Matt is kickstarting his dream of one day opening his own café with the support of Life Without Barriers and the NDIS.
Image: Matt completing his barista training
Meet Matt. Matt lives in the Margaret River region in WA and is passionate about this coffee. Matt also lives with down syndrome, but with the support of Life Without Barriers, Matt’s dream of opening his own café has gotten one step closer. When Matt’s Care Coordinator and Support Worker began working with Matt, they did what we always do at Life Without Barriers. They listened and learned what Matt’s passions were so they could best support him to live the life he wants to live.
With Life Without Barriers and NDIS support Matt began to develop his barista skills and then completed some local training. After a coffee machine was generously donated to the local community centre, Matt began operating his own coffee shop one morning a week.
“I like being with people and making coffee and I am grateful and excited. I make everyone happy and smile.”
— Matt Dillon
Now every Friday morning Matt is doing what he loves best, serving coffee to Life Without Barriers staff, clients and the general public. He also does the rounds of the Margaret River Community Centre, taking customer orders and brewing up coffee. He even delivers! Patrons give him a donation for their coffee.
Watch Matt Dillon in action (video)
One of the best parts about this venture is his new-found confidence.
“Seeing him smile, doing something that he loves makes it all worth it. He’s opened up 100% and it’s given him a goal he wants to achieve.” --Candice Adamson, Matt’s support worker.
Matthew is now also doing work experience at two cafes in the area to further boost his skills.
