Purpose Matters Conference

September 5 - 9 2022

About The Purpose Matters Conference

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This conference aims to create a welcoming space where we can explore the question of meaning and purpose.

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A rich and diverse range of local, national and international presenters, who have dug deeper on the question of meaning and purpose, will share their stories and wisdom.

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Each day we will focus on an area of life, for example community, employment, home, education and relationships.

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What we will discover is that meaning and purpose can be found in the most ordinary ways and places - through community, connection and belonging!

Social Role Valorisation - Towards A Better Life

March 2022

What is this course about?

This 6 series course will inspire participants to reflect on the value of obtaining the good things in life and consider how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities. This event is designed to assist participants to:

• Understand social devaluation and its consequences,

• Learn about Social Role Valorisation as a means of addressing experiences of devaluation,

• Strengthen ones’ motivation to counteract devaluation,

• Clarify the qualities of the good things in life and how they might be facilitated,

• Understand the importance of valued social roles and how to develop roles that lead to authentic inclusion in one’s community.

Supported Decision Making

16th & 23rd November 2021

What is this webinar about?

As we progress into adulthood we will have been given many opportunities to develop our skills and knowledge to make small and big decisions. It is quite natural to seek advice, ideas or information from others. Yet people with intellectual disability and Autism have often not had the same opportunities to make decisions and develop the skills and knowledge to shape their own lives. Constantly, their lives are directed by others.

The concept of supported decision making draws on our typical experiences of decision making and seeking support, and applies this in ways which helps a person with intellectual disability or Autism to make more decisions for themselves. Supported decision making is a practical way to make sure a person with a disability is at the centre of making their own decisions, build their skills and confidence and assist those around them to listen and support them. Support is provided by someone the person trusts, for example a family member, friend, or someone else chosen by the person.

An Introduction To Thinking About Home

28th October & 9th November 2021

What is this webinar about?

Home is a vital part of our lives. It not only provides us with security, privacy, comfort and control but it reflects our identity, our deep sense of who we are and how we connect and belong in our neighbourhood. Yet for many people, particularly with intellectual disability and Autism, home is designed by others or there is an assumption that people need to live in group homes, or a need to be fully “independent” to live in their own home.

An Introduction To Thinking About Home

7th September 2021

What is this webinar about?

Home is a vital part of our lives. It not only provides us with security, privacy, comfort and control but it reflects our identity, our deep sense of who we are and how we connect and belong in our neighbourhood. Yet for many people, particularly with intellectual disability and Autism, home is designed by others or there is an assumption that people need to live in group homes, or a need to be fully “independent” to live in their own home.

Fostering and Developing Friendship Webinar

13th July 2021

What is this webinar about?

Friendships are one of the most important things in our lives. Research has shown that relationships make a big difference to our well-being, safety, learning and health. Although meaningful social connection is a problem for many people in society today, people who have a disability and/or other needs are at greater risk of isolation, loneliness and disconnection. Although we recognise the need for mutual friendship, we often struggle with how to assist people with disabilities or other needs to develop and maintain relationships, particularly with a range of community members.

My Home My Way 2 part Webinar

22nd & 29th June 2021

What is this webinar about?

Home is a vital part of our lives. It not only provides us with security, privacy, comfort and control but it reflects our identity, our adulthood and our deep sense of who we are and how we connect and belong in our neighbourhood. Yet for many people, particularly with intellectual disability and Autism, home is designed by others with little control over the decisions that most people take for granted. In this webinar series, through the journey of others, we will explore individualised and innovative ways that people with a disability have created their own home, while getting the support they need.

In these practical and down to earth sessions we will explore some of the essential elements of what makes a house a home.

Life After School Webinar

15th June 2021

What is this course about?

Planning for life after school can seem daunting, especially when you have a disability. The options may seem slim and limited to special programs, however with vision, preparation and planning it’s possible for young people with a disability to thrive after school. This introductory webinar aims to assist you to plan and prepare for an inclusive life after school.

