Sarah blossoms at Clarke Road

February 27, 2026

When Sarah first joined the Click & Connect computer group at CatholicCare’s Clarke Road Disability Hub in Waitara, she barely spoke. Shy and apprehensive, she sat quietly as the group around her chatted and typed.

“Over the months, her voice grew louder, and her smile grew bigger,” says Community Programs Manager Menatalla. “She participated in morning discussions and learned about email, internet searching and storytelling. Each little – and sometimes big – success, like finding a picture online, brought a wider smile to her face.”

With support, encouragement and a structured approach to learning, Sarah’s confidence grew rapidly. “Today, Sarah is the first one to arrive in the morning,” says Menatalla. “She turns on the computer and begins typing. She makes tea for her friends, shares pink cookies, and chats, her voice full of joy and belonging.” What started as a computer class became something more – a space where Sarah found her voice, made friends and built self-belief.

Sarah’s story is one of many that highlight the impact of Click & Connect, our new 40 week digital literacy program which covers topics like internet safety, social media, online banking and smartphone use – tailored to each participant’s needs and learning style.

It is a structured, step-by-step approach that ends with a final presentation, where participants showcase what they’ve learned to family, therapists and coordinators.

“They’re so proud of what they achieve,” says Menatalla. “The other day, someone asked me if I knew why the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys on the keyboard have grooves. They were so excited to sit me down and explain why. That’s the magic of it.”

The program is already drawing interest from local schools exploring post Year 12 pathways for students who are passionate about technology.

The launch of Click & Connect is part of a broader transformation at Clarke Road, where several new and revamped programs have been introduced to better support people with disabilities. This change is guided by a clear goal – to build confidence, independence and practical life skills. Menatalla’s background is in disability employment services and her passion for skill development are helping redefine what support programs can look like.

This new direction gives participants practical tools to build their skills and confidence at their own pace. For people like Sarah, it’s not just about learning how to use a computer – it’s about gaining independence, forming real connections and becoming more comfortable in herself and her place in the community.