How effective can innovative supports be in setting up a business for a person with a disability? Anthea and Marc Lema's vision for their son Cameron not only focused on creating the best life possible for Cameron, but also adopted innovative supports. 14 years later and Cam Can Services is continuing to thrive, as is Cameron. Anthea and Marc Lema Marc and Anthea Lema are the parents of seven children. The concept of creating CAM CAN, a Disability Services Organisation, was borne out of Marc and Anthea’s personal experience in creating innovative supports for their son Cameron who has an intellectual disability. At the age of 32, Cameron is the proprietor of his own business which has been successfully operating for 14 years. Cam also moved into his own home at the age of 18 where he continues to live with his flat mate, now good friend. Cam lives a meaningful and active life in his local community.   Connect with Cam Can Services Contact Website   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Lema, A. & Lema, M. (2017). Can Can Services - Your Time is My Business. In Thinking About 19 Stories of Social Inclusion (Special Edition) Issue 33, pp 20-23. Belonging Matters: Melbourne

What does is take to set up a micro business for a person with a disability? Sally Richards has successfully demonstrated exactly what is takes through supporting her son Jackson to establish JACKmail. In this episode Sally describes the operational and administrative tasks involved in running JACKmail and discusses matters relating to employment and staffing. Sally Richards Sally Richards is mother of Jackson West and has supported Jackson in setting up and operating JACKmail, a micro courier business operating in Canberra since 2007. JACKmail offers mail pickup and delivery to and from various businesses and the post office and has 15 clients. The service is carried out by Jackson West with his support worker Sandor. Sandor drives the work vehicle, facilitates interaction between Jackson and JACKmail clients, and supports Jackson in all aspects of the work tasks.   Connect with Sally Contact Watch Video   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Richards, S. (2017). JACKmail, A Microbusiness. In Thinking About Micro Businesses. Issue 30, pp 16-18. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

What can be achieved with the support of family and friends when starting a business? Deezines is a boutique on line gift card shop established by Dee Holmes with the support of family and friends. In this podcast, Dee explains how she founded Deezines; what she needed to plan and implement in order to commence the business, and reflects on some achievements. Deearne Holmes Dee runs an on line greeting card micro business, Deezines, which has been operating in Melbourne for several years. Dee has always enjoyed fund raising for charities and making cards for friends and family. She decided to combine her two passions of meeting people and making cards as a means to earning some money. This podcast is an edited version taken from: Holmes, D & Rouget, D. (2017). Can You Believe It: Deezines. In Thinking About Microbusinesses. Issue 30, pp 8-10. Belonging Matters: Melbourne   Connect with Deezines Watch Video Contact Website   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Holmes, D & Rouget, D. (2017). Can You Believe It: Deezines. In Thinking About Microbusinesses. Issue 30, pp 8-10. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

Are there alternatives to day programs, sheltered workshops, and institutional offerings? In this episode Jayne Barrett tells the story of Community Living Project's Micro Business Project which offers people with disability an opportunity for typical employment with typical wages. Jayne Barrett Jayne Barrett has been employed by Community Living Project incorporated, CLP, since 1984. CLP is an agency that facilitates highly individualised and inclusive community living opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2011 Jayne managed the design and training of a new project, CLPs' Micro Enterprise Project. This assists people who live with significant disabilities to have their own small businesses as an alternative to day programmes.   Connect with Jayne Barrett Contact   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Barrett, J & Neale, H. (2017). Community Living Project: Micro Business Project. In Thinking About Microbusiness. Issue 30, pp 19-23. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

Is there work for people with disability after leaving school? Absolutely! In this episode Meg talks about her job at the Hume Bank, a role she had held for 7 years since leaving school. Meg shares some of the challenging times, but focuses on a raft of benefits she has experienced through her post high-school employment. Meg Pargeter Meg Pargeter completed year 12 in 2016 at the age of 19 and accepted a Trainee Administration Assistant Role at the Hume Bank in Albury Victoria. Although she has Kabuki Syndrome, she strives for an ordinary life in her community, doing all the same things as other young people her age. Meg does not hesitate to try new things, to step up and share her story, to work hard to achieve her goals, and to be a positive role model for others.   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Pargeter, M. & Tait, J. (2017). My Traineeship. In Thinking About 19 Stories of Social Inclusion, Issue 32, pp 12-14. Belonging Matters: Melbourne

