Beau
“I believe in myself and it’s important to me that others believe in what I am capable of.”
In this story, you can read about Beau, his passion for cars and how his self-belief and determination moved him towards the career of his dreams. Beau and his whānau worked with our caring team to overcome the barriers disabled people can face in gaining qualifications and employment.
Beau shifts into top gear – and keeps cruising
Beau was recently featured in the Otago Daily Times, celebrating his self-determination and his commitment to mahi that he loves. Photo credit: Stephen Jaquiery, Otago Daily Times.
Beau has had a fascination with cars since he first saw them in a picture book as a toddler. Now 22, he’s living his dream – working as a car groomer at Harrow Collision Repairs in South Dunedin – and adding new goals to his list every day.
His journey hasn’t always been smooth. Beau, who has a learning disability, finished school with a clear passion for cars but faced a no clear path forward.
His parents, Andy and Lezanne, have always had a vision that Beau would live an ordinary life where he could expect to be included and fulfil his dreams, just like their other children.
“Beau is confident, kind, caring and has a strong sense of self-worth,” says Lezanne. “He has always known what he has wanted out of life and Andy and I have always advocated for him to have that. But he doesn’t always fit in. I don’t necessarily think society has always been ready to accept him as he is.”
It wasn’t until Beau was ready to leave King’s High School that the couple felt they needed professional support. “High school was relatively easy to navigate. We understood the routine – which was important to Beau – and he had great friendships. But what happens after school is a no man’s land for people who have additional needs. We felt like we hit a brick wall when we tried to find options that would genuinely fulfil him.”
That’s when CCS Disability Action vocational and transition coordinator Paul Arnott stepped in to help Beau and his whānau navigate the next steps. “The thing that we really appreciated about Paul was that he was always focused completely on Beau and what he wanted and needed. He came into our family like a friend with specific knowledge. He put options that we could explore on the table, and he was always prepared to be open and flexible.”
Paul approached Tim Wallace, tutor in Automotive Engineering at Otago Polytechnic, to discuss exactly what was involved in their 18-month New Zealand Certificate programme. He also met with student support to find out what they could offer Beau.
“The polytechnic was fantastic in terms of their attitude – they were incredibly positive and welcoming and are now looking at how they can further improve their support for disabled students,” says Paul. “Tim subsequently became a mentor for Beau. You won’t find a nicer, more thoughtful person than Beau, so it has been awesome to be able to play a role supporting him.”
“I like to think about cars and how they work,” Beau says. “I like to go to the Speedway and watch shows like Top Gear and Gas Monkey.” Beau was accepted into the Automotive Engineering course where he learnt different skills like welding, and the purpose and function of different parts of an engine.
He describes his tutors from that time as “very caring and honest.” As well as providing any additional support he might need to work through the assessments, they were sure to include Beau in the same extracurricular activities as his fellow students.
“We all worked together – Beau, his family and the Polytech – ensuing he was well supported at every opportunity,” explains Paul. Beau’s success is a great example of how, together, we can achieve great things.”
After graduation and work experience, Beau was ready to take the next step. He printed out his CV and went door-knocking around Dunedin’s automotive businesses, looking for a place where he could belong. One of those doors was Harrow Collision Repairs.
Managing Director Johnny de Graaf remembers the day Beau walked in. “He just knocked on the door and handed over his CV. He asked if we had any work or even voluntary experience he could do.”
Beau started out doing unpaid work three days a week, helping around the workshop. His attention to detail and positive attitude quickly stood out.
“He’s always got a smile on his face,” says Johnny. “He gets on with his work, and he’s got good one-liners. He’s just another bloke on the team.”
After six months, Beau was offered a paid role grooming cars – a job that suits him perfectly. He now works three and a half days a week and is saving up to visit his brother in the UK. He’s also studying the road code and plans to buy his first car: a Toyota Hilux ute.
“I won’t be a bogan though,” Beau laughs. “I’ll be a good driver, because here, I’ve seen what happens to cars when they crash.”
Beau and his family
Beau’s personal plan, created with Paul, includes a statement that still guides him today: “I believe in myself and it’s important to me that others believe in what I am capable of.”
For parents Andy and Lezanne, that belief has never wavered. “We believe wholeheartedly in our son and hope others, like you, will continue to support him on his journey.”
Beau’s story is a testament to what’s possible when disabled people are supported to lead their own journeys – and when families, educators, employers and advocates work together to make inclusion real.
If you or someone you love is looking for disability support, advocacy or information, get in touch with your local CCS Disability Action branch or your NASC. We’d love to support you to find your top gear.
