CRU Conference Program 2016

Day One: Friday 20th May

9:00AM – 9:15AM “Welcome to Country” presented by Willie Prince

Willie Prince Bio

Wilfred Thomas Prince was born at Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission in 1960. Willie has represented Queensland in wheelchair racing and he carried the Paralympic torch in Brisbane in 2000. Willie is very proactive in both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the Disability sector and he has a key role in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland.

9:15AM – 9:45AM Welcome by CRU and Opening Address – Claiming a Positive Future: The Power of Possibility.

9:45AM – 11:00AM Stories of Possibility

“Life is Amazing” presented by Shane Rence and Glen Sheppard

Shane will introduce this session by talking about the Brotherhood of the Wordless and their successful application for one of CRU’s Disability Leadership Project grants. These funds were used to conduct a ground-breaking seminar, Out of the Silence, in October 2015.

Shane will talk about why leadership by people with disability matters and why the Brotherhood members wanted to share their experiences and insights through this seminar.

Glen’s presentation is about his “amazing life”. He faced many challenges in his early years. In his own words: “The first 16 years were rough. However, now my life is so fulfilling and I'm over the moon with happiness”. Glen’s presentation is a cautionary tale of what happens when we presume that people who don’t talk have limited potential and nothing to say, but it is also an inspiring story of hope, possibility, family fidelity and a determination to succeed.

Shane Rence and Glen Sheppard Bio

Shane Rence is 22 and has been using Facilitated Communication (FC) for over eleven years, but it was only in 2011 that he met speech pathologist Alice Owen who brought out the writer and poet in him. Shane subsequently joined the Brotherhood of the Wordless, a move that has changed his life for the better.

Glen Sheppard is a Sunshine Coast based university student, author and workshop facilitator. He has successfully completed 21 units of a university degree, and has written and self-published two books. Prior to being exposed to FC at the age of 16, he lacked an effective means of communication. Subsequently he has defied all projections of his potential. Glen has been an active member of The Brotherhood of the Wordless since its inception.

Shane Rence and Glen Sheppard are two active members of the Brotherhood of the Wordless, a unique group of writers of prose, poetry, plays and short stories.

“Dare to Dream and Live the Dream” presented by Bobby and Tracey Pate

Bobby is a teenager who loves an adventure. Just “giving it a go” has led to a full life. Bobby is a student, state representative, swimmer, tri-athlete, surfer, dirt bike rider, artist, actor and someone who even at the age of 15 contributes much back to the community.

Bobby’s family’s belief in him has been instrumental in Bobby having the same opportunities as his siblings. Tracy will share strategies for connecting with community particularly stressing how to be opportunistic, how to ask, and how to stay positive on a daily basis, especially when times are challenging.

Bobby and Tracey Pate Bio

Bobby Pate is a Year 9 student at a Catholic high school in Brisbane. He has a wide variety of interests, including spending time with family and friends, participating successfully in a number of sports, and pursuing diverse creative interests including art, acting, piano and playing drums. Bobby has a strong desire to “give back” to the community.

Prior to having children and volunteering in the disability sector, Bobby’s mother, Tracy Pate, pursued a successful career as a senior investment advisor. Tracy is passionate about all her children, including Bobby, living active lives. She sees that people with disability and their families must drive the pursuit of a “good ordinary life” and strives to build an inclusive society – where all children attend an ordinary school with their peers.

11:00AM – 11:45AM Morning Tea

11:45AM – 1:00PM “Supporting People Well – With Compassion, Collaboration and Respect” presented by Kate McGinnity

What does respectful support look like and where can it take you and those you care about? In this session, the role of compassion, collaboration and respect in supportive relationships will be articulated through personal stories. Kate will talk about a variety of support contexts and types of support, and will describe the approaches and strategies that are making a difference in people’s lives.

Come prepared to dream big!

Kate McGinnity Bio

Kate McGinnity from Wisconsin is an experienced teacher, presenter and author as well as an internationally recognised consultant in the field of autism. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals with autism and their families.

Kate says she has learnt a lot from individuals with autism themselves and she is driven to help others understand how people with autism experience this world. Most of Kate’s work is with individuals who are seen as the 'not so easy to include' due to significant behaviour issues that have been excluding them from a good life.

