Forum overview                

Community Resource Unit Ltd. is hosting a one day forum that showcases stories by and about people with disability and their families who are using the NDIS.

Presenters from Queensland and other states will share their experience of using the scheme.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of supporting people with a disability in Australia. The scheme will start to roll out in the Brisbane region from 1st July 2018.

Presenters will talk about their experience of:

• creating a vision and planning for a good life
• preparing for a planning conversation with the NDIS
• transitioning from school
• self-management and using a plan manager
• living in a home of their own

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Download Flyer (PDF)  

Download accessible flyer here (Word)  

Who should attend?

This forum is for people with a disability, family members,close friends, allies and people in paid support roles.

Our presenters

Three different presenters from Queensland and the Canberra will bring their own perspective to share on their experience of the NDIS. They will share the highs and lows of the experiences but most importantly some of the things you can do now to be prepared in this time of change.

Joe Condon and Gemma Condon (Warwick, QLD)

Joe Condon is the eldest brother of four and he lives in Warwick. After finishing school Joe moved into a group home until he expressed his wish to lead a more independent lifestyle.  Joe returned to live in his family home for a number of years, while his family supported him to explore the possibility of living in his own home. He is the owner of a small business “Joe’s Magic Mowing” which provides mowing, gardening and car cleaning services in his local area. Joe also manages a small paper run.

Gemma is Joe’s mother and together with her husband, Tom, they have intentionally gathered Joe’s brothers and other family members in a circle of support to assist Joe to reach his full personal potential. The circle also facilitates the support required to reach Joe’s goals and plan for his future. Gemma and Tom were previously self-managing and have been able to continue to do so with Joe’s NDIS funding with some great outcomes for Joe’s life.

Gary Matthews (Mackay, QLD)

Gary lives in Mackay in North Queensland and is an active member of the Mackay community, particularly within organisations involved in the disability sector. He is an active and involved member of Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN). As a Regional Facilitator, he represents QDN at local and regional events. Gary is a Peer facilitator of the Plan Ahead workshops and is also a QDN Local Support Group Convenor.  Local Support Groups provide regular opportunities for people with NDIS plans, and others who are working toward a plan to meet and discuss issues that are important to them. Gary is a professional photographer; he works with community groups to document their activities, however his real passion is abstract photography.

Carl Emmerson and Adrienne Gault (Canberra, ACT)

Carl is 19 years old and is the co-producer/presenter of The O-Zone, a radio show on community station 2xxfm in Canberra. The show focuses on gaming, manga, anime, comics, film and e-Sports and Carl. Carl is also an aspiring film-maker, learning the craft from a local film-maker as well as studying part-time at the Canberra Institute of Technology. He also has a part-time job as an assistant editor for a travel website Getaboutable.

Carl’s mother Adrienne started her career in the field of architecture and design. Since her son Carl was diagnosed with autism just before his for fourth birthday, she and her husband have sought innovative approaches to helping him thrive. However, it wasn’t until 2013, when she became involved with Imagine More, a Canberra-based family leadership organisation, that she started to understand what real inclusion looks like and the importance of valued roles to connect people to their community. Adrienne is now a director of Imagine More.

Additional speakers to be announced soon!

Assistance to attend

It is important to CRU that we make our events accessible to all attendees.  We ask that you let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you to fully participate in this event.

This may range from support for people with visual and hearing impairments, physical support needs, English as a second language and particular dietary requirements. You can provide this information at the bottom of the registration form and if required someone from CRU will contact you for further information.

Contact CRU is you need assistance or attend or participate in this event and  you can’t register online, by calling 07 3844 2211.

Community Resource Unit Ltd.

CRU has a 29 year track record of working across Queensland to help people with a disability take control of their lives and take their place in their community.  

Funding

This is an NDIS Participant Readiness activity funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

The cost of attending this event is covered by this funding.  There are no charges for attendees.