Empower Young Lives with “The Big Plan”
Join us for a transformative workshop designed to help young people with disabilities transition from school to a vibrant, fulfilling life. Heather Simmons’ “The Big Plan” approach creates a supportive environment where families, friends, and professionals come together to plan for a good future.
TWO workshops – one designed for families/carers and friends, and one for education and disability professionals supporting young people with intellectual disability and their families transitioning from school to a good life.
Tuesday 22nd October 2024 WORKSHOPS
SEE DETAILED INFORMATION, BELOW.
- WORKSHOP 1 – FOR FAMILIES/CARERS and FRIENDS – 9:30AM-12PM
- WORKSHOP 2 – FOR PROFESSIONALS: e.g. Teachers, Education Assistants, Support Providers, Therapists, Support Coordinators and Disability Professionals – 1-5PM
Facilitated by International Presenter *Heather Simmons (see profile below).
The Big Plan approach gives people the chance to come together, think holistically and plan for a good life in the company of other people involved in their lives including friends, support workers, allied health therapists, family members, support providers and support coordinators.
The Big Plan is a proactive way to:
- Connect people to their communities
- Include people in decision making and planning
- Help people to figure out what they want from life
- Support people to make lasting friendships
- Build confidence by supporting people to think about their skills and talents
- Bring people together to share their ideas and knowledge
- Consider future work opportunities
At the heart of “The Big Plan” is a fundamental belief: everyone has something valuable to contribute to their community. We begin by asking:
“What would it take for this young person to have an interesting, fulfilling life where they can meet people who may become their friends and make their contribution to their local community?”
During the workshops, families, supporters and service providers will learn about the process of coming together and engaging in person centred planning through guided conversations and reflections.
Heather Simmons
Acknowledged internationally for her thoughtful approach to facilitating learning to create change, Heather has worked with people and organisations concerned with providing support in mental health, aged care and disability services.
She is committed to finding ways to support workers to be intentional, principled and person centred: able to understand what good looks like in their work and to translate their values into practical, meaningful action.
Heather has been a guest lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, UWA and lectures regularly at Curtin University as part of their training Occupational Therapy students. She has also shared some of her learning by publishing, with Steve Coulson, The Big Plan, A Good Life, as well as her explanation and understanding of the Values of Inclusion.
Heather has 30 years’ experience in social care – from bus escort to Director of Learning and Culture at C-Change. Heather joined Thistle Foundation as Academy Lead in 2021.
WORKSHOP 1 (for FAMILIES) / WORKSHOP 2 (for PROFESSIONALS)
Workshop 1:
For: Families
Date: Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Cost:
$20 DDWA members
$40 non-members (join online first to get the member rate: Become a DDWA Member)
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-big-plan-transitioning-from-school-to-a-good-life-families-tickets-1020365118537
Workshop 2:
For: Teachers, Education Assistants, Support Providers, Therapists, Support Coordinators and Disability Professionals
Date: Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Time: 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Cost:
$100 DDWA members
$150 non-members (join online first to get the member rate: Become a DDWA Member)
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-big-plan-transitioning-from-school-to-a-good-life-professionals-tickets-1020378328047
Refreshments and resource books are included.
Parking Instructions
https://ddwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DDWA-Parking-Instructions-2024.pdf
We recommend parking at Watertown so that you’re not restricted to 3 hour parking on Delhi Street. DELHI STEET AND COLIN STREET WEST PERTH 3 hours maximum.
You will need to use the EasyPark APP: https://easypark.com.au/en_au
*Machines are cashless.
Image description: young person with intellectual disability wearing red t-shirt, smiling, holding yellow football with a park grass and trees background.
Image description: young person in a swimsuit in a pool holding hands with another person but that person’s arms are only in the image. Words over top of this image read “The BIG PLAN: Workshops supporting young people with intellectual disability transitioning from school to a good life.
