Josh Meredith, 25, lives with Down syndrome and is helping change attitudes towards disability in the workplace in his community of Albury-Wodonga on the border of New South Wales and Victoria.

Key points: John Meredith has Down syndrome and started a business doing odd jobs to get into the workforce

John Meredith has Down syndrome and started a business doing odd jobs to get into the workforce He has about 10 regular clients and performs duties including paper shredding, can recycling, cleaning and laundry

He has about 10 regular clients and performs duties including paper shredding, can recycling, cleaning and laundry His family say the business has given him an income, purpose, and social connection

His parents wanted him to have the same opportunities as his siblings, and so have helped him get odd jobs in the community and ultimately created Josh Worx about four years ago.

Josh Worx, a small business, has been supported by local businesses including local mechanic Baker Motors, where Mr Meredith's job included putting together service kits for mechanics.

Mr Meredith has also been doing other jobs including paper shredding, can recycling, cleaning and laundry duties.

Working has given Mr Meredith independence and has changed attitudes in Albury-Wodonga around the abilities of people living with Down syndrome.

'A dream coming to fruition'

Mr Meredith's mother, Helen Meredith, said the family had been thinking about how their son could enter the workforce a few years ago.

"We always had a vision for Josh to have good life like his siblings and his peers," she said.

"We wanted him to have his own business. We didn't know what that would look like and we didn't have any business experience ourselves, but it was just something we've held onto — a dream — we have held onto for a long time and it is coming to fruition."

Helen Meredith and her son discuss Josh's roster for the week. ( ABC Goulburn Murray: Allison Jess )

Ms Meredith said her son had about 10 regular clients each week and included paid and volunteer work.

"He is a busy person. He is out in the community each day, he is out there making relationships, he is having fun and he is doing important work," she said.

"It gives him something to look forward to each day.

"It is obviously good for his bank account and he enjoys being with people and building relationships."

Excelling at his work

Baker Motors Parts Manager Jason Reade said Mr Meredith had a variety of jobs including putting the service packs together.

"He also files invoices, folds cardboard and waters plants," he said.

Mr Reade said the company and staff valued Mr Meredith's time.

"It gives Josh an understanding of how we work, what is required of him, and that he is a useful tool in our workforce," he said.

Josh Meredith at work at Baker Motors with parts manager Jason Reade and support worker Courtney Tuxford. ( ABC Goulburn Murray: Allison Jess )

Support worker Courtney Tuxford has been working with Josh for about 18 months.

She said she has witnessed Josh excel at his job.

"Nowadays when we get to a job I don't have to tell Josh what to do or prompt him … he just goes and he does his work," Ms Tuxford said.

"I know from reports from other support workers he gets good and fast at his jobs quickly and staff at the work places are having to give him more jobs to do."

Seeing people as equals

Tracey Fraser from the not-for-profit disability employment organisation, Personnel Group, said people who want to work should be able to.

"We have a different set of choices when we work; we get that social interaction, and we achieve, and have that personal fulfilment you get from about having a job," she said.

"For the broader community, we see people with a disability in every other aspect of our life and we accept people as equals in those aspects whether they are down the street or playing sport. And work is no different.

"A truly diverse society as we live in now has people with a disability embedded in it," she said.

Ms Meredith said it was important for Albury-Wodonga to see Mr Meredith working in the community.

"I think it's important for Josh, and important for other people, to see Josh out in the community and see that he does have the skills to be doing this type of work."