Harnessing The Power of Valued Roles Webinar

25th May & 11th June 2021

What is this webinar about?

Our roles are not only an important part of our identity but they provide the means to belong and contribute to the community. People with an intellectual disability and/or Autism are often denied access to the abundance of valued roles available in the community. Or we might be committed to assisting people to pursue valued roles but unsure how to build or deepen them. This webinar focuses on how to initiate and build valued roles. It will also explore ways to ensure that people not only take up valued roles but feel like they belong and contribute to associational, workplace and community life.

Life After School Webinar - Northern Victoria/Hume

April 2021

What is this course about?

Planning for life after school can seem daunting, especially when you have a disability. The options may seem slim and limited to special programs, however with vision, preparation and planning it’s possible for young people with a disability to thrive after school. This introductory webinar aims to assist you to plan and prepare for an inclusive life after school.

Life After School Webinar - Wodonga/Albury, 6 Series Course

March - May 2021

Planning for life after school can seem daunting, especially when you have an intellectual disability or Autism. The options may seem slim and limited to segregated programs, however with vision, preparation and planning it’s possible for young people with a disability or Autism to thrive in the community after school. This 6 series course aims to assist participants to plan and prepare for an inclusive life after school that is personally relevant and meaningful.

Towards A Better Life Webinar, 6 Series Course

March 2021

This 6 series course will inspire participants to reflect on the value of obtaining the good things in life and consider how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities. This event is designed to assist participants to: 

• Understand social devaluation and its consequences, 

• Learn about Social Role Valorisation as a means of addressing experiences of devaluation, 

• Strengthen ones’ motivation to counteract devaluation, 

• Clarify the qualities of the good things in life and how they might be facilitated, 

• Understand the importance of valued social roles and how to develop roles that lead to authentic inclusion in one’s community. 

You will also hear some ‘real life’ stories from people who, through attending this course, have reshaped their life and now experience the good things in life. This online course will use a combination of presentation, interactive exercises, reflection and discussion!

Introduction to Circles of Support Webinar, Bass & Gippsland

20th & 27th October 2020

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

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It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life.

Introduction to Circles of Support Webinar

14th July 2020

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Understanding Intellectual Disability Webinar Series

26th May, 2nd and 9th June, 2020

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Self Management: Introduction to Engaging and Directing Support Workers Webinar

12th May, 2020

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Introduction to Self Management Webinar

5th, May, 2020

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Peer to Peer Exchange - Circles of Support

23rd, April, 2020

Circles of Support 

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support are an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of committed people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future.

Peer to Peer Exchange - Self Direction

13th February, 2020

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Peer to Peer Exchange - Self Direction

28th November, 2019

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Circles of Support - Caulfield North

13th, April 2019

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future.  This is a practical workshop and will use interactive exercises, reflection and discussion! 

Peer to Peer Exchange - Circles of Support

28th November, 2019

Circles of Support 

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support are an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of committed people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future.

Welcome Home Workshop

7th November, 2019

Self Direction

What is this workshop about? 

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Peer to Peer Exchange - Self Direction

8th, October 2019

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Friendship

6th September 2019

Friendships are one of the most important things in our lives. Research has shown that relationships make a big difference to our well-being, safety, learning and health. Although meaningful social connection is a problem for many people in society today, people who have a disability and/or other needs are at greater risk of isolation, loneliness and disconnection. Although we recognise the need for mutual friendship, we often struggle with how to assist people with disabilities or other needs to develop and maintain relationships, particularly with a range of community members.

Life After School

23rd August, 2019

Life After School

Planning for life after school can seem daunting, especially when you have a disability. The options may seem slim and limited, however with vision, preparation and planning it’s possible for young people with a disability to thrive after school. This workshop aims to assist you to plan and prepare for life after school.

Circles of Support - Caulfield North

13th, April 2019

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future.  This is a practical workshop and will use interactive exercises, reflection and discussion! 

