L Plates

A Down Syndrome NSW member's story, from Margaret Taplin:

Michael Taplin, aged 24, has recently passed his Learner’s License and is very excited, while nervous, to learn to drive. Michael achieved this by attending Sydney Ultimo TAFE. The course is run for disabled adults twice a week for a 15 week period. He studied very hard over this time and practiced the questions consistently on the RTA website. He liked meeting new friends at TAFE from all over Sydney and he enjoyed finding his way to and from Ultimo.

Michael has held a position of Office Assistant in a recruitment firm in the city for the past 5 years. He works from 9 am to 12 pm 5 days each week and catches the train to and from work. He loves his job and has many friends at work. His office is at Darling Harbour and he is finding his way around the city often meeting his brother at Fitness First gym at Bond Street.

Michael is enjoying the new Up Club which has started at Cronulla and loves having the outings with his friends from the Shire.

Michael also plays tennis for Special Olympics and represented NSW in the 2014 National Competition winning a bronze medal in the Doubles. He also participates at Special Olympics at Golf so his Saturdays are very busy.

John and I are very proud of what Michael is achieving in his life, he is a good and loyal friend and has a cheeky personality.