Ashleigh has been settling into her new job and house. As you can imagine, moving and starting a new job can be a bit daunting, but just imagine if you were blind and undertaking such a major change.

Well that is exactly what Ashleigh has done. Ashleigh has been totally blind since birth and faces many challenges on a daily basis but is thrilled to be starting this new one. Lynne Peterson, acting community health manager, was very keen to overcome any obstacles that may have hindered Ashleigh’s chances of gaining the position.

Lynne had to ensure that the work place and living arrangements were able to accommodate a vision impaired employee. This was done with various risk management assessments from different associations including Great Western Health, Vision Australia and the Guide Dog Association.

All proved to be positive, giving the Community Health and Ashleigh the green light. Ashleigh comes highly qualified after completing a 4 year University Degree as a social worker. It has been a big learning curve for both parties.

Ashleigh has not only brought awareness to being blind and what that entails, but also new technology with her PacMate, a Braille compatible computer and a voice generated computer that reads texts.

Ashleigh is very keen to meet people from the community whether it is in a professional or social capacity. Believe me she doesn’t care what you look like. At just 23, Ashleigh is thrilled to start her new working life in Grenfell, as this is her first job after finishing uni last year. Ashleigh is no stranger to the media spot light and generates much interest in her achievements being on television and the newspapers when she graduated from University, so it is little wonder that Rotary has invited her to be a guest speaker. So keep your eyes open for Ashleigh and make yourself known.

* Story & Photo courtesy of Madeleine Griffiths