Haylee Richards is hoping to strike high on the leaderboard as she enters the 2024 National Disability Championships this week at Zone Bowling Tuggeranong. Just as she is knocking down the pins in the alley, Haylee is challenging the perceptions of what people with an intellectual disability can achieve.

Twenty years ago, Haylee started her bowling journey. At first, she needed a little bit of help from the ramp while learning how to avoid the gutters.

“You have to make sure that you don’t twist your hand; keep your hand straight. I bowl really straight,” she says.

Now, Haylee is a confident bowler and a star player in the Canberra Wizard’s League and has travelled across Australia representing the ACT. Racking up strikes each game, Haylee has figured out the secret to success.

“I usually use the lane to watch where I stand, get my feet right and chuck it down the middle,” Haylee smiles.

Haylee’s journey of leaving the family home also began with a little help. After watching her older siblings move out, she knew she wanted the same freedom and independence.

“My two sisters moved out and I said, ‘Now it’s my turn’,” smiles Haylee.

Flying the nest is an expected part of life for most children. However, for many of the estimated 15,000 Australians living with Down syndrome, it is a milestone they never reach. The journey to Haylee’s independence took some time and a lot of support from her loving parents, Marilyn and Graeme.

“That’s what we all strive for as parents, to have the kids get out on their own. It took us a couple of years to find the right place, but we found a nice place that is old but good,” says Marilyn.

In a two-bedroom townhouse where she converts the second bedroom into an office or home gym, Haylee is thriving. Before the move ten years ago, she had to show her parents she could look after herself without their help.

“She had to prove that she could cope on her own by doing the washing up, the laundry, the floors, and changing her bed. All that before we even thought about moving her,” says Marilyn.

“I used to do lots of cooking—beef stir-fry, chicken stir-fry. I can sweep my own floor and sweep the patio,” says Haylee.

A whiteboard of jobs was left for Haylee when Marilyn went to work. Coming home and seeing that Haylee had completed each one, their concerns were answered, and they could start making plans for Haylee’s big move.

A change of circumstances meant that Haylee’s family needed some support in how to best help Haylee reach independence. Through Feros Care and NDIS support, Haylee’s family and support team were able to work out a pathway to solo living.

“They have just been wonderful. We sat down and worked out what her plan was through the week, what she needed, what supports and all that sort of stuff,” says Marilyn. “I can back off more and I don’t have to be there 24/7. The carers take over, ensuring she does what she needs to and is where she needs to be. She has a full timetable.”

Relishing the opportunity to do more things by herself, Haylee makes her own way around most of the time by catching public transport to work and the gym. She also knows the key to a long, enjoyable career: simply be happy, she says.

Surrounded by beautiful blooms, Haylee has no problem finding joy in her job at GG Flowers and Hampers.

“I trim the flowers, hampers, deliveries and I love them all. I like the smell of the flowers,” Haylee says.

Paying her own way means that Haylee holds down two jobs, the second she has had for over half her life.

“I’ve been with Kmart for 25 years, I do everything; putting stuff out, dusting, making it neat and tidy. I do men’s clothes, you fold the clothes properly,” says Haylee.

Each day Haylee has a schedule to keep, including shifts at Kmart and GG Flowers, the gym, keeping up to date with chores, spending a day making meals and having fun with a support worker.

“She has a better social life than her mother. She’s a pretty social young lady, she likes company,” smiles Marilyn.

Exuding warmth and friendliness and with an undeniable zest for life, Haylee also ensures she has the time for the things she loves, like music and dance. She shows off her moves with the Xtreme Stars dance group and challenges her music knowledge at DJ Bingo.

A weekly highlight is her practice at Zone Bowling on a Saturday morning, which Marilyn drives her to after a quick breakfast stop at McDonald’s.

“I get an egg and bacon roll and some hashbrowns and a coffee,” says Haylee.

This year Haylee celebrates turning the big 4-0, rather than go away on vacation, Haylee would prefer to keep it local and spend time with her favourite people and do some special activities.

“A hot air balloon ride, a family dinner and we are working on a disco for everybody to come along and have some fun,” says Marilyn.

Living independently and paying her bills and rent by holding down multiple jobs, Haylee is a role model for those with intellectual disabilities. Sharing her wisdom, Haylee’s advice for others who want the same independence is to be persistent.

“Don’t give up, don’t lose hope. Do some cleaning, cooking and jobs around the house that need to be done,” says Haylee.

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