SEE THE ABLE NOT THE LABEL HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AS AN INVITATION TO CREATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF BELONGING.
This campaign is an opportunity for you to see what we see – stars shining brightly when they are given a platform to flourish.
The eight people selected in this campaign are a diverse group of individuals with a range of interests, desires, and capabilities. They also all have a disability.
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“I’m most proud of the man he has become and the friendships that he has. His angst is gone, and he’s just an amazing, loving and caring man.” – Damien’s mum, Donna
DAMIEN STEVENS
DAMIEN STEVENS
Age: 38
Compass Trainee since: 2003
Damien is pure kindness, sincerity, and care. With a deep love for his family that outshines all else and a mad passion for the Broncos, he finds joy in the simple things in life. He loves getting in on the footy tipping, hanging out with mates and woodworking in the shed. Damien will always put others before himself and cherishes the life-long bonds he makes with others. He loves big and is loved big in return.
“I’m most proud of the man he has become and the friendships that he has. His angst is gone, and he’s just an amazing, loving and caring man.” – Damien’s mum, Donna
“Our dream for Jy is for him to have the absolute best life that he can have, without putting any boundaries on it.” – Jy’s parents, Colin and Cheryl
JY LUCK
JY LUCK
Age: 36
Compass Trainee since: 2005
Cheeky, mischievous, extraverted and hilarious are hallmarks of Jy’s personality. He is known for having no filter, meaning you will always get what you see, and has an imagination that could challenge Walt Disney himself. Jy’s unique and lateral way of thinking leads him to see the world in a different way, his way. He is perceptive, extremely resilient and will consistently forego his own needs in place of those of others.
“Our dream for Jy is for him to have the absolute best life that he can have, without putting any boundaries on it.” – Jy’s parents, Colin and Cheryl
“Meaghan has taught us so much and opened us up as people. Her naivety and her innocence remind us all the time of what life is really about.” – Meaghan’s parents, Merryl and Ian
MEAGHAN HOLLAND
MEAGHAN HOLLAND
Age: 42
Compass Trainee since: 2011
With an ineffable quality and a smile that will break through any barrier, Meaghan will do anything to bring joy into the world and make the people around her happy. She is loving, excitable and larger than life, with a superpower for remembering faces and places in the utmost detail. Meaghan loves to be active through dance and sport and holds multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at a State and National level for Bocce!
“Meaghan has taught us so much and opened us up as people. Her naivety and her innocence remind us all the time of what life is really about.” – Meaghan’s parents, Merryl and Ian
“Caitlin is the first person to dive in and help, especially with larger Compass wide projects. She loves to meet visitors at the farm and share our appreciation with the community for their support. She is a natural promoter and always makes you feel seen and loved.” – Kelly Hammond, Compass Development Coordinator
CAITLIN LARSON
CAITLIN LARSON
Age: 30
Compass Trainee since 2012
Caitlin is described as kind-hearted, loving, vibrant and social. She wears her heart on her sleeve, is honest with her emotions and often plays the role of Mother Hen, protecting and caring for those around her. Caitlin likes to build meaningful connections with others and will take you into her heart willingly.
“Caitlin is the first person to dive in and help, especially with larger Compass wide projects. She loves to meet visitors at the farm and share our appreciation with the community for their support. She is a natural promoter and always makes you feel seen and loved.” – Kelly Hammond, Compass Development Coordinator
“Nienna is just a person like anyone else, and she enjoys the same things as any other young girl in her 20’s – dancing, music, going to the movies, even night-clubbing! I’m proud of the young woman she is.” – Nienna’s stepdad, John
NIENNA MARX
NIENNA MARX
Age: 26
Compass Trainee since: 2015
A sensitive soul, Nienna is playful, happy and easy-going. Holding strong morals and sense of what is right and wrong, she shows extreme care and empathy to others. Nienna is the embodiment of gentle impact; her energy envelopes you with peace and acceptance, often having you realise that she is the one sharing the gifts by simply being present and in the moment.
“Nienna is just a person like anyone else, and she enjoys the same things as any other young girl in her 20’s – dancing, music, going to the movies, even night-clubbing! I’m proud of the young woman she is.” – Nienna’s stepdad, John
“Tohbias is better than your best friend. She’s just always there, is so supportive, knows what you need and is also hilarious! There’s just something about her that makes you want to spend all your time with her.” – Tina Yalden, Compass Support Trainer
TOHBIAS DAVENPORT
TOHBIAS DAVENPORT
Age: 24
Compass Trainee since: 2017
“T for Trouble, T for Tohbias!” This is the catch cry of the Davenport family. Wild, cheeky, beautiful; Tohbias LOVES life and has a wicked sense of humour. She is very social and widely known in the community. Tohbias is brave, always willing to try new things and push herself out of her comfort zone. She will do anything to make you smile and somehow always knows exactly what you need.
“Tohbias is better than your best friend. She’s just always there, is so supportive, knows what you need and is also hilarious! There’s just something about her that makes you want to spend all your time with her.” – Tina Yalden, Compass Support Trainer
“Lester doesn’t let his disability get in the way and never has. He always finds a way to overcome any hurdles, is determined and will adapt. I’m proud of everything he’s achieved and the person he has become.” – Lester’s grandparents
LESTER CAREY
LESTER CAREY
Age: 22
Compass Trainee since: 2018
Lester is described as witty, sarcastic, sensitive, determined and very caring. He’s passionate about helping others and absolutely adores kids. Lester is always looking for ways to push beyond any boundaries and prove what he can do. A country-singing, Johnny Cash loving man, he loves to relax with some good tunes, a bit of Xbox and the latest true crime shows.
“Lester doesn’t let his disability get in the way and never has. He always finds a way to overcome any hurdles, is determined and will adapt. I’m proud of everything he’s achieved and the person he has become.” – Lester’s grandparents
“My dream is that Maddi will never stop dreaming and that she’ll continue to reach for the stars. She can do so much if she doesn’t give up, and if other people don’t give up on her.” – Maddi’s mum, Kelly
MADDI SHANNON
MADDI SHANNON
Age: 21
Compass Trainee since: 2019
Maddi is a shining star; full of spirit, with a love of life that is infectious. She’s happy, joyful, has explosive energy and she laughs with her whole body. Her smile can light up a stadium and instantly transform any mood. Maddi inspires you to believe in more and to be a better person; her presence opens your heart and reminds you that no matter what, life is great!
“My dream is that Maddi will never stop dreaming and that she’ll continue to reach for the stars. She can do so much if she doesn’t give up, and if other people don’t give up on her.” – Maddi’s mum, Kelly
For 20 years, The Compass Institute has supported people with disabilities to thrive based on a foundational philosophy that all people are ASSETS. Through looking beyond all labels and SEEing each person simply for who they are, we remove perceived limitations and create space and opportunity for their potential to shine.
This campaign is an expression of that philosophy.
Through attending The Compass Institute, these eight individuals have had the opportunity to continue to grow, learn, develop, contribute and further live a meaningful life.
Every day we are inspired by them. Not because they’re special, or different, or superhuman. Simply because they are unapologetically who they are; authentic, human, flawed, honest and alive.
It is in this shared human experience where we find the threads that are both common and connecting. The innately human desire to be seen, to be valued and to belong.
We shine a light on these individuals, sharing their energy and their stories, to remind you that you too belong, that you too are capable, and you too are worthy.
Join us in celebrating the beauty in every human and remember that with kindness, openness and opportunity, together we can all thrive.