1:00PM – 2:00PM Lunch

2:00PM – 3:30PM Participants Select 1 of 4 Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent Session Option 1: Respectful Support

“Bouncing Higher to Help: Duel Perspectives from Consumer and Therapist” presented by Emma Gee

As an occupational therapist and young stroke survivor, Emma will relay her own journey to date, sharing her insights as a therapist and her newfound consumer's perspective as a recipient of many of the services accessed by people with disability. In this session Emma will draw on her own experience to highlight the importance of respectful support to the processes of recovery and living well - supporting people to bounce higher.

Emma Gee Bio

Emma Gee is one of Australia’s acclaimed speakers, offering her thoughts and solutions on person-centred support and resilience. With a background in Occupational Therapy and learning to speak again after experiencing a stroke, Emma is determined to share her story to help others. Emma knows what it takes to step into another’s shoes and truly bounce back in life. She launched her first book in March

“And What Will You Do with This Wonderful Thing Called Your Life?” presented by Ann Greer

This session will explore the role of respectful and creative coordination in supporting people with disabilities to build the best life possible. It will tease out the elements of good support using stories to illustrate what's possible. Ann will present a range of planning and community inclusion strategies, with a clear message that services can play a pivotal role in delivering good lives for people with disability – always with, rather than to, the person and their family.

Ann Greer Bio

Ann Greer is both a parent of three adults (two of whom live with disability) and the Service Manager of Community Connections, Townsville. Ann has 25 years’ experience as a service provider and has particular skills in areas of behavioural strategies, communication and lifestyle planning. Community Connection works closely with people with disabilities and their families to get the best life possible.

Concurrent Session Option 2: Building Relationships

“Look At My Life Now! Step by Step, it’s Possible!” presented by Anita O’Brien and Darren Hammer

Ten years ago, Anita’s son Warren, now 41, was attending and living in traditional services that did not suit him. Through developing a vision for his life, Anita has, step by step, assisted Warren to develop an inclusive life including: meaningful work, valued roles allowing opportunity for relationships, a supportive neighbourhood, and a home of his own.

Anita’s presentation will focus particularly on the reciprocal nature of the housemate arrangement that enabled Warren to live in his own home. Warren’s former housemate, Darren, will describe his role in providing companionship, security and practical support, while also sharing life together. Anita explains that focusing on vision, even in times when ‘life happens’, counters discouragement and inertia so Warren can say proudly: ‘Look at my life now!’

Anita O’Brien and Darren Hammer Bio

Anita O’Brien lives in Melbourne. With her husband, Allan, she has two sons, Matthew and Warren, and two grandchildren – the best grandchildren around!

Anita has worked as a program manager, trainer and administrator. As well as ensuring that Warren’s life is rich and full, she is passionate about assisting people with a disability to become valued and contributing members of their community. She has made contributions as an advocate, presenter, writer and member of many community and family governed organisations

Anita will be joined by Warren’s long-term housemate, Darren (Dazz) Hammer who has a background as a professional chef and experienced presenter. After an extensive interview and matching process, Darren became Warren’s housemate, an arrangement that lasted 7 years, as they shared social outings, hosted the odd dance party and took a memorable and adventurous trip to Bali.

“Nuturing Relationships to Sustain Us” presented by Roschell van den Brink and Vanessa Scott-White

Roschell and Vanessa, along with 3 other mothers, have recently established a Friday Mums get-together to talk with people who are on the same page, share ideas and learn from one another.

Today they will share a little of their experience about the importance of connecting with others and how this has nurtured and sustained them.

Roschell and Vanessa’s message is that families do not need to do things all alone; maintaining positive connections helps them to aim higher and keep going. Their story will be of assistance to other families worried about becoming isolated in a self-directed future.

Roschell van den Brink and Vanessa Scott-White Bio

Roschell van den Brink and Vanessa Scott-White are members of a small incorporated organisation called BIPI (Believe in People Inc). They are also both parents of young women with intellectual disability.

Believe in People Inc (BIPI) operates on the Gold Coast and northern NSW. BIPI supports people with a disability and their families to plan for a good life by working One Person at a Time. It aims to provide information, practical assistance, training, encouragement, inspiration and guidance to people with a disability, their families and supporters, services and the wider community.

Concurrent Session Option 3: Peer Leadership

“In the Driver’s Seat – On the Road to the NDIS and Living a Good Life” presented by the Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN)

This presentation will share information about the peer development program, the power of peer led education for people with intellectual disability and the outcomes and impacts of this approach for both the participants who attend the workshops as well as the peer facilitators themselves as leaders and self-advocates in their own lives.

This session will be relevant for people with disability who want to experience the peer-led processes used in the Ready to Go workshops. It will also be extremely relevant for others who want to understand how people with intellectual disability can be engaged in learning about the NDIS and express their hopes and dreams.

