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When no one would hire him, this young man with autism started a business and hired himself

2 min read

Good Stuff
When no one would hire him, this young man with autism started a business and hired himself
Source: Claysbincleaning

A young man in Australia struggled to find an employer who would hire someone with autism, so he started his own bin cleaning service to generate both meaningful work and a regular income for himself.

This Clay Needs No Moulding

17-year-old Clay Lewis had been looking for after-school work in the Wynnum Manly area of Brisbane, Australia, for nearly two years without success. It’s unfortunate that some people only see a disability rather than focus on ability. Clay’s parents, Fiona and Warren, learned not to put limitations on Clay because he always, without fail exceeds them. His mum knew what he could do and where he needed support. With this in mind, the family met with Fiona Moore, a consultant who helped brainstorm ideas and Clay’s Bin Cleaning was born. 

“As with anything, myself and my husband have provided enormous support. My parents are supportive and Clay's sister Ally is beyond amazing. We have encountered many kind people like Michelle McGarvey (who created Clay’s website) along the way. Clay is going to regularly offer free bin cleans to local charities and friends who have supported his Mum.  Throughout his life, Clay has done all the heavy lifting and we've stood by him in case he fell
Mum Fiona says: “As with anything, myself and my husband have provided enormous support. My parents are supportive and Clay’s sister Ally is beyond amazing. We have encountered many kind people like Michelle McGarvey (who created Clay’s website) along the way. Clay is going to regularly offer free bin cleans to local charities and friends who have supported his Mum.  Throughout his life, Clay has done all the heavy lifting and we’ve stood by him in case he fell”. Source: Facebook/clayisachamp
Clay has an amazing recall for motor sports facts and figures. He can tell you who poled, who had a podium finish and which driver drives for which team!
Clay likes Supercars, V8’s, swimming, cooking, gaming and YouTube-ing. Clay has an amazing recall for motor sports facts and figures. He can tell you who poled, who had a podium finish and which driver drives for which team! Source: Facebook/clayisachamp
Clay is not a fan of the smell and the maggots, but appreciates that it comes with the territory.
Getting in amongst it. Clay is not a fan of the smell and the maggots, but appreciates that it comes with the territory. Source: Facebook/clayisachamp
Clay’s parents and grandparents are supportive and Clay's sister Ally has been beyond amazing, according to mum Fiona. “Throughout his life, Clay has done all the heavy lifting and we've stood by him in case he fell.” she said.
The family are behind the venture. Clay’s parents and grandparents are supportive and Clay’s sister Ally has been beyond amazing, according to mum Fiona. “Throughout his life, Clay has done all the heavy lifting and we’ve stood by him in case he fell.” she said. Source: Facebook/clayisachamp
At the end of the day it’s about independence. When individuals with differences can support themselves, society benefits as a whole.
Cash from trash (cans) is the bottom line for Clay. At the end of the day it’s about independence. When individuals with differences can support themselves, society benefits as a whole. Source: Facebook/clayisachamp
Teen Trashpreneur // 60 Second Docs No one hired him, so he hired himself. Source: Facebook/60SecondDocs

TO EMPLOYERS OUT THERE:

Please consider trialing an autistic teen or adult. They have many wonderful attributes and strengths which are difficult to come across these days. They are loyal, rule-followers, methodical but out of the box thinkers. There are adaptive and accessible software, settings and apps available which I’m starting to learn about.

From Clay’s Mum Laura.  

Make an Impact

7 WAYS TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

It is common to think that an inclusive model of behaviour has to do with others. Instead, it is important to start from ourselves and our own level of awareness, openness, and information on the subject. The more we work on ourselves, the easier it will be to be sensitive to others and the more natural operating in an inclusive way will be. But where to start? Here are seven simple strategies to become more aware about inclusivity in your daily life!