The Imagine More podcast
by Imagine More
We all want the Good Life: for ourselves and for the people we care about. But, traditionally, people with disability have been denied access to (or given a watered-down version of) many of the things that make life meaningful, purposeful and interesting.The Get That Good Life! conference was all about identifying the things that make life good and how to ensure that people with disability have access to these. It provided attendees with countless strategies that create wonderfully ordinary lives for people with disability.The conference unashamedly shared ideas and stories that have high expectations for the lives of people with disability. In it, you’ll hear countless examples of people with disability who- have chosen an ordinary life path- hold meaningful and valued roles- participate in and contribute to their local communities with the right supportEnjoy the presentations from an exciting group of local, national and international speakers that joined us to share their i
Episodes
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Crafting and safeguarding a meaningful week for Cameron
In this episode, the final one of this season, Karen Caldwell and Cameron Zellner share how they have spent years crafting and safeguarding a meaningful week for Cameron – grounded in his vision, interests and growing independence. Cameron is a competitive rower, keen photographer, digital...
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Safeguarding Isaac's good life through a Service for One
In this episode, Sheree Henley – founder of The Good Life Builders and mum of Isaac – shares how, after trying eleven service providers without finding reliable quality support, she and her husband David set up Isaac's Band Pty Ltd: a family-owned, family-governed "Service for One." Sheree…
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How to set your Executor up for success
In this episode, Stacey Bell, a Wills and Estates lawyer, turns her attention to the practical side of what happens after we're gone, and what we can do right now to make life easier for the people we appoint as executors. Stacey walks through the full range of executor duties, from planning a...
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What happens when I cark it?
In this episode, Linda Hughes – disability advocate and proud mum of Jacob, a 31-year-old toastmaster, homeowner, beer-maker and lover of modern art, Melbourne and cricket – shares what she has learned from years of grappling with the question that keeps so many parents awake at 2am: what happens...
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Safeguarding the future: A sibling’s view
In this episode, Libby Ellis – Individualised Living Program Manager at Mable and sister of Matthew, who has a significant disability and lives in his own home in Hobart – offers a perspective on safeguarding the future that is rarely heard: the sibling's view. Drawing on 25 years in the…
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Passing on the 'how': A sibling's journey
In this episode, Rebecca Altaffer – sibling of the late Mena Ward and daughter of disability advocates Margaret and the late Jeremy Ward – explores what it means to pass on not just the what of planning, but the how. Rebecca grew up in a family that held Circles of Support in their living room...
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Building bridges to neighbourhood
In this episode, Sarah Faulkner, Project Lead for the Neighbourhood Circles Project in Adelaide, makes the case that neighbourhood connection is one of our most powerful – and most overlooked – safeguards for people with disability. Sarah addresses three questions: why neighbourhood belonging...
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Finding and safeguarding a job
In this episode, Jan Kruger – Executive Director of Imagine More and mother of Jack – shares the employment journey her family has built for Jack since his teenage years, and the strategies they've put in place to safeguard it long term. Jan traces Jack's work history from a lawn-mowing business…
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Safeguarding a microenterprise for the future
In this episode, Helen Neale, Project Lead for the Discover Micro Enterprise project at the Community Living Project in South Australia, makes the case that a micro enterprise isn't just employment – it's one of our most powerful safeguards for people with disability. Drawing on her experience as...
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The importance of trust and relationship in supported decision-making
In this episode, Kim Roots, Executive Officer of Side By Side Advocacy, explores what supported decision making truly requires – not just tools and techniques, but time, trust and a deep knowledge of the person. Through three case studies, Kim shows what this looks like in practice: Robert, whose...
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The secrets of fabulous self-direction
In this episode, Margaret Ward shares five secrets of self-direction, starting with a reminder to families that if they're waiting for a service to do this work, it won't happen. Self-direction requires families to hold what Margaret calls "family business" – the vision, the plan, the story, the...