Queenslanders with Disability Network Bio

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) as part of their NDIS participant readiness work in Queensland have trained a team of 16 people with intellectual disability and other disabilities as Peer Facilitators. They are co-facilitating workshops across Queensland, educating other people with intellectual disability about the NDIS and opening up people’s thinking about their hopes and dreams for the future.

Peer support is a powerful vehicle for bringing about change in the lives of people with intellectual disability.

Through the workshops, participants grow in their confidence, knowledge, and self-esteem around being in the driver’s seat on their journey to the NDIS and planning for a good life. QDN Peer Facilitators are passionate about helping people with intellectual disability change their lives and develop their own leadership and advocacy skills.

Concurrent Session Option 4: Leading Change

“Leading Change Together: Realising our Potential in a Self-Directed Future” presented by Dr. Sam Smith

This session will focus on the characteristics of personal and professional leadership that supports positive change and growth in the context of self-directed support.

Dr. Sam Smith Bio

Dr. Sam Smith is the founder and CEO of C-Change Scotland, a not for profit organisation supporting people with disabilities to live the lives they choose. She also writes and campaigns on issues of equality and social justice.

C-Change Scotland was established in 2001 to support adults with disabilities or mental health issues who had significant reputations for being challenging to services. It has been at the forefront of providing personalised support with and for people with disabilities.

“My Self-Managed Opportunity” presented by Narissa Wilson

Through her 29 years of lived experience Narissa has gained deep insights into directing, leading and living the life she chooses. She focuses on being responsive to change, creating change for herself, cultivating a small, powerful core group of people, and managing her supports so they are flexible and agile but still function within a service structure.

This presentation will identify ways Narissa has sought opportunities and cultivated her self-managed supports and services to live a life she chooses.

Narissa Wilson Bio

Narissa Wilson is a leader, designer, manager and passionate foodie. Born and raised in Mount Isa, she now lives on the Sunshine Coast. The founder and managing director of Narie Creations, Narissa has a Bachelor of Information Technology (e-commerce & design).

Narissa has been self-managing her supports since 2009. She is deeply passionate about people with disabilities having valued roles. She is committed to challenging preconceived attitudes and stigmas impacting on people with disabilities.

3:30PM – 4:00PM Afternoon Tea

4:00PM – 5:00PM “Positive Futures: The Stronger Smarter Way” presented by Chris Sarra

Chris will draw on his own personal and professional story to talk about the Stronger Smarter approach to leading change – a story and philosophy with significant parallels, lessons and challenges for those trying to effect authentic change in the lives of people with disability.

Chris Sarra Bio

Dr. Chris Sarra is an internationally recognised Indigenous Education Specialist. He has a Master of Education and a PhD in Psychology with Murdoch University and was the first Aboriginal Principal of Cherbourg State School. Under his leadership, the school improved the educational and life outcomes of its students.

Dr Sarra is passionate about effecting sustainable change through positive leadership and mentoring with high expectations for a strong and smart Indigenous population. His leadership has inspired transformation in schools across Australia.

5:00PM Close of Conference Day One

5:15PM – 7:00PM Optional Social Function – Conference Drinks

“Leadership for the Future” presented by Anne Cross

Anne Cross Bio

Anne Cross is the CEO of UnitingCare Queensland. She is also Chair of Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS Ltd), UnitingCare Queensland’s aged and community services in the Northern Territory.

Anne is passionate about the wellbeing of people with disabilities and contributing to improving the opportunities for people with disabilities to live good lives. She was the director of Community Resource Unit for twelve years from its foundation in 1988. She says that her life has been enriched by her many connections and relationships with people with disabilities and their families and that this inspires her and keeps her grounded as a service provider.

Anne was a member of the 2015 Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Taskforce led by Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.

She is the Telstra 2014 Australian Business Woman of the Year, and is also the 2014 national winner for the government and community category.

Day Two: Saturday 21st of May

9:00AM – 9:15AM CRU Welcome

9:15AM – 10:30AM “The Future of Inclusion: Harnessing Possibility” presented by Dan Habib via Skype Call

Before his son Samuel was born, Dan Habib rarely thought about inclusion. Now he thinks about it every day. In this session an edited version of Dan’s film Including Samuel will be shown. It is a highly personal film which captures Dan’s quest to understand the promise and challenges of inclusion through interviews with his own family, other parents, disability advocates and educators. The film is also a family love story, featuring not only Samuel but Samuel’s mother, Betsy, and brother, Isaiah.

