Services for People with Disabilities

   Kullarri Employment Services specialises in innovative approaches to the employment of people with disabilities. A recent result of this approach is a program, in conjunction with John Nourse, to teach blind people to splice rope for the pearling industry.

    The picture above shows John (left) with Paul Hoolihan, who has less than 5% vision in one eye and none in the other. Paul, whose vision is deteriorating, expects to be 100% blind within 6 months. In spite of this Paul has progressed from being unemployed to holding a steady job.
     John Nourse, Training and Placement Officer with Job Futures Kullarri, draws on many years experience in the Defence Forces and the pearling industry to help in placing his clients in training and employment in the Broome area. John came up with the idea of teaching disabled and blind people to splice rope, a skill which is in demand in the Kimberley.

      With exceptionally generous support from Broome Pearls, in particular Mr. T (Steve Talbot) of Broome Pearls, this program is already showing results. Broome Pearls has received orders for rope from NSW oyster and mollusc fisheries, from the Perth equine industry and from Albany oyster fisheries.