Ryan’s journey with Omnia Inclusive began in May 2020, inspired by the positive changes he’d witnessed in his sister and step-sister, who both found new confidence and independence with Omnia Inclusive’s support. Ryan knew it was time to take that step for himself. Living with autism and a mild intellectual disability, Ryan was determined to overcome his anxiety, build self-esteem, and improve his social skills, especially in the workplace.
Before reaching out to Omnia Inclusive, Ryan had already shown incredible drive. He’d secured an apprenticeship as a chef at Star City, a testament to his passion for cooking. When Covid hit Omnia Inclusive stepped in to provide phone support, supporting him to manage his anxiety and navigate the challenges of working in the high-pressure kitchen environment.
After completing his apprenticeship, Ryan was ready for the next step. With Omnia Inclusive’s help, he landed an interview at the Hyatt Regency, and by the time he started, he was already equipped with the confidence and skills needed to succeed. The Omnia Inclusive team worked closely with both Ryan and his new employer to ensure his needs were understood, creating a supportive environment that set him up for success.
During his first year at the Hyatt, Ryan worked breakfast shifts. The high-stress environment of a professional kitchen proved challenging at times, particularly in managing anxiety and understanding workplace dynamics. Omnia Inclusive provided regular support through fortnightly visits, transitioning to monthly check-ins as Ryan became more independent. This support helped him manage workplace stress, build relationships, and better understand job policies, which made him feel more secure and equipped to cope with the job’s demands.
Omnia Inclusive also worked closely with the Hyatt to help them build strategies for an inclusive workplace. This ongoing collaboration created an environment where Ryan felt secure in his role, and any work-related challenges were addressed quickly and effectively. This commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace has been key to Ryan’s success and growth.
After a year, Ryan’s hard work paid off. He was promoted to function chef, taking on the responsibility of overseeing lunch and dinner shifts. This promotion wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a reflection of the confidence and independence Ryan had gained, both in the kitchen and in life. Ryan said
Today, Omnia Inclusive continues to support Ryan by maintaining regular contact with both him and his employer, ensuring the necessary supports are in place for his continued success. Ryan is thriving as a function chef, handling the pressures of the kitchen with greater ease and taking pride in the progress he’s made.
His story is a great example of how far determination, the right support, and self-belief can take you!
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