When Ben Lees lost his sight to a rare autoimmune disease, he braced for a whole new world - until a loyal guide dog named Grainger and a new career path helped him find the way forward. Ben is sharing his story as part of International Day of People with Disability on December 3, with thanks to employment provider APM, who helped him land a job with Clarence Valley Council with beloved Grainger by his side.
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00:00This time last year after I got my diagnosis it looked like things weren't
00:04gonna be good for me, but APM helping me get a job has been major.
00:10I have autoimmune disease. I was 23 years old when my eyes got attacked from my
00:16immune system. It was really hard. He was really like down on himself, always
00:22going like what can I do as a blind person. As a partner hearing that does
00:27break your heart a little bit. APM's goal was finding Ben meaningful
00:32employment. Something that's not just a job. APM helping me get a job has been
00:37great. I'm a safety support officer in the Clarence Valley Council. I have all
00:42this assistive technology to help me work. There's so much support out there
00:46with workplace modifications it is possible to have an inclusive
00:50disability environment. Ben's done so much for us since he's been here. It's
00:55been fantastic. When you can see the rewards, when you can see how it's
00:59changed Ben, it's so worth it. Granger lights up the place. He's Ben's
01:04assistant dog. People love Granger. He is very cheeky.
01:10Since Ben's been working with us he's proud of himself. I find his confidence
01:16has gotten so much better. It's just been amazing to see the growth in him. If a
01:21person was feeling apprehensive about employing someone with a disability I
01:24would just tell them just to do it. Look at their ability, look at their skills.
01:28Everyone has something to offer to a workplace.