Joel Lives Life His Way

Living life his way, authentically, and as ‘mainstream’ as possible is both the goal and the result for Joel Koch who has become an active member of his Te Awamutu community.

Moving from his parents’ home on the family farm just before he turned 18, Joel moved into his own home with flatmates with support from ConneXu – and has been working with the local disability support provider in the eight years since.

Born severely deaf, and later diagnosed as autistic and non-verbal, Joel’s early diagnosis enabled his family to put things in place for Joel for him to access the right mainstream-based facilities and natural supports within the community, bringing with it an understanding of what autism is.

Support worker Colleen vividly remembers meeting Joel when he moved to his new home, which was a big step forward into living independently, she says.

“I remember Joel’s first day really well. He was curious about the new house he was going to live in. He spent a lot of time investigating every room of the house and wanting to memorise the entire house plan, its plumbing, electrical wiring, light switches and so on. The he headed outside to do the same thing,” she says.

“All of this was a new experience for him. He had to adapt from living with his parents on a farm to living with housemates in a residential area and having 24-hour support staff. This was a huge step for Joel and his family, and a big step into the transformation process for him to live his life his way.”

Joel has been taught NZ Sign Language and uses some of this to communicate but prefers to use a visual board created by his ConneXu team who recognised his willingness to use a board to let them know what he needed or thought.

“He preferred using visual aid tools, so we use this for him to make his everyday choices to live an ordinary life. We use tools and strategies that are simple and easy to use – and flexible for all to use.”

Colleen speaks proudly of Joel and how far he has come since partnering with ConneXu.

“Joel is very inquisitive, very driven and self-determined. He is supported to take part in different activities within the community, like being a participant in a 5km fun run, and being part of the annual Christmas parade. Joel is also a valued member of the local Men’s Shed, and a volunteer for Matariki Meals on Wheels where once or twice a month he is supported to drop off hot meals to vulnerable members of our community,” Colleen says.

Joel also enjoys a range of hobbies that include woodwork, painting, baking, cooking, gardening, walking, swimming, playgrounds and so much more.

He stays in contact with his family regularly with visits to the farm and family holidays, as well as letters and cards either emailed or handwritten, and social media. As his main team member, Colleen is in regular contact with his parents and keeps them up to date.

And it’s all part of the plan, she says – Joel’s plan.

“ConneXu have worked in collaboration with Joel and his parents and staff to develop a person-centred whole of life plan which aligns with Joel’s goals and aspirations. This has given Joel the independence he needs to achieve his life goals, and also strengthened his mana, while empowering him too,” she says.

For Colleen working as part of the ConneXu team is more than just a job.

“Throughout my own journey with ConneXu, I have gained a lot of different skills, like self-confidence, determination, empowerment and patience, to name a few,” she says.

“ConneXu is a diverse, multicultural organisation where I have had the opportunity to meet and build good working relationships, in a safe working environment. It has good organisational values which aligns with my own personal values.”

“Most importantly, I enjoy supporting the people we partner with to achieve their goals and aspirations as an equal, and to be a part their own journey, to live their best life they possibly can.”