Lynton's Path to Independence Through Open Employment

Meet Lynton, a valued member of the GreenInc team, as he shares his journey into open employment and finding a role that aligns with both his passions and abilities.

Lynton began his career at Bedford's Adelaide Property and Gardens (APG) as a supported employee.

Recently, he made the transition into open employment with GreenInc, gaining a broadened skill set, increased self-worth and newfound independence.

The move to open employment marked a turning point for Lynton, positively impacting both his wellbeing and financial position. With the extra income, Lynton has achieved financial independence for the first time, leading to an enhanced quality of life. Now able to save for more substantial purchases, he is soon looking forward to buying his dad’s V8 Commodore, offering more reliability than his current car.

For Lynton, the appeal of fresh air and spending time outdoors goes hand-in-hand with his role at GreenInc, where he takes pride in landscaping, creating and upkeeping wonderful green spaces for communities. An avid cook and grower of vegetables at home, Lynton appreciates the opportunity to earn a living doing work he genuinely enjoys.

Lynton’s role at GreenInc allows him autonomy in his daily life. This shift has reduced his stress levels and provided him with a better understanding of his capabilities. The opportunities afforded to Lynton at GreenInc has allowed him to develop his interpersonal skills. He is now able to collaborate effectively with colleagues while also making decisions independently, showcasing the personal and professional growth nurtured by the open employment environment.
 

Drawing from his unique experience in both supported and open employment, Lynton stands as an inspiring example for those contemplating a similar transition. While living with disability that affects his capacity to read and write, Lynton has thrived in his open employment role. His responsibilities at GreenInc align seamlessly with both his interests and abilities, providing him with an increased sense of purpose and meaning in his life. His story demonstrates the potential for positive societal outcomes when individuals have access to employment pathways that are aligned with their interests and capabilities.

In addition to the individual benefits that Lynton is experiencing moving from supported to open employment, there are significant benefits to the community at large that, amongst other things, come from decreased disability support pension, increased tax receipts and decreased NDIS supported employment funding.

Lynton is optimistic about the future. He aspires to obtain his chainsaw ticket, eager to efficiently cut down broken trees after storms and sustain his contribution to the industry. He is looking forward to soon moving into his own two-bedroom unit with a decent-sized backyard—large enough for a veggie garden, of course.

Lynton also has aspirations of maintaining the grounds of West Beach Caravan Park in the future; with his drive and passion, anything is possible!