I'm Julie McClelland, your Independent Support Worker, skilled in Auslan, NZSL, and specialising in autism support. My expertise extends to also assisting individuals who communicate using Makaton. As a mother to a 32-year-old son who is profoundly deaf and navigates the complexities of autism, I've acquired invaluable skills and insights that I bring to my professional role, enriching the lives of my clients and their families with tailored, empathetic support services. My journey has taught me the importance of patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy, along with maintaining a joyful spirit. I believe in finding humour in the everyday 😊 and recognising those moments when a good laugh truly can make all the difference. I'm passionate about encouraging my clients to dive into activities that bring them joy and promote personal growth. Whether it's hiking, practicing yoga for balance, enjoying a round of golf, or competing in a pool competition at the local pub, I'm committed to uncovering the activities that enhance everyone’s life. My aim is to help each person forge lasting friendships and authentic connections within our Cairns community. Besides fostering enjoyment, I also provide practical support with daily activities like shopping, cooking, meal preparation, and attending appointments. My ultimate goal is to bolster confidence, broaden social networks, and diminish feelings of isolation by actively integrating my clients into the community in a meaningful—and most importantly—joyful way. I come prepared with all the professional qualifications needed to ensure safe and secure support: a Police Check, Blue Card, NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (Yellow Card), CPR and First Aid certification, Certificate III in Community Services, public liability insurance, and a full driver’s license (plus a nicely maintained car). Let’s connect and explore how we can bring more joy and laughter into your day-to-day experiences.