An unfortunate event led Kahli to unexpectedly lose her vision. Her life was put on pause, she realised she’d have to change the way she was living. She needed support, but while searching for it, realised the complete lack of options and information in the disability industry, which is when the whole idea sparked.

 

With Michelle’s experience in the disability industry and Kahli’s in nursing & mental health, they wanted to create a holistic one-stop-shop for all physical, intellectual and psychosocial disability supports. So in 2017, the first IDSS community hub opened in Bundaberg. 

Without anticipating the success & high demand, they soon expanded into Childers. Another IDSS Hub launched a short 5 months later in February 2018.

 

During the first few years they noticed little to no employment options for people with a disability. It was time to take things into their own hands (once again). And so the IDSS HQE initiative came along: enterprises that provided employment opportunities for the disabled.

The Deli Bundaberg was born in July 2019 as its first initiative, a cafe that serves gourmet local food while providing disabled folk a safe environment to earn a living and learn new skills. 

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In late 2019, eager to help more people, the Sunshine Coast IDSS Hub came about, along with the Winky Wonky Dog Wash: a mobile dog wash & grooming van that would provide employment for the Sunny Coast disability community.

Fast forward to now, IDSS has 452 participants spread across the 3 locations, they employ 22 people with a disability and have provided $469,000 in benevolent support to these communities.

 

They continue to make THE difference by offering education to create awareness, providing improved facilities, specialised support teams and a safe space to grow.

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