Supported Independent Living resident, Andrew Yatta, has been known as Andrew Williams since he was a young boy. Although he was born with his mother’s surname Yatta, Andrew’s name was changed by an aunt when he was removed from his mother’s care.
“I was too young to do anything about it… I went to school and that, played football, and sport and that, as Williams.”
Andrew has wanted to change his name back to Yatta for most of his life and says he has tried to change it multiple times. Now a MADEC NDIS participant, Andrew recently made changing his name a goal to achieve with his Support Workers. In August, Andrew successfully applied for his name to be changed. The day he received his certificate in the mail was a significant one.
“When I handed Andrew his birth certificate, there was so much excitement in his face and he started belting out a song with happiness. I’m so proud to be in a position where I could support him in making his lifelong dream come true,” says Disability Support Worker Gayle Rogers.
“This has had such a positive impact in his life. He’s told me that he has his original name back — his family name.”
Names are an important form of connection, and for Andrew, Yatta connects him both to his mother and brother. He says he’s happy to be known by the surname given to him by his mother.
“I never really changed it, but it’s good to have it on paper now.”
Andrew’s other goals include visiting the Northern Territory and locating his mother’s grave in Darwin. While he says that the quest is difficult, as his mother was buried in a pauper’s grave, he hopes to find her final resting place with the support of MADEC staff. In the meantime, Andrew is celebrating the return of his family name.
“He smiles whenever I say his whole name,” says Gayle.
Supported Independent Living with MADEC
At MADEC we can assist with a range of Supported Independent Living needs, including transition planning, applying for SIL through the NDIS, and of course, reaching your goals. If you’d like to discuss SIL, get in touch with us today.
