Bryce Westbrook brings smiles to the faces of shoppers in his regional town every time they walk through the doors and down the aisle.

The 22-year-old started working at the Woolworths store in Berri about two months ago, fulfilling a long-time dream.

Mr. Westbrook, who lives with an intellectual disability and autism, linked to a workforce program shortly after he finished school a few years ago.

From the program, he gained skills that helped him land paid jobs.

Although it wasn’t an easy start, Mr Westbrook said he now feels like a different person and has been able to start living more independently as a result of entering the workforce.

“When I first started, my mind was very shaky. I was very nervous and very shy and I felt like I couldn’t speak,” he said.

“I’m a friendly boy. I’m confident and respectful, and people always say hello to me.”

Mr. Westbrook’s height also comes in handy for shoppers, with many knowing where to find him when they need assistance.

“I’m very tall and very friendly in the whole food market, so people will come up and ask me what they want in the aisle and then I’ll go take them down,” he said.

His mother, Rochelle Westbrook, said seeing him get a paying job was a testament to his resilience.

“Bryce was diagnosed with a severe speech delay so he was non-verbal until he was 10,” Ms Westbrook said.

“We used to take one day at a time and some days just getting Bryce to school was pretty tough.”

Mrs Westbrook said she couldn’t be more proud of her son.

“Something I always told Bryce when he was a kid is to reach for the moon and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars,” she said.

“He can turn the worst day around and make someone smile just by going on a shopping trip and seeing him.”

“Light in a Dark Room”

Mr Westbrook’s entry into the workforce is not only a win for him, but according to local shoppers, it is changing the perception of disability and helping to encourage a focus on skills in their community.

It comes at a time when people aged 15 to 24 with a disability are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as those without a disability, according to the Bureau of Statistics.

Berri Woolworths assistant manager Ronald Perry said Mr Westbrook brought a refreshing perspective and energy to the workplace.

“I’ve been working for the company for 42 years and I’ve never seen anyone like Bryce,” he said.

“Bryce is the light in a dark room. He just changes everyone’s personality and everyone is attracted to him. He is simply magnificent.

“We get four or five feedback forms a week and he gets mentioned at least once a week.”

While interviewing Mr. Westbrook, regular shopper Debbie Gibbs stopped by the house.

She said she had worked in the disability sector all her life and was delighted to see people of all abilities working in her regional town.

“It really warms my heart,” she said.

Evolving jobs

Changing workplace attitudes was something team leader at Novita in Berri, Mandy Fowler said, is slowly improving in regional South Australia.

“I’ve been supporting people with disabilities for a little over 20 years … and 20 years ago the only options would have been maybe a sheltered workshop,” Ms Fowler said.

“I think mainstream employment for people with disabilities is really opening up.

Mr Westbrook and his family will head to South Australia’s Government House in November, where he will be recognized for his achievements and leadership.

“Being a leader is something that’s really important,” he said.

“It’s amazing how much they’re growing… I really like it.”

As for the future, Mr Westbrook said he wants to continue to bring smiles to people’s faces and hopes he can inspire others to do the same.

“For those at home who want a job, don’t be shy, get out there and you’ll be impressed with who you are and who you are,” he said.

“Be safe, be friendly and be happy.”