The Imagine More podcast

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 storyteller, house sitter and gluten-free baker living an active, connected life in Canberra. In their presen...

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 explains what a Service for One is, how it differs from a microboard, and how the model addresses the specifi...

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 funeral and locating the will to applying for probate, managing tax obligations and communicating with be...

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 when I'm gone? Through three pivotal moments in Jacob's life, Linda covers: Vision circles of support...

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 disability sector and many conversations with brothers and sisters across the country, Libby explores four thin...

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 across two decades. Drawing on that experience, she shares three key actions: inviting people in, support...

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 matters what prevents people with disability from connecting how families and supporters can become active...

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 at fourteen to his current role as a receptionist at UniLodge, where he works five days a week on an aw...

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 Tom's mother – whose lawn business, Ground Control by Major Tom, has run for seven and a half years –...

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 rapid speech was often dismissed, but who had very clear views about his life Rebecca, whose behaviour...

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 relationships – and never hand it over. Her five secrets cover the full arc: step up, include others ac...

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 can help families plan for the future with greater confidence. His presentation covers assets, superannu...

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 Wills, Trusts, Enduring Powers of Attorney, legal capacity, advance care planning and the importance of putt...

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 her local community on the Gold Coast. Cathy’s life today is rich with relationships, creativity, famil...

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 children, each of whom has a disability. Darcy explores why creating a clear, shared vision for a good l...

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, which he secured straight after Year 12 thanks to a workplace connection that recognised his abili...

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 in systems change and a parent of a child with Down syndrome.  Research has shown that the key in...

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 equestrian centre.   Well before Sam started his first day, Milton used what he’d learned ab...

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 common deficit-based perceptions of disability and its impact on employment.  Corinna discusses the vi...

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 was used in conjunction with Sethmi’s vision for her future.  As a result of a meticulous and unhu...

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 successful microenterprise for many years. Building on the theme of discovering potential, Helen share...

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 journey toward employment.  Julia discusses her role as a job developer, emphasising the importan...

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 (SRV) theory, Milton unpacks the delicate balance between being an employee and being a client, and why g...

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 his experiences as a junior administrative assistant in various firms, highlighting the tasks he enjoys...

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 potential. When Daisy struggled to attend school during her early high school years, Gillian chose to s...