Fathema’s Story

Fathema was born in Afghanistan, a country where disability support is very limited. With no equipment or access to education, she recalls sitting in her room on the floor not knowing what to do.

“I would just stare out the window thinking–life is just going to be like this. I can’t do anything”.

Her prospects in her birth country were bleak so in 2010, her family moved to Australia to have more opportunities for their daughters with disability.

Her family of six lived in a house in Western Sydney with two of the family members in wheelchairs. The narrow doorways and tight bathroom made access difficult.

Fathema was determined to move out and live her own life independently like her friends, but struggled to find accommodation options suitable to her needs.

Then she found us.

At the age of 23, Fathema moved into her very own 2 bedroom apartment at Ability Apartments. She loves the space and independence and has the room to entertain her family and friends and even have guests stay over.

Since her move she has graduated University with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and completed an internship and has now started a masters degree.

‘I never thought I would have this life– I have hope’

Fathema‘s inspiring story is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and ambition, despite disability.

We are so proud of Fathema and her accomplishments and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

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