Now and Next has created an empowered and knowledgeable community with expertise to share.
In 2017 we held the inaugural Now and Next conference at Plumtree. Themed “By Families, For Families” it was a tremendous success.
The second annual Now and Next conference in 2018 moved to a bigger location and attracted over double the attendees. Themed ‘Reach for the Stars”, the day-long event encouraged attendees to dream big.
Renowned disability advocates and specialists from Australia and internationally gave inspiring presentations. They included Dr Pippa Murray from the UK, Dr Emma Goodall from Australia, Jyrki Pinomaa from Inclusion Europe Finland and Stephanie Wacker from the McKenzie Centre New Zealand.
Now and Next alumni gave insightful talks on topics from fostering children’s self-advocacy skills to creating a good family life. A Q&A panel discussed building relationships with professionals and created the statement Families Leaning into Partnership with Professionals.
The day featured three young individuals with a disability who followed their dreams. Nathan Basha who works at a Sydney radio station and advocates around the world. Using assessable technology, Christopher Hills runs a video production business. Abdul-Karim Bouchafaa’s music and light show promote inclusivity and great contribution by people with disabilities.
The theme for the third Now & Next Family Conference 2019 is “Small Steps, Giant Leaps” and will cover keynote presentations based around fostering independence, nurturing friendships, inclusion, communication and building the capacity of families to create the best life for their child.
The day-long conference will be co-hosted by Plumtree and two new peer-led organisations: Reframing Autism and Reframing Disability which will be launched at the event.
“Finally I can see a generation of strong, future family leaders stepping forward and stepping up- another amazing outcome for Now and Next” ~ Participant at 2018 conference
