Andrew has recently hit a milestone and gained a qualification that most young people are excited to receive: a learner licence.
For 19-year-old Andrew Larracy, 2020’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities will mark six months of living out of home.
It will also be the first year of celebrating this annual observance with a learner licence in his wallet.
Promoting inclusivity, awareness and understanding, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated worldwide on December 3.
It is an annual celebration of people with disability, a time to recognise their achievements and their contributions.
Reflecting on his year, Andrew said receiving his learner licence has been the highlight and he cannot wait to get behind the wheel.
“I hope I can start practicing soon,” he said
Andrew said staff at STEPS Pathways College and his roommate helped him study and learn road rules as he worked his way through the PrepL online learning module.
Andrew is boarding at STEPS Pathways College and building life skills in an intensive course that offers young people with a disability a pathway to independence.
Living in a two-bedroom unit with his roommate, Andrew said he likes the freedom of living on campus and building skills for independence.
“I wanted a new experience and something I hadn’t done before.
“I’m learning new things and being independent is the big goal,” he said.
STEPS Pathways College Training Manager Jason Keen said learning to drive has been a goal that Andrew set for himself when he enrolled as a boarding student at the college.
“With the uncertainty that 2020 has brought it’s great that Andrew remained focused on his goals and worked to make them happen.”
“He should be proud of what he has achieved this year and I’m sure he has set his sights on his next goal –preparing to get behind the wheel,” he said.
Jason said the journey to independence is different for everyone and on International Day of People with Disabilities students at STEPS Pathways College will use this day to celebrate what they have achieved so far.
“We will be celebrating what our students can do, what they have achieved and what they want to achieve in the future.”
