Future in the making | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Paradigm is helping young disabled people establish careers they love. Joseph Barratt reports.

The smell of fresh sawdust wafts from the window. Inside, last month's calendar girl pouts suggestively from her spot on the wall. Loud, thumping music mingles with the sound of a drill as it drives screws into place.

It's pretty much like any other workshop in the country. Except that this little business, which makes Cape Cod garden chairs, is run by 21-year-old Lawrence Taylor, who was born with Down syndrome.

When Lawrence left Unitec, there was a big question about his future, says his father, John Taylor. "We were wracking our brains to think of something that would keep him employed in a field he wanted.

"Lawrence enjoys being out in the workshop and we decided to try making outdoor furniture - then, perhaps, as a business venture."

That decision was reached six months ago and, not long after it, Paradigm stepped in to help. "Without them, this wouldn't have got off the ground," says Lawrence of his workshop.

Paradigm is a new scheme, launched through the Parent & Family Resource Centre, to help young adults with special needs make the transition from their supported school years to adulthood.

It helps young, disabled people live the lives they want to. In Lawrence's case, Paradigm's James MacDonald worked with the Taylors to set up a sustainable model for the business that ensures Lawrence is its keystone, not an employee.

"When you see Lawrence working on the dropsaw you realise that, with a bit of explaining, he is just as capable as anyone else," says Mr MacDonald. "The moment you separate him out and identify him as a disabled person, it creates half the problem."

He says the business will expand at Lawrence's pace to ensure he always has a place. "Of course, he will need help, like everyone does when they are running a business.

"There is a circle of support around Lawrence. We approached people who know Lawrence who will be willing to help out if needed."

John Taylor says it has been incredible watching Lawrence grow into the role.

"I had doubts a guy with Down syndrome would be capable of building these chairs. It's a slightly longer process but he enjoys what he's doing. Sometimes, I find him outside here working at night."

He says the support from the community has been amazing. "I don't think people realise how much of a difference they make."

Mr MacDonald says 15 of Lawrence's chairs have sold so far without  too much effort.

"This will grow to a point it can continue without needing as much involvement from me. The systems are in place for Lawrence to make the chairs himself. In the future, I would like to think it can employ others with special needs."

Paradigm manager Caroline Campbell says the scheme began as a group of families that came together to work out futures for their disabled children.

"The families didn't want their children to have a future of wasting time, sitting at home after they finished school."

She says the programme takes an holistic approach, helping people like Lawrence involve themselves in society as a whole, working, joining a gym or local clubs.

"It's about bringing value to their lives."

For info on Lawrence's Cape Cod chairs, email: lawrencetaylor2@gmail.com. For info on Paradigm, email: paradigm@pfrc.org.nz