We all hear it right? 'Follow Your Dream', well, Nathan Basha is 'Living The Dream' as a motivational speaker and media professional. He tells his story in this episode of the Belonging Matters Podcast. Nathan Basha Nathan Basha is a motivational speaker who is pushing the boundaries. Nathan might happen to have Down syndrome, but he says 'That's not who I am!". He has spoken at international conferences, political forums, universities, schools, workshops, and in the corporate sector, sharing his insights about his inclusive life. Nathan has worked at NOVA radio station in Sydney for 10 years, and is a homeowner and filmmaker. In this podcast, Nathan shares his experience of following his passion for film and working for the coolest radio station in Sydney.   Connect with Nathan Basha Watch Video Facebook   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Basha, N. (2019). Living The Dream. In Thinking About 19 Stories of Social Inclusion. Issue 32, pp 9-11. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

How do we reconcile disability with productivity? First things first, we can, and in this episode Michael Callan explains how by introducing the Productivity Fallacy. Michael Callahan Michael Callahan has consulted throughout the US, Canada and Europe in the area of employment and transition for the past forty years. He has worked with Marc Gold & Associates (MG&A) for forty-three years, and has served as president of the organisation since Marc Gold’s death in 1982. MG&A is a network of consultants that provides technical assistance to systems, agencies and families interested in ensuring the complete community participation of persons with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.  In 2000, Michael joined three other colleagues to form a non-profit organisation, Employment for All. Michael’s current work focuses primarily on Customised Employment, Discovery and Systematic Instruction/Job Coaching for adults and youth with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.    Connect with Michael Callahan Contact   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Calllahan, M. (2010). The Productivity Fallacy: why people are worth more than just how fast their hands move. In TASH Connections Spring 2010 vol.36, #2.

Ever had a job that changed your life? David has. In this episode David talks about his job at Woolworths, why he loves it, and the positive impact it has had on his life. David Holowko David is employed at Woolworths and, like all people, he enjoys and values his independence. Through David’s employment at Woolworths he has the same opportunities as everyone else to boost his success, independence and self-esteem. David’s connection with the local community means that he has a sense of belonging and feels safe. Watch Video   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Holowko, D. (2016). My Job has changed My Life. In Thinking About Work. Issue 28, pp 8-10. Belonging Matters: Melbourne

How do you plan for the future of your children? Listen to Kathie Snow's approach to set a pathway of achievement for her son Benjamin, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth, and visit her website www.disabilityisnatural.com Kathie Snow Kathy Snow is a wife and mother as well as an author, public speaker, trainer, consultant, and host of the website, "Disability is Natural". Her son Benjamin was born in 1987 in Texas, and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. She took Benjamin to therapy, welcomed therapists and early intervention people and would have won, hands down, the therapy 'Mom of the Year award', but within a year, she began to question the conventional wisdom of disability world. In this podcast, Kathy shares many of Benjamin's achievements attained on his journey from childhood and teenage years, through to adulthood, including community participation, literary accomplishments, and award winning short film and a master's degree.   Connect with Kathie Snow Website   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Snow, K. (2013). Big Dreams, High Hopes, Great Expectations. In Thinking About Life After School. Issue 15, pp 4-9. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

Looking for examples of people with disability in long term employment? In this podcast Cameron explains his journey to find a job and the benefits of employment. Cameron Skinner Cameron Skinner has been a receptionist at the Jeremiah Group in Warragul, Victoria, a payroll and bookkeeping business, for over 16 years. He works permanent part time Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and loves the independence his job provides. Largely on account of his job, Cameron is a well-known identity in the Warragul community, although, he is an avid Collingwood supporter! Watch Video   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Skinner, C. (2017). The Receptionist. In Thinking About Employment. Issue 28, pp 14-15. Belonging Matters: Melbourne

What is Customised Employment and what is its' application for people with disability?  In this episode Michael Callahan outlines the key components of Customised Employment; discovery, profiling, planning, representation, and job development. Michael Callahan Michael Callahan has consulted throughout the US, Canada and Europe in the area of employment and transition for the past forty years. He has worked with Marc Gold & Associates (MG&A) for forty-three years, and has served as president of the organisation since Marc Gold’s death in 1982. MG&A is a network of consultants that provides technical assistance to systems, agencies and families interested in ensuring the complete community participation of persons with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.  In 2000, Michael joined three other colleagues to form a non-profit organisation, Employment for All. Michael’s current work focuses primarily on Customised Employment, Discovery and Systematic Instruction/Job Coaching for adults and youth with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.    Connect with Michael Callahan Contact   View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from: Callahan, M. & Shumpert, N., (2016). Overview of Customised Employment. In Thinking About Employment. Issue 29, pp 24-27. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

