Anastasia Dalianis, 19, was diagnosed with autism six years ago, and said she found school and employment opportunities extremely difficult to navigate.
“I’ve always struggled in life with things like texture, social interaction and other issues that impacted my health and ability to participate in school and find a job,” she said.
In 2021, Ms Dalianis connected with National Disability Insurance Scheme partner Intereach.
Soon after, local area co-ordinator Kathy Remilton, from Seymour, began supporting Ms Dalianis through NDIS funding for social, economic and community participation.
During their conversations, Ms Dalianis shared her lifelong love of animals and her dream of working with them.
Ms Remilton linked the teen with Chris Humfrey’s Zoo Crew program at Wild Action Zoo in Macedon, which Ms Dalianis still attends through her NDIS plan.
This turned out to be life-changing.
“Before I got an NDIS plan, I felt lost. I had no friends or motivation to try things,” Ms Dalianis said.
“(Now), I have regular hands-on experience with animals and have even been fortunate enough to hand-raise a sugar glider and a brush-tailed bettong.
“I’m learning about our native wildlife, the risks to them and how to save an animal through emergency and roadside care.”
Ms Dalianis attends the program twice a week, where her responsibilities include caring for baby animals, cleaning, food preparation, dietary care and enrichment activities.
Zoologist Chris Humfrey said he was impressed with Ms Dalianis’ transformation and progress in working with wildlife.
“Not only has Anastasia’s confidence, aptitude and knowledge in caring for wildlife improved out of sight, but her sense of self-belief and communication skills have improved immensely,” he said.
“Our Zoo Crew program focuses on participants’ abilities, not disabilities, and Anastasia has definitely discovered her superpower, which is her love for wildlife.”
Ms Dalianis has now taken her passion further, enrolling in a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care through TAFE, having started the course in October last year.
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s a challenge, but it’s making me more independent, and it’s sparked a passion for learning in me,” she said.
“I’ve come out of my shell, I participate more in classes, I talk to people, and I’ve made friends through the Zoo Crew program with like-minded people.
“It’s given me motivation for the next part of my life. Without the NDIS funding and the support of Kathy, I would have been really stuck and isolated.”
Ms Dalinais’ goals now include further study, exploring vet-related training, and ultimately securing paid work in the animal care field.
To others with disability, Ms Dalianis shared vital advice.
“You don’t have to fit into a mould or social norms,” she said.
“When I stopped thinking that way and created a life that supported me, I found it was possible.
“I stepped out of my comfort zone, and it’s shown me what’s possible.”
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