Dan will discuss and answer questions on how we might disable segregation and really achieve inclusion – in education and elsewhere.

Dan Habib Bio

Dan Habib is a New Hampshire based photojournalist and an award-winning documentary film-maker focussing on disability issues. His film, Including Samuel, was nominated for an Emmy award in 2010.

Dan Habib’s 2013 TEDx talk titled “Disabling Segregation” on the benefits of inclusion to students with and without disabilities introduced Dan to a wider global audience.

In 2014, Dan was appointed by President Barack Obama to his Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities which promotes initiatives supporting independence and lifelong inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

10:30AM – 11:15AM Morning Tea

11:15AM – 12:30PM “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Lessons Learned from the Implementation of Self Directed Support in Scotland” presented by Dr. Sam Smith

Sam will outline how self-directed support developed in Scotland, affording an opportunity to consider what has worked well and what could be improved. As the Scottish system is often upheld as an exemplary model, this analysis will be very relevant for Australia’s move to the NDIS.

Stories of positive change will highlight the opportunities that arise when people move on from traditional (or institutional) services using individual budgets. Sam will discuss how C-Change used individual budgets as an opportunity to redesign traditional services and how that impacted on the people supported, employees and wider networks. She will also discuss stories of organisation development and collaboration exemplified by the pioneering work of a range of organisations across Scotland.

Through stories and film, many examples will be provided of the transformative potential of self-directed support when issues of power, choice and control are placed at the heart of practice.

Dr. Sam Smith Bio

Dr. Sam Smith is the founder and CEO of C-Change Scotland, a not for profit organisation supporting people with disabilities to live the lives they choose. She also writes and campaigns on issues of equality and social justice.

C-Change Scotland was initially established in 2001 to support adults with disabilities or mental health issues who had significant reputations for challenging services. It has been at the forefront of providing personalised support with and for people with disabilities.

12:30PM – 1.30PM Lunch

1.30PM – 3.00PM Participants Select 1 of 5 Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent Session Option 1: Respectful Support

“Stillness in Action: Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There!” presented by Jane Sherwin

Providing good, respectful support has always been crucial in enabling individuals with a disability to have rich and meaningful lives. Now that self-direction is a more viable option for individuals and families, it helps to understand what ‘respectful support’ looks like. Even before the ‘doing’ of support, time spent thinking and clarifying is time well spent. This session will contrast two different types of support relationships and explore a range of possible roles for workers engaged in ‘support’. The session will also examine the expectations of individuals and families and the mindsets of workers that are likely to be helpful.

Jane Sherwin Bio

Jane Sherwin has been working in and with a range of services since the late 1970s in direct support roles, as a manager and as a facilitator of change and capacity building. In more recent years, her consulting work across Australia has allowed her to co-create better responses to the needs of individuals and families. Her consulting work utilises her roles as teacher, mentor, service evaluator, facilitator and author. The work is with groups, organisations and individuals on matters to do with values based quality, responsive service design, self-direction, the learning and application of social role valorisation, person/family centred approaches and leadership development.

“Supporting People Well: The Challenge of Transformation Within Large Service Systems” presented by Lorna Sullivan, Damien Kenny and Tom Hegarty

In this session, Lorna will identify the challenges of addressing transformation within large service systems. She will discuss the process of navigating change for individuals, their families and others who are striving to open up possibilities so people can develop their own unique lifestyles.

Damien tells a story of change, hard work and inspiration. What Damien calls 'chapter two' began 10 months ago with a change of address, building of a new support team and access to new life planning tools.

This is a story told from multiple perspectives and Damien’s team leader, Tom, and his family will contribute.

Lorna Sullivan, Damien Kenny and Tom Hegarty Bio

Lorna Sullivan is currently Director of Disability Services at Uniting Care Community and has a long history of working for change in the disability sector, both here and in New Zealand.

Lorna is committed to working directly with people, families and communities to develop approaches that support the lives of people with disability and reduce life-long dependency on funded systems. She has considerable experience developing alternatives to our current human service bureaucracies and is dedicated to changing the power dynamics between service systems, people with disabilities and their families.

Damien Kenny is a thrill seeker, adventurer, rugby club member, presenter, facilitated communicator, story teller, band groupie, but most importantly he strives to be an ordinary person.

What Damien, his mum Therese, sister Angela and his support team have accomplished has gone far beyond expectations, and is a story Damien loves to share with anybody prepared to listen.