What parent doesn't hope for a desirable future for their children? Lisa Bridle has been on a quest for a desirable future for her son Sean, who has Down Syndrome. In this podcast, Lisa shares her learnings of recognising opportunities, finding people who 'click' with Sean, and other key learnings to assist Sean to build an inclusive life from high school to early adulthood. Lisa Bridle Lisa lives in Brisbane with her husband, Terry, and her three children, Amelia, Sean and Declan and works at Community Republication Unit in Brisbane as a Senior Consultant. Lisa has a social work background and since the birth of her son, Sean, 18 years ago, Lisa has been actively involved in a number of parent support and disability advocacy organisations, including Queensland Parents for People with Disability, the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland and Queensland Advocacy. She is passionate about building communities which more routinely welcome people with disability and has a keen interest in bioethical issues impacting on people with disability.   Connect with Lisa Bridle Contact Website   View Transcript Original publication: Bridle, L. (2014). A Desirable Future. In Thinking About the Good Life. Issue 14, pp 4-11. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

Are you leading the good life? Are you actively involved in your local community? This episode explores what is at the heart of a thriving community, how do we find people we trust, and build belonging and mutual respect. Drawing on 50 years of experience as a social researcher, Hugh Mackay expands on The Art of Belonging. Hugh McKay Hugh Mackay is a social researcher and bestselling author of 21 books, including What Makes Us Tick, The Good Life and Australia Reimagined. He has had a 60-year career in social research, and was a weekly newspaper columnist for over 25 years. Hugh is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and the Royal Society of NSW. In recognition of his pioneering work in social research, he has been awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie, NSW, Western Sydney and Wollongong universities. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2015.   Connect with Hugh McKay Contact Website   View Transcript Original publication: Mackay, H. (Interviewee). (2015) The Art of Belonging. In Talks That Matter website.  

Why have traditional pathways resulted in a very low rate of employment for people with intellectual disabilities? In this episode Bruce Uditsky and Anne Hughson provide an overlay of their theories around employment for people with intellectual disability focusing on keys areas of Community, Partnerships and family.  Two extremely successful examples are summarised to highlight the urgent need for different mindsets around employment for people with disability. Bruce Uditsky, M.Ed. is the CEO of Inclusion Alberta, Canada and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary. He is internationally recognised for his leadership and advocacy in social justice and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Bruce is also an author, has consulted in many countries, and is a parent of two adult sons, one of whom has intellectual disabilities. Anne Hughson, Ph.D., is the Director and an Associate Professor, Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. As a researcher in disability studies and program evaluation, her work is focused on consumer driven services, community inclusion and inclusive education. Connect with Bruce Contact Website Connect with Anne Contact View Transcript This podcast is an edited version taken from:Uditsky, B & Hughson, A. (2016). Capitalising on Community Capacity, Normative Pathways, and Partnerships to Create Employment. In Thinking About  Employment  Issue 29, pp 28-35. Belonging Matters: Melbourne

How can a vision be defined and implemented to enhance the life of people with disabilities? This episode will help you understand what a vision is and why vision is important in the lives of people with a disability and how to imagine better. Dr. Michael Kendrick‘s career as an international disability consultant expands many decades and in this podcast you will access extensive advice on how to activate life giving vision.

Have you reached your full potential? Are you sustaining continuity of happiness? Life tasting rejects assumptions on how people with disabilities should live their lives, rather it focuses on revealing the hidden potentials which lie within all people.  Dr. Michael Kendrick is an international disability consultant and explains in detail the benefits of exploring new experiences. Dr Michael Kendrick Doctor Michael Kendrick is an independent international consultant in human services and community work who resides in Massachusetts. His interests have included leadership, service quality, the creation of safeguards for vulnerable persons, social integration, change, innovation, values, advocacy, the role of individual persons and small groups in creating solutions, alternatives to bureaucracy, personalised approaches to supporting people, and reform in the human service field amongst others.   Connect with Doctor Michael Kendrick Contact Website   View Transcript Original publication: Kendrick, M. (2013). 'Life tasting' and people's development potential. In Thinking About Life after school. Issue 15, pp 30-31. Belonging Matters: Melbourne

