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 abilities. Because he worked in a professional environment and needed to look well-groomed, Gus began visiting Martinos, a well-respected barbershop located near his home. He quickly built a rapport with...

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 indicators of post-school success for students with disability are work experience and paid work while still at school. Michelle described how both can be difficult for students with disability to access, especially with prevailing low e...

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 about Sam (Discovery) and the workplace (through the Employer Needs Benefits Analysis) to understand Sam’s new role and set the workplace up for success. This involved a training framework called the seven-phase sequence. The firs...

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 vital importance of believing in the potential of young people with disability. Despite initial challenges with traditional employment services, Ryan and his family embarked on an exploration of customised employment, which ultimately led to the creation of t...

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 unhurried Discovery process, Sethmi and her family established a micro business, Serendib Treats, where Sethmi crafts delicious rice bliss balls that celebrate her Sri Lankan heritage. You can learn more about Sethmi and her business on he...

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 shares her insights on micro enterprise as a valuable and flexible career pathway for individuals with intellectual disability. She illustrates this with stories of individuals who have successfully embarked on their own small...

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 importance of truly understanding the interests and strengths of the jobseeker through the Discovery process. She explains what it’s like to work as a job developer, the opportunities she managed to uncover, and the...

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 getting this balance wrong can inadvertently sabotage the very people we're trying to help. Through real stories from his decades in the field, he reveals how well-meaning support can create a "flying wedge"...

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 and the sense of community he finds in his workplace. He also discusses his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels and his passions for sports and photography. 

Anna reflects on their family's vision for Wil...

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 see this as an opportunity to educate her at home and build skills within the community. In the meantime, they continued to search for suitable educational environments that would support Daisy’s learning style and rebuild her confidence.

...

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 school without a clear employment pathway. 

Genna was keen to use a Customised Employment (CE) approach, and then realised that their family would have to take the driver’s seat to make it happen. They started with a Discovery process, which helped Jessie better articulate her interests and identify the workplace environments that would bri...

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 employment. He explained that creatures of habit use traditional job development methods like the old "place and pray" strategy, where job seekers are simply placed into available roles, regardless of whether they’re a fit for the individual. 

Milton explains how the key to successful job development lies in the process of "Discovery," which involves understanding the job...

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.

Simone Whitehead has spent a lot of time thinking about and working towards Milly’s vision of a good and typical life, filled with meaningful work, freely given friendships, and eventually a home of her own. She explains how she first learned about Customised Employment, why sh...

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 take a person-centred approach to employment by beginning with a process called Discovery. You’ll learn why Discovery is a critical part of Customised Employment and how it ensures that both the jobseeker with disability and their employer will ultimately benefit.

Milton’s presentation is illustrated with many real-life examples of peopl...

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 'employment ecosystem' perspective to address these obstacles. You’ll learn about the multiple levels of influence that impact employment opportunities and the importance of customised employment. 

Jenny also outlines strategies for families and communities to advocate for changes, utilise NDIS funding creatively, and push for systemic policy shifts that prioritise employment inclusion for people...

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 (both high and low), the power of his family’s vision, his various experiences of employment, and plenty of advice for people with disability, their families, and potential employers.

You can watch Nathan’s presentation on our website.

Click here to read the transcript of this episo...

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 opportunities using a proven framework called Customised Employment.

By listening to these sixteen presentations, we hope you’ll come to understand that employment opportunities for people with disability are abundant in a vast range of industries, just waiting to be discovered.

Many thanks to Osher Marks, who is the voice of this season of the...

Making the Most of Therapy with Anne Keep

This session is for anyone who has ever

In her former role as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Anne worked alongside many therapists. She noticed that...

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:

Families tell us they inevitably arrive at a narrow set of ‘post-school options’. These vary depending on the young person’s assessed readiness for work.

In this session, Fiona introduces participants to the concept of customised employment. It’s a great approach for people with disability who are look...

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:

Introduction

This session was introduced by Charlie Herbert.

Hi, I...

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 more socially fragmented, less cohesive, and more isolated. The consequences are obvious: epidemics of loneliness, anxiety and depression.

In his presentation, Hugh will help us reconnect with the magic of kindness. He’ll explain how building connections can start with small acts of kindness in your neighbour...

