Meet Us – A Few Clients Past and Present

Derek

“I joined Disability Initiative in November 2002 with the main objective of finding paid employment.  I have improved my essential skills by attending several courses including computing, and a New Directions programme, all through DI and Brooklands College. I achieved my aim when I was employed on a part-time basis by Camberley Theatre.  I worked here from 2005 to 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed my time working there. If anyone reading this thinks they can offer me a way back into part-time employment do please contact me through Disability Initiative. I have missed this work and am eager to regain this critical aspect of my life. I am constantly told that I am personable and adaptable.  Certainly I do not give up, am sociable and drive a car.  Above all else I would like a job for that sense of a real purpose in my life.”.

Darren

"I have gained a sense of achievement from attending DI. Through the support and help of the staff, I have now become more independent than I ever thought possible. DI has helped me in finding a path to achieving my goals which are to attend a full time college course in graphics or business studies to enable me to work for myself from home."

Kerry

"Shortly after beginning at DI, I was introduced to the world of IT with the support of the staff. Since those days I have achieved so much; my most memorable achievement to date was being awarded the Brooklands College 'Adult Student Learner of the Year' award. I also took up learning Spanish and became quite artistic in the craft group”.  I no longer attend DI as I achieved my goals thanks to DI.”

John

"I developed Cerebral Palsy at 6 months after contracting meningitis. I joined DI in 2001; prior to this I had attended Treloar's College in Hampshire. My long term goals were to improve independence in personal tasks where possible and to find work experience either as a volunteer or paid. I have spent time working in the centre's adapted kitchen area, planning, preparing and cooking meals to take home.  I have also attended DI's Personal Development course which targeted writing a CV, interview skills, confidence building, self-esteem and ultimately work preparation. I gained a certificate from Brooklands College for this course and have undertaken voluntary work”.

Billy

“I’m 43 and am a qualified electric and heating engineer and plumber and also an avid motorcyclist!  In October 2006, I had the misfortune of falling off my motorbike and headbutting a crash barrier sustaining severe head, face and arm injuries and had to have my heart “jump started” twice in A&E and spent a week in intensive care.  I was referred to DI joined the Cognitive Skills Group which enabled me to understand the impact of having a brain injury and to overcome some of the specific problems encountered on a day-to-day basis.  DI has helped me improve my cognitive skills and develop new IT skills. I have found DI invaluable and my wife says I am now much easier to live with as a result!”