Haylee Richards is defying the odds and seeking her independence at the age of 30. Photos: Cape Public Relations Pty Ltd.
Moving out of home later in life is becoming an increasingly common scenario. But for Haylee Richards, it was a harder decision to make than for most.
Living with Down syndrome, Haylee’s step represented a huge milestone in her independence as an adult.
“Leaving the nest” and the support of parents can be daunting, but Haylee has been able to move into her own townhouse and live independently – thanks to the support of her Feros Care coordinator and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS).
Feros Care coordinator Toni Butt, who has been helping Haylee with her transition to independence since 2022, says she is thrilled to see her progress.
“She is seriously amazing, she works two jobs and has more hobbies than most,” Toni says.
She says Haylee, who has been working at Kmart in Tuggeranong for 15 years, is adored by all the customers she helps.
“Haylee just loves working in customer service, she makes friends with everyone she meets, everyone just adores her.”
The 30-year-old also works for GG’s Flowers & Hampers Farrer and thanks to the support of Feros Care, she is able to take her floral creations on the road and deliver them to customers across the region.
Haylee loves spending time arranging flowers for her bouquets at the florist in Farrer. Photo: Cape Public Relations Pty Ltd.
Feros Care takes the guesswork out of programs such as NDIS, providing more or less a “translation system” between consumers and the scheme.
One of about 15,000 Australians with Down syndrome, Haylee continues to break down the barriers of what’s possible for those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
She now pays her own rent and bills, and holds two jobs including at the local florist where she commutes by public transport.
Haylee says she is proud of all she has achieved in her efforts to be independent.
“I love living on my own, I love all of it,” she says.
Haylee’s mum, Marilyn, says she is thrilled to see her daughter thrive.
“It makes me so proud to see what she’s achieved,” Marilyn says.
“She’s very independent and totally takes care of herself.
“I used to worry what would happen when I was no longer around to support her, but she knows if she just remembers everything she’s learned, she’ll be just fine.”
A budding dancer with Xtreme Stars and ten-pin bowler for the Wizards club, Haylee has been selected in the ACT team for the National Disability Championships for ten-pin bowling this June in Canberra.
“It’s so cool, and I’ve been training hard,” Haylee says.
Many Australians living with Down syndrome struggle to integrate into the community or live independently, according to research by Down Syndrome Australia. But with the right support, Haylee is testament to the independence that can be achieved.
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