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Planning future finances
In this episode, you’ll hear from Chris Oates, a senior financial adviser at RSM Financial Services Australia. Chris has extensive experience providing financial advice to individuals and families at all stages of life. Chris guides us through some of the financial decisions and strategies that…
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What's the plan? Estate planning considerations for parents and carers
In this episode, you’ll hear from Stacey Bell, a Wills and Estates lawyer with a checklist for everything. Stacey guides us through many of the legal documents, decisions and conversations that can help families plan for the future and safeguard the people they love. Her presentation covers…
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Never too late to get a life
In this episode, you’ll hear from Josey McMahon, an independent consultant, advocate and board member who provides advocacy and capacity building to people with disability and their families. Josey shares the story of her twin sister Cathy, who is now an artist, friend, aunt and active member of...
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Now is the time for vision
In this episode, you’ll hear from Darcy Elks, an educator, consultant and human services evaluator who has spent more than 30 years working alongside people who are societally devalued to build full, meaningful and inclusive lives. Darcy also draws on her experience as the parent of three adult...
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How Gus found himself a second job through his community connections with Gus and Ronny Reichelt
In this final episode of season two of the Imagine More Podcast, you’ll hear from Gus Reichelt and his father, Ronny. Gus works as a Research Technician at CSIRO and, more recently, as a Barber’s Assistant. Gus explains how he landed each of his part-time jobs, beginning with his role at CSIRO,...
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Tips, Tussles, and Traps: The transition to work for young people with disability with Michelle Wakeford
In this episode, Michelle Wakeford, the founder of Ticket to Work, discusses the importance of creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people with intellectual disability and how families and schools can make this happen. She draws on her extensive experience as both a professional...
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Who are you? The evolving role of Job Supporter - Part 2 with Milton Tyree
Throughout the Opening Opportunities conference, Milton has introduced several essential elements of Customised Employment. In this, his fourth and final presentation, you’ll learn how Milton used these elements and the exact steps he took to support a young man named Sam as he started work in an...
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How Customised Employment enabled Ryan to surpass everyone's expectations with Corinna Gilligan
In this episode, we hear from Corinna Gilligan, a dedicated mother of three, as she shares the remarkable employment journey of her youngest son, Ryan. Since moving to Canberra several years ago, Ryan and his family have set high expectations for his capabilities and aspirations, defying the…
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Creating a micro-enterprise to explore Sethmi’s interests with Erosha Bakmiwewa
In this episode, Erosha Bakmiwewa discusses how she helped her daughter, Sethmi, develop a micro business based on Sethmi’s interests and ideal working environment. Erosha delves into the importance of Discovery, a process that helps identify Sethmi's strengths and motivations, and how Discovery...
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Discovering Micro Enterprise: Exploring possibilities with Helen Neale
In this episode of "The Imagine More Podcast," we share a brilliant presentation from Helen Neale. Helen works for Community Living Project in South Australia as the lead of a project called Discover Micro Enterprise: Exploring Possibilities. She is also a parent of a young man who has had a very...
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Working this out together with Jack, Julia, James, and Rachael
In this episode, we hear from Jack, a 21-year-old with a diverse range of interests and experiences, including being a CrossFit member, a Lifeline volunteer, and a reception worker at UniLodge. Jack shares how his Circle of Support, including his job mentor Julia, has played a crucial role in his...
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Who are you? The evolving role of Job Supporter - Part 1 with Milton Tyree
In this episode, Milton Tyree challenges us to rethink the fundamental question: "Who are you?" when we show up in workplaces as job supporters, and how our answer to that question can make or break employment success for people with intellectual disability. Drawing on Social Role Valorisation...
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Will at Work with Will and Anna Coventry
In this episode, Anna and Will Coventry share their journey in finding meaningful work for Will, who has embraced both paid and volunteer roles since leaving school. It’s a fabulous story about meaningful employment, support networks, and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Will discusses...
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Daisy's School to Work Journey with Daisy and Gillian
Daisy was in year 12 and working as a trainee vet nurse when she and her mother, Gillian, described their journey from school to meaningful employment. They discuss the unique challenges faced by young people with disability, particularly when traditional educational systems often overlook their...