Tom Hegarty is a lead practitioner in the support of Damien and his team, with a focus on working alongside of Damien and his family to assist in articulating and attaining a meaningful life style for Damien.

Concurrent Session Option 2: Relationships

“Circles in Schools: Building Inclusion and Belonging” presented by Katrina Fredburg and Sue Smith

This presentation will explain the purpose of Circles@School, a project which aims to provide students with disability attending mainstream schools (and their parents) with a network of support and belonging which strengthens their chances of a successful, inclusive education and participation in their school and local community.

Katrina will outline the structure of the initiative and the role of the facilitator, as well as how it is restructuring under the NDIS.

Sue Smith will give a personal reflection about her son Isaac being involved in the project and the difference it has made to their lives.

Katrina Fredburg and Sue Smith Bio

Katrina Fredburg lives in South Australia and is Assistant Manager of Community Living Projects-Circles Initiative. Katrina has been facilitating Circles for 10 years and whole-heartedly believes that relationships are the key to opportunities and belonging. Katrina loves to work in partnership with families/Circles to achieve lifestyle aspirations for their loved one.

Sue Smith and her husband Mike are parents to Alicia and Isaac. Isaac is 16 years of age and is currently in Year 10 at the same mainstream school he has attended since kindergarten. He lives with Fragile X Syndrome. Sue has an education background and advocates strongly for Isaac to achieve the good things in life. Sue and Isaac are participants in the Circles@School project.

“Addressing Vulnerability through Advocacy and Relationships” presented by Maureen Fordyce

Despite the promise of the NDIS, we can predict that people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will continue to be at greater risk of not having their fundamental needs met.

Maureen will share stories and insights from working alongside vulnerable people who do not have a voice, or close family or friends who can support their aspirations, or speak on their behalf. She will explain why strong independent advocacy will always be needed and how advocacy alongside the building and strengthening of close relationships in the lives of people with disability is critical to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all people with disability.

Maureen Fordyce Bio

For 10 years, Maureen Fordyce has been Manager of AMPARO Advocacy Inc., a Brisbane based organisation that undertakes independent individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of vulnerable people with disability from a non-English speaking background. Prior to joining AMPARO, she worked in other advocacy and service roles. Since joining AMPARO Advocacy Maureen has developed a deeper understanding of the significant disadvantage experienced by people with disability from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds who come to Australia as refugees and migrants, and in particular the difficulties experienced by people who do not speak English as their first language.

Concurrent Session Option 3: Families Taking Charge

“Maria’s Story: A Person Labelled ‘Too Complex’ Creating Life in the Community” presented by Leanne and Maria Burke

Maria has always had a rich family life but education, health & formal support systems failed her for nearly 50 years. Maria has a strong belief that there are no barriers to her doing what she wants in the moment despite daily disability & health related challenges. This presentation will tell how Maria moved from a typical disability life, shared support with 3 other people and day centre activities, to living in her own home, and developing relationships in community.

Leanne will talk about how their family drew on their natural authority to make decisions in Maria’s interests and how they now direct her formal support arrangements in partnership with a host agency for self-directed support.

Leanne and Maria Burke Bio

Leanne Burke is actively engaged in a family-directed support arrangement on behalf of her big sister Maria Burke. This role is undertaken as part of a loving family who collectively assist Maria to establish her own identity and navigate a sense of belonging in her community. Maria moved to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane in 2008 to live closer to her parents. Maria has achieved a lifestyle that some 56 year old’s would be enviable of - combining music, art, singing & part-time work, yet she remains extremely vulnerable due to her complex support needs.

Leanne works for Staffing OptionS which operates as a host agency for self-directed support. She manages the establishment of systems to enable people to direct their own support or direct on behalf of a family member or another person.

“Looking Forward” presented by Rebecca Murphey

The Murphy clan has always had a clear vision for Rohan, age 9, which has underpinned their decisions and dreams for him. Confronted by a lack of services, and specialists who didn’t see their son for who he is, they sought out alternative supports and to challenge people’s perceptions.

Staying true to the vision of ensuring Rohan has a meaningful life has not always been easy. Yet Rohan’s remarkable story of determination and defying all specialists’ prognoses has proven the central importance of love and connectedness. Learning to be strong advocates, a united clan, and finding a sense of renewal when the road gets tough have strengthened the family’s determination.

Rohan now dreams of being a lawyer and owning a red Ferrari. Who could have dreamed that?