Peer to Peer Exchange - Self Direction

8th August, 2019

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

Connecting To Community

15th August, 2019

Do you feel isolated and disconnected from you community? Do you know or support people who feel the same? Through the richness of story telling, Mariam Issa, Lauren G and Deb Rouget explore the importance of belonging and how we can take practical steps to create contribution and connections for ourselves and with others who might be marginalised or disconnected from their communities.

Facilitating Conversations That Matter

30th April, 2019

Often our conversations and planning with people who have a disability and others who have needs often focuses on what people can’t do or finding “services” to fill people’s lives. This workshop will enhance your ability to facilitate deeper conversations which assist individuals to develop real and sustainable connection in their neighbourhoods and communities

Towards a Better Life

13th & 14th March, 2019

An exploration of the Social Role Valorisation framework with regard to people who are marginalised in society.

​This two day event reflected on the value of obtaining the good things in life and how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities.

Facilitating Conversations That Matter - Wodonga

23rd November, 2018

Often our conversations and planning with people who have a disability and others who have needs often focuses on what people can’t do or finding “services” to fill people’s lives. This workshop will enhance your ability to facilitate deeper conversations which assist individuals to develop real and sustainable connection in their neighbourhoods and communities.

Circles of Support - Wodonga

22nd November, 2018

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. This is a practical workshop and will use interactive exercises, reflection and discussion! 

Circles of Support - Bendigo

20th November, 2018

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. This is a practical workshop and will use interactive exercises, reflection and discussion! 

Creating Change - Bendigo

15th October, 2018

Belonging Matters was established fifteen years ago by people with a disability, families and their allies to challenge the systemic exclusion of people with a disability. This celebration event is held in honour of the leadership provided by people with a disability, their families and allies to drive change and foster communities in which all people are welcome!

Passing - Social Role Valorisaton

22nd & 23rd August - 3rd & 4th October, 2018

John Armstrong

This practicum helps participants to appreciate in greater depth the reality of issues involved in trying to support people to acquire socially valued roles in community life

Facilitating Conversations That Matter

31st May, 2018

Deb Rouget & Teresa Micaleff 

Often our conversations and planning with people who have a disability and others who have needs focuses on what people can’t do or finding “services” for people rather than how a person could contribute to their community. This workshop assisted facilitators and planners to enhance their skills and engage in deeper conversations about assisting people to pursue valued roles in the community.

Towards A Better Life

23rd & 24th April, 2018

John Armstrong & Justine Hall

​This two day event reflected on the value of obtaining the good things in life and how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities

Circles Of Support

7th March, 2018

Deb Rouget & Teresa Micaleff

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. 

Customised Employment

21st August 2017

Michael Callahan

The employment rates of people with a disability are staggeringly low and with the emergence of the new Disability Employment Framework, this event became all the more elevant Michael Callahan, a world renowned leader on Customised Employment provided a strategy that provides persons with disabilities, and indeed other people with significant barriers to employment, with an alternative to traditional, com- petitive job approaches. Customised Employment relies on a negotiated rather than competitive approach to employers. This approach to employment offers the promise of welcoming all persons with disabilities who wish to work into the open employment system and into a job that fits their needs and preferences. It also defines the critical roles required to support both the individual with a disability and the workplace to make employment a viable option for persons once thought to be unemployable.

Self Direction & The NDIS

27th April, 2017

Jan Kruger

Self managing NDIS funding and employing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process. This seminar offered the opportunity to hear from a parent about their NDIS journey and to find out how and why they self- manage NDIS supports.

Towards A Better Life

29th & 30th March, 2017

This 2 day event challenged participants to reflect on the value of obtaining a ‘good life’ and to consider how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities. 

Activating Community Pathways

19th & 20th October, 2016

This two day course was an extended learning for people who are committed to the full inclusion of people with a disability in society but may be uncertain of how to enact such a vision. The course included presentation material, individual and group work, practical exercises and guided discussion. This workshop assisted partici- pants to design and pursue socially inclusive pathways.