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Developing roles that align with Jessie’s interests and contributions with Jessie Ward, Genna Ward and Cassandra Morrow
Jessie was a recent school leaver when she gave this presentation with her mum, Genna, and Job Supporter, Cassandra. Jessie had undertaken work experience in high school and was offered an ASBA (Australian School-based Apprenticeship) in Business Administration in Year 12; however, she finished...
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Customised Job Development - A creature of habit no more with Milton Tyree
Milton Tyree continues his explanation of Customised Employment in this, his second presentation for the Opening Opportunities conference. This time around, Milton encourages the listener to avoid being a ‘creature of habit’ by making unhelpful assumptions about people with disability and...
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Our Discovery journey with Milly with Milly Whitehead, Simone Whitehead and Ros Kewley
Milly Whitehead was just 18 years old and planning her move from school to work when she gave this presentation along with her Mum, Simone, and work experience employer, Ros. She describes her interests, her microenterprise, Made by Miss Milly, and what type of work she hopes to do in the future....
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Don't believe everything you think with Milton Tyree
Milton Tyree, from Marc Gold and Associates, opens his presentation by encouraging us not to believe everything we think, explaining how personal and societal assumptions can be unhelpful when it comes to finding meaningful employment for people with disability. Instead, Milton encourages us to...
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Customised Employment in the Australian System with Dr Jenny Crosbie
In this episode, Dr. Jenny Crosby, a seasoned advocate with 35 years in the disability sector, discusses the persistent barriers that hinder economic participation for young people with intellectual disability in Australia. Jenny’s PhD research highlights systemic issues and advocates for an...
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Living the dream and creating a life full of possibility with Nathan Basha
In this episode, you’ll hear from Nathan Basha, an actor, university student, filmmaker, and a staff member at the “coolest radio station in Sydney”. He is also an ambassador for the NSW government's 'Living Life My Way' campaign. Nathan shares his lived experience of many things: expectations...
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Opening Opportunities Season 2 Trailer
This season, we're bringing you powerful presentations and personal stories from the 2023 Opening Opportunities conference, held in Canberra. The conference featured speakers, including young people with disability, their families, and professionals from Australia and overseas who have opened up...
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Making the most of therapy with Anne Keep
Making the Most of Therapy with Anne Keep This session is for anyone who has ever felt that their life is filled with therapy appointments wondered if there are ways to apply therapy in the real world, away from therapy sessions and the therapist’s office struggled to implement a student’s…
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I'm ready for work, are you? with Fiona McIntosh
I'm Ready for Work, Are You? With Fiona McIntosh, Jessie Ward and Genna Ward As young people with disability progress through the secondary school years, they and their family members often wonder: what they will do after school? what will they be able to do? Families tell us they inevitably…
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Shifting the 'yes, buts' and how being known can keep you safe with John Armstrong and Jan Kruger
Shifting the ‘yes, buts’ and how being known can keep you safe with John Armstrong and Jan Kruger This session will draw from stories shared throughout the conference. John and Jan’s conversation will look at: how people with disability exceeded expectations when they had the opportunity how…
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Kindness, connection, and community with Hugh Mackay
Because we are social creatures, we are ‘hardwired’ for kindness and cooperation. It’s our natural state. The sense of ‘belonging’ is therefore essential to our mental and emotional health. But the social changes of the past 30-40 years have been pushing us in the opposite direction. We’ve become...
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Think big, go micro! with Chloe Reid and Jodie Reid
Think Big, Go Micro! With Chloe Reid and Jodie Reid Most people experience a micro-business when they are young. They might look after a friend’s pet or mow a neighbour’s lawn and receive some money or other item of value in return. Such micro-businesses teach young people valuable lessons about...
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Creating a Good Life Through Meaningful Employment with Tom Neale and Helen Neale
When Tom was preparing to leave school, and no one was offering any suitable post-school work options, his parents knew they had to come up with the answer. Skip forward 5 years, and Tom is happily and successfully running his own lawn maintenance business with approximately 50 regular clients....
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Ageing and living well with Sue Robertson
Ageing and Living Well with Sue Robertson Sue and Susan have known each other for over 20 years. During this time, Sue has been Susan’s Citizen Advocate and has supported her to get the good things in life. One of these good things was a place to call home. Susan lived in a group home for many...
