Rachel’s Employment Journey

Building Confidence at Perth Children’s Hospital

For Rachel Parker from Western Australia, getting a job has been about building confidence, learning new systems and being valued at work.

Rachel’s job came about through support from Down Syndrome WA (DSWA). At the World Down Syndrome Congress 2024 in Brisbane, the DSWA team spoke with Dr Ellen, who runs the T21 (Down syndrome) clinic at Perth Children’s Hospital. From there, DSWA worked with Dr Ellen and hospital staff to create a new role for Rachel.

Rachel started work in May 2025. She now works one day a week providing administrative support for Dr Ellen and the hospital team. Her role includes updating the doctor roster, creating staff photo boards, packing clinic packs, watering plants, photocopying, delivering mail and setting up and packing up meeting rooms.

Once a month, Rachel also works in the T21 clinic. In this role, she meets families attending the clinic. She provides them with an information pack and a form to complete. She also prepares the clinic packs used on the day. This part of her role allows Rachel to support the clinic and connect with families.

Starting a new job came with some challenges. Rachel needed support to learn where to go, how to use the hospital systems and how the clinic operates. She also needed help to learn her tasks and set up systems so she could work efficiently.

Rachel was supported by Lara, Cas and her mentor Vanessa. At work, she is also supported by the hospital team. Together, they helped Rachel understand her role, build confidence and develop systems that work well for her. Over time, Rachel has needed less support as she has become more familiar with the job.

One piece of ongoing support is the development of an Easy Read manual. This will help Rachel remember what to do and continue building her independence at work.

Since starting the role, Rachel feels confident in her job and proud of the work she does. She knows her tasks, completes them carefully and feels comfortable in the workplace.

Looking ahead, Rachel feels ready for the next step. This includes the day when her mentor’s role comes to an end.

Rachel’s story shows how the right support, clear systems and a welcoming workplace can lead to meaningful employment and lasting confidence.