Meet the Crew: Tye Naismith

Name: Tye Naismith

Compass Crew Since: 2021

Role: Team Leader Wabi Sabi Creations / Support Trainer

What attracted you to this role?

I was working in construction when I saw the position advertised and I really dislike jackhammering… so the chance to pursue a role in Disability/Community Service and apply skills from the other industries (Retail, Outdoor Rec, School Camps, Hospitality, Construction) I have worked in was appealing. I was fortunate to have my interview at the Farm and after seeing the space and meeting many of the Compass trainees and staff I was so excited to be a part of the organisation.

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?

Seeing trainees build their confidence when interacting with customers, and in turn, seeing the public realise their potential. Enjoying those moments where people let down their guard, see and respond to the person, not their disability.

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?

I have found much of the job is getting to know a person. Knowing who they are, their strengths, needs and sense of humour. Working in this sector acts as a mirror and as much as we support others it enables me to self-reflect and has/is helping me to be a better person. It pushes me to want to study, learn and grow my skills and experience so that I can better support the people who choose to come to Compass.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?

I would wish for more people seeing the humanity of people with disabilities rather than the label.

If there was anything you could change, what would it be?

I would like to see greater collaboration in the sector. Greater awareness in the community/industry of the challenges and need for co-operation in all areas, whether it be more quality SIL’s providers, access to OT’s and capacity building programs, accessibility in the community but also the interplay between all these areas to increase lifelong positive outcome for NDIS participants. Compass is doing great work in this space, and I would love to see growth in how we can use what we do to initiate a positive influence and change with other stakeholders in the lives of the trainees.

Any final words / comments / funny anecdotes etc?

I recently heard some simple advice that can be applied to anyone and everyone. It went something like this…

If someone is displaying negative behaviour, try not to personalise it. It’s not that they are trying to give you a tough time, it’s that they are having a tough time. The behaviour is the symptom, we need to find the source and put supports in place around that.

I have been testing this within my own practice at work and at home, even within myself. Give it a go.