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 work, money, saving, and contribution.

Unfortunately, young people with disability often miss out on enjoying such experiences of work.

When COVID-19 changed Chloe’s plans for employment, Chloe and her family decided to think big and try a microenterprise.

In thi...

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.

Ground Control by Major Tom came into being because his family

Tom’s Circle of Support, which was established at the same time as his busi...

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 years, but it wasn’t a place where she felt relaxed or in control. In this presentation, Sue will describe Susan’s steps to move into a place of her own.

In July 2021, just before Susan turned...

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 local family applied these principles in the workplace.

Jack Kruger, a recent school leaver, will provide an overview of his work roles over the years. He’ll explain how these have led to him securing employment at Government House in Canberra.

Then Jan Kruger, Jack’s mum, a...

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 local family applied these principles in the workplace.

Jack Kruger, a recent school leaver, will provide an overview of his work roles over the years. He’ll explain how these have led to him securing employment at Government House in Canberra.

Then Jan Kruger, Jack’s mum, a...

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 local family applied these principles in the workplace.

Jack Kruger, a recent school leaver, will provide an overview of his work roles over the years. He’ll explain how these have led to him securing employment at Government House in Canberra.

Then Jan Kruger, Jack’s mum, a...

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 what keeps people safe.

Having someone in your life committed to your wellbeing is what keeps people safe.

Paid services and grouping people based on disability can’t replicate or replace these critical elements.

In this session, John will provide a framework to help us overcome our fe...

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 interest with her and tested creative methods of designing that didn’t involve sketching or drawing. As a result of this process, Tia has created her successful fashion label, Funk N Soul 97, and has become a runway model.

In this presentation, Tia walks us through ever...

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 Katie to be understood at times. This hasn’t stopped the family from supporting Katie to live her best life in her home and make decisions for herself.

Now, with retirement on their minds, Sue and Neil are planning to move to a...

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 classroom. So the family moved Sethmi to a school that shared their belief that, with the opportunity of inclusion, they would see her potential.

Sethmi’s achievements demonstrate just how right the family was.

Introduction

This session was introduced by Laura Esplin

Hello, m...

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 differing needs for sexuality education has also been widely overlooked.

People with disability face many challenges regarding their sexuality and relationships. But, as Tim will show us, these challenges aren’t inherently due to their disability. The root of these challenges reveals a broader social lack of clarity and consistency about these topics.

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 and movement differences. Their focus for every individual is on finding the root cause of their behaviours.

Kate and Anna will

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:

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:

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:

In this presentation, you will hear how Jacob’s family thoughtfully and intentionally crafted a Good Life for him.

Jacob leads a life full of meaning, purpose, contribution, and belonging. Amongst other roles, he is a

Together, Jacob’s family made intentional choices about critical life elements such as education, community and work. The strong Vision they hold for Jacob’s life has guided this process every step of the way.

This presentation will highlight the im...

When Families and Paid Supporters share a vision of the role and value of paid support in bringing about a fuller, contributing life in the community, then anything is possible!

Families don’t have time or resources to waste, so this session will focus on tactics that are immediately actionable. You’ll learn ways to ensure that paid support leads to meaningful and rich lifestyles that are filled with opportunities for contribution and relationship.

During this two-hour presentation, Janet will focus on the unique role of paid support. She’ll explain how the role can be pow...

When Families and Paid Supporters share a vision of the role and value of paid support in bringing about a fuller, contributing life in the community, then anything is possible!

Families don’t have time or resources to waste, so this session will focus on tactics that are immediately actionable. You’ll learn ways to ensure that paid support leads to meaningful and rich lifestyles that are filled with opportunities for contribution and relationship.

During this two-hour presentation, Janet will focus on the unique role of paid support. She’ll explain how the role can be pow...

When Families and Paid Supporters share a vision of the role and value of paid support in bringing about a fuller, contributing life in the community, then anything is possible!

Families don’t have time or resources to waste, so this session will focus on tactics that are immediately actionable. You’ll learn ways to ensure that paid support leads to meaningful and rich lifestyles that are filled with opportunities for contribution and relationship.

During this two-hour presentation, Janet will focus on the unique role of paid support. She’ll explain how the role can be pow...