IT WAS the kind of party where everyone was beaming: the kids for getting acknowledgment for keeping steady jobs for a decade or more; the parents, most of whom had moved heaven and earth to enable their now adult children to have job opportunities; and the politicians who have a say in how disability services are funded.
And there were the employers who had given people with disabilities a chance.
The event at the Venus Reception Centre at Kogarah on Thursday celebrated Jobsupport's success in getting more than 600 clients into jobs in Sydney.
Jobsupport is Australia's largest disability employment service for people with moderate intellectual disabilities.
At least 25 of the clients were from St George and Sutherland Shire.
One of those beaming parents was Gail Lowe, whose son Garren, 31, has worked at Coles in Broadway for almost 14 years.
Mrs Lowe has had many battles with politicians and community organisations so that kids with disabilities could be given a chance.
"If determined parents hadn't pushed for change and changed community perceptions nothing would have happened," she said.
"People didn't realise that kids with disabilities have something to offer."
Garren was lucky because he was introduced to Jobsupport while still at Kingsgrove North High School.
The organisation has nurtured him since through training, job placements and on-going support.
Garren reckons he loves his job: He tidies up shelves, returns loose stock and tells customers about specials.
"And I love the people I work with," he said.
Garren saves his money so he can go on trips, such as the planned Port Macquarie holiday with his parents.
Michael Green, 56, from Miranda, has been at Myer Roselands for 20 years, working a number of jobs in the loading dock.
"I reckon I'll be working there until the big boss kicks me out," he said.
David Munro, 33, has been a grocery assistant at Jannali for 13 years and really loves his job and the people he works with.
Awards were presented to clients who had been employed for 10 and 20 years; and to employers for employing people for 10 and 20 years.
There were 10 awards that recognised large employers of people with significant intellectual disabilities.
A special award went to Anna Chan and KU Children's Services, celebrating 30 years as employee and employer.
Anna was the second person to be supported by Jobsupport.
Previously there were no service options for people with a moderate intellectual disability to enter regular employment.