Well, what does inclusion mean to you? Despite an accident leaving Dean Richards with quadriplegia he leads a very rich life, working, socialising, and receiving life membership of his community football club. Dean remains very much included and in this episode encourages people to embrace informal supports to foster spontaneity and to develop social roles within the community. He also discusses some of the dangers that come with an over reliance on paid supports. Dean Richards Dean Richards lives in Melbourne and is an active contributor to his workplace and local footy club. He enjoys being a part of his local community and getting around Melbourne. Dean’s introduction to disability services came following an accident in 1987 which resulted in Quadriplegia. Originally Dean was supported by his parents who understood flexibility and providing supports when they suited him, however his family become increasingly worried about the day when they would no longer be around to support him. Inevitably, Dean learnt that services were not always flexible enough to meet his needs as more often than not they met the needs of workers or the service provider. This led to Dean working with a small group of people to develop a flexible night-time service called Nightlife in 2007. Nightlife enables people with disabilities to remain living in their own home and direct their own supports in a way that meets their needs. In this podcast, Dean discusses some of the assumptions he has faced, the strength of community connection and naturally occurring relationships and how paid supports can get in the way! Dean’s Podcast is narrated by Brett Carrol.   Connect with Dean Richards Contact   View Transcript Original publication: Richards, D. (2013). What does inclusion mean to me? In Thinking About what it means to be included. Issue 17, pp 10-15. Belonging Matters: Melbourne  

How do you perceive the future of your community? Communities provide space to exchange stories, get perspective, and understand how we live our lives. Your place in your local community can have a major impact on the quality of your life. In this podcast Tim explains that our communities will be defined to a great extent by the values and roles we can establish. Tim Costello Tim Costello is one of Australia’s most sought after voices on issues of social justice, leadership and ethics. From 2004 to 2016 Tim served as CEO of World Vision, Australia’s largest international development agency. Trained in law and theology, Tim has practised law, served as a Baptist minister, and has been active in church and community leadership, local government and national affairs. Currently Tim is the Executive Director of Micah Australia, a movement of Australian Christians raising a powerful voice for justice and a world free from poverty, Tim is also Director of Ethical Voice.   Connect with Tim Costello Contact Website World Vision Profile   View Transcript Original publication: Costello, T. (Conference Presentation). (2015) What could be - the future of our communities. In Talks That Matter website.  

Are you absolutely clear on what it means to be truly included? Belonging Matters CEO Deb Rouget drills down into this question to reveal vital insights into the concept of 'Inclusion'.  Social inclusion means - having a selection of opportunities, being recognised for our unique identity and contribution, abandoning segregation and congregation, and that informal supports are equally, if not more valuable, than formal. Deb Rouget Deb Rouget has been involved with people with a disability and their families for over 30 years. In 2003, Deb was integral in the development of Belonging Matters which sprung to life as a catalyst to prevent the exclusion of people with a disability from their communities and enable individuals to enjoy a fulfilling life that is well embedded in community, relationship and citizenship. Since that time she has been the CEO of Be- longing Matters. Deb has also been keen to foster advances that leave people who have a disability and their families with greater control over their lives.   Connect with Deb Rouget Contact Website   View Transcript Original publication: Rouget, D. (2013). What does it mean to be included? In Thinking About what it means to be included. Issue 17, pp 32-37. Belonging Matters: Melbourne

How do you lead the life you really want to live? This is a challenge we are all confronted with, the success of which depends largely on the values we live by and the supports we embrace. In this episode, Alex Sneddon shares his own story about living his own life in community. Alex Sneddon Alex Snedden is from Auckland. Alex has Down Syndrome and since leaving school in 2007, Alex has developed an employment portfolio, strong friendships, a home of his own, a place in community, and independence from his family. He is a committed Catholic and a very loyal employee. In his spare time he enjoys Karate, going to the gym & is an avid wrestling & Rugby fan. In 2010 he won the Youth Attitude Award.   View Transcript Original publication: Sneddon, A. (2014). Living my own life. In Thinking About how to foster a life enriched by community. Issue 18, pp 12-15. Belonging Matters: Melbourne