Story by Rohan Fullwood
I started at McDonalds in 2001.
I was very nervous at first. But I got used to it.
Mainly I was in the dining room and after a while I got into the kitchen to do the washing up.
I liked making the burgers.
I finished last year in April because of COVID.
I was worried about losing my job.
I was let go for a couple of weeks, so I spent a couple of weeks with my mum at home.
And then I got back and decided to take an early retirement.
It was good actually to finish.
They gave me a farewell party. It was me and Mum and Dad and my boss.
When I got the job as a Health Ambassador with Down Syndrome Australia I was honoured and thrilled.
After being retired from working at McDonalds I thought it might be a good time for a new job.
I will be talking to healthcare workers and hospital staff.
The doctors should try to talk to the people with disability to give the right information.
I think it is important to speak to health care workers. They need to talk carefully with people with Down syndrome; make sure they understand the right medications. Be very careful when people are old and frail.
Work is important because I get paid. I need to keep my own apartment.
I like it because I get to walk around naked if I want.
I do my own cooking and cleaning. I am independent. I like it.
I guess it’s mainly because I do things I like to do.
