Doing things differently
The 4th annual Family Conference 2020 Doing things differently, hosted by Plumtree, Now & Next and Reframing Disability (Kindred) online, brought together families of children with disabilities and their allies. It aimed to inspire, educate and empower families to build a good life and celebrate people with a disability who are making a difference in their community.
The Telepractice – a family guide
eBook
The Telepractice – a family guide and resource ebook is a practical resource on achieving positive outcomes for children and the entire family during the COVID pandemic—and beyond.
A collection of videos by parents of children with disabilities, professionals and peer workers provides insights on enhancing communication, literacy, video modelling techniques and other strategies.
We hope it informs and inspires you. Let us know your thoughts and stay tuned for more resources from the conference in the coming weeks. View the eBook
Parent Statement
Held in early September 2020, the 4th Annual Family Conference brought together families of children with disabilities and developmental delays and their allies.
One of the conference’s traditions is producing a statement, which summarises key points that resonated with participants during the day. It acknowledges parents’ and carers’ agency and can guide the way forward. Learn more
Rethinking early childhood intervention services | Dr. Tim Morre
Early childhood intervention is more than therapy. As learning mainly takes place between sessions, it’s essential for professionals to partner with families to nurture their children’s development in everyday environments. Tim will share his insights on the power of families and communities in making this happen. Other topics discussed for positive outcomes include early learning environments; the role of families, relationships and daily routines; and involving children meaningfully in home and community life.
This session is in conversation with Dr Tim Moore and Sylvana Mahmic. Read blog
Making the most of the new normal
Panel
Our panel of experts will share their insights on how to make the most of this time. Topics will include doing things differently in online therapy and daily routines for good outcomes, adjusting goals if necessary, using funding flexibly and other ways to help the family thrive during the pandemic.
Making your vision a reality
Kate McNamara
Not having a vision for your child is like going for a drive without a destination. Kate will share her experience building a fulfilling life for her daughter Bridget, who has a disability. Find out how she self-manages her daughter’s NDIS plan and her strategies to enable Bridget to live her best life. Read blog
The facts of Telepractice
Lorraine Heywood
Online therapy is a big transition. Many parents and carers may be wondering if it is as effective as face-to-face sessions. Telepractice was successfully used for early childhood intervention long before COVID-19. Lorraine will share a summary of research into this field for children with disabilities up to 8 years old and their families. The findings include family and professional perspectives about its limitations and benefits. Read blog
Intro to Not invisible anymore
Deb Herbert
A lovely and insightful introduction to Audrey’s interview from Deb, Peer Worker
Not invisible anymore
Audrey O’Connor
Actor and screenwriter Audrey O’Connor is inspiring people with disability to have a voice and make a difference through cinema.
Involved with Bus Stop Films for ten years, she discusses its amazing creative community and her past and future projects. Audrey believes that more people with disabilities should be represented in cinema. Read blog
Related resources
Plumtree resources:
A Child Voice model for children with disabilities to thrive in the future
Adapting routines during the COVID-19 pandemic
Building a bridge to a good life for children with a disability
Families empowering families
Our journey to a family-centred early intervention experience (parent story)
Parent professional statement
Leaning into relationships with professionals statement
Videos from our past Family Conferences
Kindred resources:
Top tips from parents for managing at home during COVID-10
What to expect when things are unexpected (parent story)
A community for families raising a child with a disability
Top tips from parents for managing therapy online
A tale of two NDIS plans: plan vs self-management (parent story)
School resources:
ACD – Information to help parents support their child at school
Reimagine Australia: transition to school parent guide
Early childhood intervention resources:
Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Information for families
Family-centred practice: a conversation with Dr Tim Moore
Reimagine Australia: information and resources for families and practicioners
Rethinking early childhood intervention services: Implications for policy and practice
Podcast: A whole new language, featuring Dr Tim Moore and Karen Dimmock
Disability Done Different: Candid Conversations Podcast
Sam Paior: supporting people with disabilities to live a good life.
Sylvana: reframing the roles for successful intervention in early childhood.
Engaging Fathers of Children with Delay or Disabilities: Parenting and Caring Roles in Early Childhood
Melo Kalemkeridis: Carers NSW Conference presentation
Sponsors
MyTime is for parents and carers of children with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition. It’s a place for you to unwind and talk about your experiences. It’s a world away from appointments and therapy.
Cinch Financial Services is a specialist CFO service for Not For Profit enterprises of any size. Their passion is to see organisations strengthen, become more efficient, and improve outcomes. The outcome is more help and support for those most in need.
Wonderchums is an inclusive learning community of families from around the world where kids with & without disabilities share in our Monthly Adventures. Wonderchums is all about life-shaping learning experiences that build on kids’ natural ability to build productive and meaningful friendships through the act of making.
Thank you
Thank you to our Conference organisers and parent contributors
Conference organisers:
Sylvana Mahmic – CEO, Plumtree
Stacey Touma – CEO, Kindred
Mana Ciuffardi – Staff member, Plumtree
Marie – Peer worker, Plumtree
Mogi Bayasgalan– Peer worker, Plumtree
Amos Wong Marie – Peer worker, Plumtree
Parent contributors:
Bethany Woollatt
Jennifer Williamson
Heather Cox
Claudia Cabrera
Jackie Pasternak
