Jarran Harris, at WISE Employment, Hobart, shared his journey at the Gearing Up Expo Opening Ceremony on July 14th. The statewide event helps people with a disability to connect with resources, employment and training in their local community.

20-year-old Jarren, who is deaf, talked about taking positive steps towards securing a future in his interest-area, hairdressing.

“I have danced in front of this many people, but haven’t shared my story in front of this number before,” Jarren admitted, but didn’t seem fazed about being alongside Disability Minister Casey O’Connor, and other official guests.

Jarren outlined how working at Woolworths and studying a Certificate III in Business Studies is helping him achieve his goals, and talked about his recent trial at Marshall Hair Academy. And stepping out at the Gearing Up Expo to share his future aspirations opened another door for Jarran.

Debbie Hindle, Disability Coordination Officer for Southern Tasmania, and Gearing Up Expo organiser, received much positive feedback about Jarran’s testimony. Among those touched by Jarran’s presentation was the head of Small Business, and the Hair and Beauty Association.

“Rob Mallet of the Hairdressers Association has contacted me, and is committed to finding Jarran an opening in the industry,” Debbie gushed.

Jarran’s Case Manager, Helen Crossin, and his Employment Liaison Officer, Mel Davidson, have been very proactive and supportive in helping Jarran reach his future employment goals.

“I felt very enthusiastic for him that he has been given an opening like this to pursue his employment goal,” Helen said.

WISE Employment is a main sponsor of the Gearing Up Expo, and a part of the Gearing Up Committee, which highlight services available for people with a disability in Tasmania.