SHARNI Loats is a teenager with a fresh outlook on life.
The 17-year-old is thriving, thanks to the mentorship and NDIS support she has received via Ability and Ambition.
She smiles as she reflects on what she has been able to achieve in the past 12 months.
Not only has she helped organise a number of events at a community level, but she’s been involved in a range of fundraising initiatives for youth suicide prevention.
She also takes part in weekly work placements at Swan Hill Police Station and has helped to implement a number of youth-driven programs, while working towards gaining her driver’s licence.
Her efforts were recognised earlier this year when she was awarded a Swan Hill College Cruise for Awareness Award in recognition of supporting her fellow peers.
Accepting the award on stage at Swan Hill Town Hall in front of a packed crowd, was a huge accomplishment for Sharni, who only 12 months earlier was finding it difficult to leave the comfort of her bedroom.
“I’d be locked up in my room and didn’t want to leave,” Sharni said.
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on Sharni and she lost all confidence.
She was in Grade 7 at the time, and was undergoing a period of huge transformation, transitioning from primary school to high school in the midst of state-wide lockdowns.
She was also navigating her recent autism diagnosis.
While there’s been many scholarly articles documented on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Sharni described this period of her life as “really overwhelming”.
With the support of her family, they were able to engage with the services provided by Ability and Ambition.
Chevorn Barclay is the brainchild behind the local disability and youth services provider.
The 30-year-old founded Ability and Ambition in April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold.
“I started the business with my savings and three referrals,” Ms Barclay said.
Having previously worked in disability, youth and family services, Ms Barcaly could see a need for her vision.
Growing up with a brother and father with ASD, Ms Barclay saw firsthand the challenges and ostracism they were exposed to.
Her vision for Ambition and Ability aimed to create a safe space which focused on inclusion, advocacy and adventure, ensuring everyone has the ability to reach their full potential.
Sharni’s journey after her autism diagnosis, and more recently ADHD diagnosis, is testament to the power of one-on-one support, mentorship and the need for individualised programs which steer away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Sharing a close bond, Sharni and Ms Barclay have both achieved significant growth in recent years.
Ms Barclay now has 15 staff members as her client base continues to grow.
And as for Sharni – she continues to thrive.
“I wouldn’t want to do life without the support of NDIS,” she said.
“I don’t want to go back to the beginning.”
With the ability to now make new connections, navigate tricky situations head-on and put herself out there, Sharni looks forward to the future.
Seeing Sharni’s progress firsthand, Ms Barclay said she felt a huge sense of achievement and was grateful she could play a role in helping Sharni unlock her full potential.
“It’s been an astronomical difference,” Ms Barclay said.
“Sharni was so withdrawn and so introverted, but with engagement we have been able to set goals and ambitions for the future.”
