Natalie lands her “dream job” through Impact21

Natalie Van Damme personifies what Impact21 is all about; finding someone with unique and wonderful traits to add to the community and workforce, and readying them to contribute and serve! Natalie is a very fast learner, takes feedback beautifully, and is very excited to be working.

After a huge year of learning and growth in Impact21 at Torrens University Australia’s Flinders Street Campus, Natalie landed a fabulous role (her dream job, she says!) at Deakin University’s Corporate Centre in Melbourne’s CBD. She provides catering services to Deakin’s staff and its many corporate guests. Natalie LOVES her role, and the warm and supportive team she works with at Deakin, led by Marc Dunstan.

Congratulations Natalie! 

Impact21 is a tertiary education and employment course for employers and people living with an intellectual disability. It aims to break the cycle of unemployment to create diverse, sustainable and meaningful workplaces throughout Australia.

Founded by e.motion21 and supported by academic researchers including Torrens University, Impact21 has been co-designed with students with Down syndrome, employers, families, educators and disability service providers. Together we are disrupting unsuccessful models of disability education and employment through a ground breaking model that leads to guaranteed jobs.

Current national employer partners PwC, Sodexo, Deakin University, JB Hi-Fi and DuluxGroup, DES partner CVGT and 12 courageous students have successfully completed the 12 month Discovery, Work Experience and Internship modules that lead to customised employment. Our graduates start work in 2020 – watch this space!