STEPS Pathways College for young adults with disabilities and autism held its 2021 graduation recently.
The college mission is to change the landscape for young adults with disability and autism by providing skills, support, and opportunities Australia-wide. The College, which opened in 2017, offers intensive and specialised learning both online and in person.
The graduation ceremony was summarised by Kate-Lyn Mackenzie, who spoke about how the college has changed her life. “I’ve learned so much and I can do so much more now,” she said. “To all future college students, be brave, chase your dreams and never give up. You are so capable.”
A speaker at the event, John Williams, who manages a local radio station, had a message for parents of young adults with disabilities and autism.
“Thanks to the STEPS Pathways College, we have parents here in our audience who are able to experience a life they never thought possible,” he said. “As parents there is nothing more important than ensuring your child lives a happy and rewarding life. In front of us today are a group of amazingly capable graduates, all brilliant representations of what providing opportunities to young adults with disabilities and autism can do.”
STEPS Pathways College founder, Carmel Crouch said the initial motivation for the college was to create a space that would drastically change the standard of living for young adults with disability and autism.
“We’ve had the special privilege of being alongside these students in every step of their journey. Each one of them is unique in their own way, and each have grown into amazing and capable individuals.
“I have no doubt that we will hear about all the great things they go on to achieve in our community and it is heart-warming to know that we were a part of getting them there,” she said.
Students received their graduation certificates from Fisher MP, Andrew Wallace.
Caption: Kate-Lyn Mackenzie, STEPS Charity executive manager, Anne Nioa and Alana Pettigrew.