Cheeky character: Cole Birrel-Jarvis takes a moment to chat at Vivid Living on Thursday. Photo: Steve Huntley
Photo by
steve Huntley.
You can’t get anything past Cole Birrel-Jarvis.
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Sitting down with the 22-year-old, it’s easy to see he has a memory like a steel trap.
But he’s also a cheeky character, with jokes flying thick and fast.
He admits he was once a bit of a troublemaker, “and nothing’s changed”.
Living in Echuca for about four years, Cole, who has cerebral palsy, is a regular fixture around the Vivid Living centre in High St, Echuca, where he has no qualms throwing himself into whatever activity is on offer.
Cooking and communication technology classes are some of the programs Cole joins in on — enchiladas were on the menu on Thursday — but it was getting outside through the gardening program that “made him feel amazing”.
“I just do whatever the staff member asks me to do,” he said, adding his electric chair came in handy, as he was often designated to move tree branches or the garden trolley.
But it’s his time at one of Vivid’s newest business enterprises, a bike shop, that Cole finds the most joy in.
The shop gives adults with a disability the opportunity to learn new skills. They are taught to use the tools correctly and safely while repurposing bikes for sale in the community.
Fun in the kitchen: Cole Birrel-Jarvis (second from right), alongside Vivid Living’s life skills participants, cooks up a storm in the kitchen. Photo: Steve Huntley
Photo by
steve Huntley.
It’s an alternative for those who can’t access Vivid Work Crew, with all profits put back into the shop.
“I like getting grease on my face; it makes me look like a mechanic,” Cole said with a laugh.
“My grandfather was a mechanic, so it’s in my blood.
“I like working on the bikes; it’s fun, working on the pedals.”
Residing at Burke House, Cole said the accommodation brought together people with a disability, “some of whom could talk and others who can’t”.
In his spare time, Cole is a fan of “old-school music like Kenny Rogers” and enjoys films such as Mary Poppins — his favourite song being Chim Chim Cher-ee.
He is also partial to a sleep-in on weekends, as well as a trip via the KFC drive-through.
Vivid Living will celebrate International Day of People with Disability on Friday with a barbecue.
Cole said he was keen to enjoy a soft drink at the event, before adding it was “his shout”.
Vivid celebrates International Day of People with Disability
Vivid celebrates the many achievements of people with disability on a daily basis.
But Friday, December 3, is an extra-special celebration as the world unites for International Day of People with Disability.
Vivid chief executive Scott Alexander said the day provided an opportunity to promote understanding and awareness of people living with disability in the community.
“Our vision is to assist people with disabilities to live great lives,” Mr Alexander said.
“A key element of that is building connections with the community within which they live.
“To help achieve this, Vivid staff provide participants with support and opportunities based on individual needs, maximising their potential whilst encouraging independence.”
Vivid will hold celebrations in Echuca, Kyabram, Swan Hill and Kerang to mark the occasion.
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