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Getting a good start in a good job with Jack Kruger, Julia Shumaker, Milton Tyree, and Jan Kruger - Part 3
Much has been learned through the years about open employment. There is much evidence that shows what works and what doesn’t work. When the well-established guiding principles of customised employment are applied, desirable results will likely follow. In this presentation, we will look at how a...
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Getting a good start in a good job with Jack Kruger, Julia Shumaker, Milton Tyree, and Jan Kruger - Part 2
Much has been learned through the years about open employment. There is much evidence that shows what works and what doesn’t work. When the well-established guiding principles of customised employment are applied, desirable results will likely follow. In this presentation, we will look at how a...
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Getting a good start in a good job with Jack Kruger, Julia Shumaker, Milton Tyree, and Jan Kruger - Part 1
Much has been learned through the years about open employment. There is much evidence that shows what works and what doesn’t work. When the well-established guiding principles of customised employment are applied, desirable results will likely follow. In this presentation, we will look at how a...
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How to be driven by vision, not fear with John Armstrong
Sometimes we are driven by fear to select options that seem safe. These might include special schools, group homes, day programs, even “special swimming classes”. Yet, ironically, safety has never come from segregated settings. Being with valued people in valued places doing valued activities is...
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From school to international fashion runways with Tia Semi, Gina Semi, and Samantha Powell
Follow Tia and her team on their journey of discovering meaningful employment for Tia, driven by her interests. Tia’s journey began with a desire to ensure her post-school life was not dominated by screens and solitude. She had an interest in fashion, design, and modelling. Her team explored this...
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Preparing for when we fall off our perch with Sue Robertson
When their daughter Katie was born 35 years ago, Sue and Neil began to make plans for the future. Katie has lived in a home of her own for the past 14 years. She is well known by her neighbours and has tasked herself with many neighbourhood roles. The impact of autism has made it difficult for...
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Reflections on a journey of school inclusion with Erosha Bakmiwewa
In this presentation, Erosha shares the story of how she successfully got her daughter Sethmi out of an autism unit. Sethmi is now physically, socially, and academically included in another school. Many professionals told Erosha that Sethmi wasn’t ‘ready’ to be fully included in a mainstream...
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Keeping it real with Tim Bavinton
Societal attitudes have failed to acknowledge that people with a disability are sexual beings. They have the same rights to sexual expression, education, and health as people without a disability. Yet, people with disability have traditionally not had access to information about sexuality. Their...
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Get that good life by supporting new behaviour with Kate McGinnity and Anna Nikolay
People with sensory/movement differences and diversity may process the world around them in a manner that can result in behaviour that causes them trouble. In this conference session, Kate McGinnity and Anna Nikolay share their experiences of understanding and supporting individuals with sensory...
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Towards mastering the essentials of the powerhouse team with Janet Klees - Part 3
In this practical, interactive session, Janet Klees will zero in on some essential elements and strategies that ensure that you and your team are on their way to making a lasting and positive difference in the lifestyle and experience of your family member. Together, we will: Discover which...
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Towards mastering the essentials of the powerhouse team with Janet Klees - Part 2
In this practical, interactive session, Janet Klees will zero in on some essential elements and strategies that ensure that you and your team are on their way to making a lasting and positive difference in the lifestyle and experience of your family member. Together, we will: Discover which...
About this show
We all want the Good Life: for ourselves and for the people we care about. But, traditionally, people with disability have been denied access to (or given a watered-down version of) many of the things that make life meaningful, purposeful and interesting.The Get That Good Life! conference was all about identifying the things that make life good and how to ensure that people with disability have access to these. It provided attendees with countless strategies that create wonderfully ordinary lives for people with disability.The conference unashamedly shared ideas and stories that have high expectations for the lives of people with disability. In it, you’ll hear countless examples of people with disability who- have chosen an ordinary life path- hold meaningful and valued roles- participate in and contribute to their local communities with the right supportEnjoy the presentations from an exciting group of local, national and international speakers that joined us to share their i
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Imagine More