By Compass team member Sandra Brodie

The Compass Institute’s ‘See the Able, Not the Label Photo Exhibition’ showcases eight Compass Trainees from across its 20 year history, in large-format portraits. 

The Exhibition was unveiled in March, as part of The Compass Institute’s 20th Birthday Celebrations, and will travel across different locations on the Sunshine Coast.

When Damien Stevens was ready to graduate high school 20 years ago, his options were bleak. His mum, Donna, recalls the angst in trying to work out what Damien was going to do after leaving Nambour Special School.

“I remember there was a program back then called ‘Moving Ahead’ for post-school,” she said.  

“It was honestly the worst process. You had to fill in all of this paperwork that asked you to detail what the worst day with your son or daughter might be like. It was extremely confronting.”

Donna went through this process with two other parents from the Nambour Special School. They all shared the same concerns about where their sons would end up.

To try and assist parents, the Special School organised various disability services to speak about what they could offer. Donna recalls how deflating that process was.

“The agencies had great marketing spiels, but it was all about what they could do for people with physical disabilities. We asked about our kids with intellectual disabilities and what they could offer them – and they literally had no answer. It’s like they hadn’t even thought about it.”

For a person with a disability, particularly an intellectual disability, life beyond school is confronting.  

Fortunately for Damien and Donna, their journey allowed for another pathway.

“I was really sick at the time,” said Donna.

“My back had gone out and I was in hospital, anxiety-ridden, trying to weigh up the pros and cons of where to send Damien. My eldest son had spoken to David Dangerfield (CEO of Compass, which was called ‘Aiki-Abilities’ at the time). 

“He talked about being a productive member of the community and not hiding people with intellectual disabilities away. Nobody was doing that back then. So that’s where it all started for us.”

Twenty years later, Damien is still with Compass where he continues to thrive. 

Andrew Diggines, Compass Support Trainer and Compass Farm Manager, has worked with Damien for over 14 of those years. 

“Damien is an absolute gentleman,” said Andrew. 

“He’s beautiful on the inside (and the outside!), hilariously funny and witty. He’s your typical male, Aussie larrikin.” 

When asked what she’s most proud of about Damien and his journey, Donna simply replies, “I’m most proud of the man he has become and the friendships that he has. He’s just an amazing, loving and caring man.”

Looking ahead to Damien’s future, Donna’s dream is that he continues to thrive, live happily and be surrounded by friends and people who care for him, the person. 

And Damien’s dream? That he can be around his family and his mates forever.  At the end of the day, it really is the simple things in life that matter most. The genuine connections that give our life purpose and meaning. 

The Gazette will feature the participating trainees and tell some of their stories in coming editions. To read more about this and other stories, visit www.seeme.org.au.