Some of the most powerful journeys are built quietly, one skill at a time. For Noah, that journey has been about independence, confidence, and discovering just how much he’s truly capable of.
Noah joined the NDIS at WISE EPIC program at the start of 2021 with a clear hope: to learn the skills that would help him become more independent and job ready. Over the years, he’s become a familiar and much-loved face in the program, stepping into leadership roles and inspiring those around him.
When Noah started his journey with WISE, he was ready to build practical, everyday skills that would help him live more independently and prepare for work.
From the beginning, his focus was on:
- Becoming more confident and self-reliant
- Building job-ready skills
- Learning to navigate daily life with greater freedom
- Growing his abilities one step at a time
That early determination has shaped everything that followed. From the beginning of his journey with EPIC, Noah’s supports have been tailored towards his individual goals, creating a unique and personalised approach.
Finding freedom on public transport
One of Noah’s first big wins was learning to travel on his own. With guidance from his support workers, he gradually built up his confidence on public transport.
Today, Noah can catch a bus by himself and read timetables with ease. For Noah, this is a representation of real freedom, and is a giant leap toward independence.
“This is where all people start and I am glad I built that confidence,” Noah says.
Learning through work experience
Noah threw himself into the world of work. Each week, he completed work experience at a local supermarket alongside his support workers, gaining valuable hands-on skills.
Noah learned a great deal about open employment, and gained confidence in the workplace. He continues to work toward his goals at his weekly work experience, growing stronger with every shift.
Getting behind the wheel
Few milestones have meant as much to Noah as learning to drive. After gaining his learner’s license, he completed 120 hours through the VicRoads L2P program, supported by the NDIS at WISE team.
This achievement is especially close to his heart. Noah once thought he would never actually drive a car. Now, he’s almost ready to sit for his P plates, which is fantastic news and a wonderful reflection of his hard work and persistence.
“I am driven to get my P’s, and I cannot picture myself stopping right now,” says Noah.
Leading a thriving gaming group
Perhaps Noah’s proudest achievement is the gaming group he built from the ground up. What started as a social activity has grown into a popular gathering that averages around 10 people each week.
As the group’s leader, Noah takes responsibility for:
- Creating a weekly schedule
- Making sure everyone gets along
- Upholding the rules of the group and the WISE code of conduct
It hasn’t always been easy. Noah says his biggest challenge has been helping everyone get along while following the rules. But that challenge has become one of his greatest teachers. Through it, he’s sharpened his leadership skills and learned to respect other people’s opinions and abilities, a lesson that will serve him well in every part of life.
Josh, NDIS at WISE Team Lead, notes that “Noah has built leadership and life skills through developing his own project that will help him thrive in the future with whatever he chooses to do.”
When Noah reflects on his time with EPIC, the growth speaks for itself.
“Being with EPIC I have achieved leadership skills, budgeting, driving skills, learnt to control my emotions and have improved my cooking skills. I have built up my endurance and customer skills by doing retail work experience,” he says.
It’s a remarkable list, and every item represents real effort, courage, and determination.
Noah’s journey is a beautiful reminder that independence is built step by step, with the right support and a willingness to keep trying. From catching buses on his own to leading a thriving community group and getting ready for his P plates, he has shown just how much is possible.
And his story is far from finished. With every new skill and every milestone, Noah continues to grow into the confident, capable leader he’s always had the potential to be.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward your own goals, NDIS at WISE is here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
If you have an NDIS plan, see how NDIS at WISE can support you
If you’re a job seeker, register your interest as a WISE job seeker
If you’re an employer, please register your job vacancies with us
Or start an ongoing partnership with WISE