Rebecca Murphey Bio

Rebecca Murphey worked for 15 years in the area of community care and aged services before having two children. Her background and skills in advocating for clients helped to foster a firm belief in an inclusive and fulfilling life for Rohan, who lives with a disability. With limited access to services, and living in a regional area, Rebecca navigated many barriers and challenged people’s perceptions to support Rohan’s development.

Rohan now attends mainstream school in Brisbane and loves the learning environment and his friends.

Concurrent Session Option 4: Sustaining Change

“Why is Community Based Work so Difficult to Achieve for People with Disabilities: Working for Change” presented by Peter Symonds

This presentation will examine why people with intellectual disability and ASD in particular are being streamed into non-work programs and more importantly how we might as individuals and organisations build people’s expectation that open employment in community based jobs should be the natural activity after school.

Peter will discuss how we might sustain the leadership for change needed to finally achieve real jobs for people with disability.

Peter Symonds Bio

Peter has more than 20 years’ experience in integrated employment. He founded a specialist employment service that assisted people with an intellectual disability find community based work in Tasmania, and later expanded into fee for service work in Melbourne. The organisation has assisted 103 young people achieve their NDIS plans’ objectives to get ready for community based work. Peter has published and presented nationally and internationally on employment issues. He has a special interest in assisting young people with a significant disability transition from school to work. He has recently taken up the positon of NDIS National Manager for EPIC Employment Services Inc., based in Melbourne.

“Leadership in a Time of Change” presented by Meg Sweeny

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are that you will fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much!” Jim Rohn

It is a vital time for leadership if we are to take up opportunities the NDIS presents. Meg explores how challenging common limiting assumptions about people with disability leads to better lives.

Meg Sweeny Bio

Meg Sweeney lives at Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW. Meg became involved with Advocacy for people with Developmental Disability over 20 years ago upon the birth of her eldest daughter. Meg is a learner, educator and writer committed to assisting people develop authentic selves in the heart of community.

Concurrent Session Option 5:

“Supporting New Behaviour” presented by Kate McGinnity

People with autism and other movement differences challenge us to rethink our understandings of communication, body control and behaviour that is puzzling or challenging.

During this presentation, participants will learn why and how sensory movement differences impact individuals with autism and how video technology can be a powerful learning tool for individuals with autism and others with a visual learning strength. This session will be filled with specific examples of how video technology can support new learning, new behaviour, enhance lives, promote competence and more! “If a picture speaks a thousand words, how many words does a video speak?" J Endow.

Kate McGinnity Bio

Kate McGinnity from Wisconsin is an experienced teacher, presenter and author as well as a nationally recognised consultant in the field of autism. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals with autism and their families.

Kate firmly believes that with better understandings of sensory movement differences, the accommodations we make and the support we provide to people change and become more effective.

She currently provides training and consultation/coaching to professionals and parents as well as counselling and yoga to individuals on the autism spectrum.

3.00PM – 3.30PM Afternoon Tea

3.30PM – 4.30PM Closing Panel

“Looking Back, Taking Stock, Looking Forward – Lessons of Leadership and Change” with Connie Young, Kevin Cocks and Gerhard Tromp

Connie Young Bio

CONNIE YOUNG is the mother of eight children and has been married to Jim for more than 60 years. She was a primary school teacher for around twenty years whilst rearing children on a busy cane farm. After retiring from the farm, Connie and Jim became moteliers for thirteen years.

Connie's youngest daughter, Eileen, was born in 1971 and sustained brain damage and subsequent physical and intellectual disabilities due to complications associated with being Rh negative. It became clear to Connie and Jim that if Eileen was to have every opportunity to enjoy as full a life as her siblings, they needed to be connected and well-informed. Ensuring Eileen would be supported to flourish has led Connie on a long but fulfilling journey.

Kevin Cocks Bio

KEVIN COCKS is a highly respected Human Rights and disability advocate. Kevin has been Queensland’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner since 2011.

Kevin has received a number of Community Recognition awards, including an Order of Australia (AM) in 2010, the Australian Human Rights Medal 2005 by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC), the Centenary Medal ‘for distinguished service to disability services in Queensland’ in 2003 and a QUT Outstanding Alumni Award’ in 2003.

Gerhard Tromp Bio

GERHARD TROMP has been involved in the lives of people living with disabilities since 2012 when he started as a support worker. Since then he has been working with Homes West, Open Minds, and Staffing Options.

Through this work Gerhard has developed an interest in promoting good lives for people living with disabilities. He has been a member of CRU’s Management Committee since late 2015, having come to CRU seeking information to assist him in his contribution as a Circle member.

4:30PM Close of Conference