Imagine trying to find your autistic teenager a few hours work placement, to be told that opportunity was only given to people who take things seriously.
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That's what Heddon Greta mum Debbie Baillie was told when inquiring about work experience at a Hunter boarding kennel for her animal loving daughter Izabel Wynne.
Fifteen-year-old Izabel has developed a deep love for all animals, in particular horses, and dreams that one day she can start her own business caring for pets. "Most kids on the spectrum find a passion and it's that passion that gets them ticking," Debbie said.
Izabel has enrolled to do a TAFE course on animal care. It will compliment other subjects she is studying while being home schooled.
"I want to prepare her and give her the best chance I can," Debbie said. "I was advised early in the piece that Izabel should just be taught living skills but she is so much more than that."
When Debbie called a Hunter boarding kennel to ask if Izabel could do a few hours work experience to help with the practical side of her course, the response she received left her reeling. After she explained her daughter had special needs, the conversation turned sour.
Most kids on the spectrum find a passion and it's that passion that gets them ticking
- Debbie Baillie
"I was told that they would only give placement to people who are taking the course seriously," Debbie said.
"We could not be more serious. When I heard that I was gobsmacked - I didn't get mad but I was pretty sad and hurt that people are so ignorant. As soon as I mentioned special needs the tone in her voice completely changed."
Debbie said Izabel is fantastic in social situations but struggles academically.
"She learns through repetition - repetition that has to come in small doses at a time," Debbie explained. "That's why I home school her, because the school curriculum moves so quickly."
Debbie has now called Cessnock Veterinary Hospital and the RSPCA's Rutherford shelter hoping they can accommodate Izabel.
"I just have to email them some details and hopefully we will hear back from them with some good news," she said. In hindsight I should have taken Izabel in to meet these people face-to-face rather than just call but you can't really just front up without an appointment. Izabel is a beautiful girl with a big personality. She loves her animals and it would mean so much if someone just gave her a chance."
If you can help, contact Debbie through Facebook.
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