Crafting with confidence

When Sean walked through the doors of Vision Australia’s woodworking program straight out of high school, he brought more than a mild interest in carpentry. He came with resilience, quiet determination, and a passion for craftsmanship that had been with him since before he could walk.

Designed specifically for people who are blind or have low vision, the woodworking program helps people to develop hands-on skills and independence, all in a fully equipped industrial workshop. For Sean, it was a perfect match.

Sean lives with CHARGE syndrome, which affects his vision, hearing, and communication. But none of that defines him. What defines Sean is what he builds with his hands, his heart, and his grit.

From day one, it was clear Sean wasn’t in the workshop to pass the time, he was there to build something bigger. Communication was tough at first and he barely spoke.  But in a workshop full of people who understood woodwork, Sean found connection.

At the Kensington workshop, surrounded by the hum of machines and the scent of sawdust, Sean found belonging. He now works independently on machinery that would intimidate most. He takes his pieces home to sand and finish, then sells them at markets under his own brand. He’s built a micro business from scratch.

His growth has been remarkable. Once shy and quiet, Sean now enjoys the friendly camaraderie with his peers. He manages his time, meets deadlines, and understands workplace expectations. “He’s running the joint,” the team laughs. And in many ways, it’s true.

Now, he’s talking about growing his brand, refining his portfolio, and taking things to the next level. Sean would love to work in a manual trade. He holds a White Card and takes occupational health and safety very seriously. One day, he dreams of building his own caravan from the ground up.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took patience, the right support, and the right environment.  

“When he first left school, he couldn’t catch a train alone,” Madelene recalls. “Now, he travels one and a half hours across the city, vision and hearing impaired with fatigue challenges, just to be there. He’d do anything to be part of that team.”

Sean completed an 18-month Certificate II in Furniture Making in just one year during the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s worked one-on-one with a master furniture maker, building out a portfolio of bespoke pieces. He’s a voracious learner, deeply interested in trades like electronics and air conditioning, but it’s woodwork that truly lights him up.

For Sean, Vision Australia’s woodworking program has been more than a stepping stone. It’s been a launchpad, a place where he could turn his raw passion into purpose and be seen not for his disability but for his skill, creativity, and drive.

About the program

Sean’s story is just one example of the impact the Vision Australia woodworking program can have. It helps people who are blind or have low vision to gain hands-on skills, confidence, and connection through creative woodworking. Held in a fully equipped industrial workshop in Kensington, participants are supported to safely use power tools, develop fine motor skills, build work habits, and create beautiful, functional timber pieces, some even launching their own small businesses like Sean.

Contact us at info@visionaustralia.org or on 1300 847 466 to learn more about joining the group.