history of DAL 1991-2005
Lack of employment opportunities for young people with special needs exiting school was the driving force behind the Executive Director, Marie Kuchenmeister’s passion and determination to provide employment in a commercially viable business for this group of young people.

In 1989 the first committee to investigate a range of employment opportunities was led by Marie with strong support by members of the Nelson Park School (formerly Geelong Special School) community consisting of staff from the Community Integration Annex, the Principal and the parent body. The committee approached a local shire for further assistance and two representatives were appointed to support and assist the venture.

This committee recognised the importance of appointing board members with a diverse range of expertise. The first board of management was formed in 1991 and became an incorporated body in 1992. The board members had expertise in financial, legal, employment and training, local government disability and business.

With the support and expertise of a dynamic and highly committed Board of Management and armed with little more than enthusiasm and considerable determination, Marie, two part time supervisors and four young adults with special needs, opened for business in November 1991. It is hard to believe that from dal’s simple beginnings with primitive equipment there are now two busy cafes and a very successful and professional catering business. In 2005 dal employs twenty support staff and provides a variety of employment and training programs for forty people with special needs.