop on the Gold Coast
BRANDON Day was a customer the day Kirra Surf opened 10 years ago. This month he completed a three-day internship. The Banora Point High School student, who has a form of cerebral palsy, development delay, Scheuermann's disease and scoliosis, is one of about 20,000 people with disabilities working in more than 600 Australian Disability Enterprises.
BRANDON Day has loved Kirra Surf since it opened 10 years ago and this month he fulfilled his dream of getting behind the counter.
The Banora Point High School student was thrilled to land a three-day internship at the southern Gold Coast shop.
Brandon, 16, has a form of cerebral palsy, development delay, Scheuermann’s disease and scoliosis.
Kirra Surf business manager David Thomas said Brandon was at Kirra Surf the day it opened 10 years ago and had been a regular customer ever since.
“We have always loved Brandon. He is such a great young man and he has a really bright future. When he wanted to do work experience here, we were all so happy to have him.”
Australian Disability Enterprises work hard to provide real and meaningful employment for people with disability, with the employees given the same duties and conditions as those in the general workforce.
About 20,000 people with disabilities work in more than 600 Australian Disability Enterprises nationwide.
The enterprises are businesses enabling people with a disability to work in a range of industries – from design, printing and packaging, to manufacturing, laundry and landscaping.
Brandon’s mum, Jennifer Day, said when Brandon heard his application for work experience was accepted, he was absolutely pumped.
“The entire family was so stoked for Brandon,” she said.
Brandon was fortunate enough to be able to work in all areas of the shop.
“I was able to learn so many different things and many duties were a large part of my job – it was really fun,” he said.
“The staff were all very awesome, they’ve known me since I was small. I hope to one day work at Kirra Surf – that would be so great.”
Ms Day said her son was a keen fisherman, but would really love to learn how to surf.
At Banora Point High, teachers will work with students and continually review their learning needs at each stage of their education.
According to the school’s website, the high school provides support for disability students entering years 11 and 12, through to post-school options for vocational education and training, further education or employment.