TWENTY EIGHT people with a disability are flying high as a result of paid employment on the production team packing 45,000 airline headsets weekly thanks to Keystone Disability Service.

The Woodridge service has hired casual and permanent part-time employees for more than 10 years providing them with an opportunity to earn money in addition to their Disability Support Pension.

Keystone Disability Services Manager Robert Forbes said there are four mentors on the floor passing on their technical knowledge and supporting the employees.

“We have given our employees the opportunity to experience a work environment which makes them feel a valid and accepted member of the Production team,” he said.

Each of the 28 Keystone clients are also assisted by the Supported Wage System.

Keystone Production Team Leader Tim Kohn said the work environment was the catalyst for getting people job-ready by upskilling them through work-based training and providing a platform for personal growth.

“We provide them with the foundation to grow their confidence and capabilities so they will have better opportunities in the mainstream workforce,” he said.

Terry Taitoko, 40, has been working on the job for four years which has provided him with a routine and a stable work environment in which to thrive.

“I like working, putting together the head pieces, packing them and sealing them,” he said.

“I like doing things properly and enjoy working with different people and doing different tasks all the time.

“This job has given me a lot of confidence.”

Juanita Packer, 39, reaches her four year milestone next month working in the same job.

“I was depressed when I fist arrived at Keystone but now I feel comfortable, safe and happier,” she said.

“We all make each other smile, laugh and realise life isn’t so tough after all.

“I’ve also now completed a Certificate III in Aged Care.

“Here I’ve learnt patience, tolerance and how to be a better person.”