After meeting his support worker and communication aide Jess two years ago through his existing networks, Joe joined Hireup last year to help reach his dream of trekking the Kokoda Trail.
Joe and Jess trained together for two years. This is what happened next:
Joe, who lives with deafblindness, says Jess has encouraged him to get involved and try new things, aside from trekking Kokoda. “We work together really well. She’s helped build my confidence and self-esteem. I was quite reserved and wasn’t so involved in the community, so she was very encouraging for me, for my own mental health, for my well being, to get more involved in the community.”
This includes supporting Joe set up a Facebook page to build awareness around his artwork, handcrafted lino prints, each with a unique story behind them.
