Kate began working with her Support Coordinator, Claire, in February 2020. Whilst reserved in nature and softly spoken, Kate was extremely clear on her goals and what her needs were.
At the time, Kate’s children were young and she was receiving a cleaning service Monday – Friday to help her keep on top of everything. Approximately 12 months ago, Kate had to move and when she got to her new house she self-adjusted the cleaning service to two days a week, as she set herself the goal to undertake more herself. Kate is now doing a fantastic job of managing her home with minimal help.
Claire has supported Kate with referrals to an Occupational Therapist who assisted Kate with setting up an office space with a chair and a desk that can be adjusted to suit her disability, allowing Kate to work on her book in comfort and run her business.
The Occupational Therapist also assessed and trialled an electric tricycle with Kate, which was subsequently approved by the NDIS for purchase. The electric tricycle allows Kate to go bike riding with her children down to the local park and join in with outdoor activities with her children.
“Since moving from Sydney to Newcastle a few years ago now, I became a valued participant at Hunter Primary Care. With their support, I followed my dream. And that is, writing. I never believed it to be possible that I would one day write a story to share with the whole world. Since I was little, I have been writing limericks and poetry for myself. I would journal on family trips and write stories at school and beyond. As an adult, I wrote a full-length feature film and short film with instruction from AFTRS Film School. Landing a paid job has been very difficult and I have faced much discrimination as a person with a disability. It was with guts and liberty that I made the decision to write as a career at the grand age of 45. My story Hank and Bee took two years to write and two more years to produce. I am so happy to publish it independently. I couldn’t be more pleased with the result” says Kate.
Kate’s book, Hank & Bee, is a story about Autism, ADHD and the experiences many neurodivergent children face in society. With a little love and acceptance, Hank shows us AMAZING abilities you would never expect! Everyone has abilities and talents to give, even if at first, they are hard to see.
“Over the years, I have developed great respect for Kate as I have watched her confidence grow and also witness her become the best mum that she can be” says Claire.
Click here to read more about Kate Ryan, Author.
Click here to purchase Hank and Bee.
📷 pictured is Kate, with her published book Hank & Bee.