Behaviour Done Differently
Side by Side Family Conference: June 27 -28
"We held our first 'Come to our House' Side by Side conference in 2015. Back then the idea was that if you had a tricky kid (or two, or three) people usually don't want to come to our house!! Fast forward to 2024 and so much has changed but our need to connect hasn't. We thought it was about time we held another parent conference for our Side by Side community. An opportunity to come together over two days, to share, learn, laugh, cry (hopefully tears of laughter but it's ok if it's not) , eat, chat and generally be in the same space as people who are experiencing similar things. As with all things Side by Side, we want people to leave knowing you aren't alone, to have hope for the future, to have learnt a couple of things and to recognise the strength and resilience we all have within us". Bron Pike
About
Behaviour done differently - what makes a difference?
Side by Side is excited to welcome parents to join them at this two day conference, where we will NOT be talking about NDIS!
We will be talking about the good stuff.
You will hear from people and families about what made a difference to them. We will be talking about how we support people to live good lives, and share stories of hope and practical tips.
This is a great opportunity to connect with others and celebrate twelve years of the Side by Side community.
Thursday 27th and Friday 28th June 2024
Conference Countdown
Conference Program
About the Speakers
Jo Henrickson
I’m a Mum to two amazing boys (13 and 11) and we have three vastly different presentations of neurodivergence. Late last year I received my diagnosis of Autism and ADHD which has lead to reassessing many aspects of my life. Without knowing at the time, my autistic/ADHD traits have had a significant impact on my parenting and a lot of things make a lot more sense now.
In my spare time, I’m the Manager of Quality, Compliance and Risk for Super Squad (a disability support provider), studying my Masters in Autism Studies through the Autism Centre of Excellence, and working on a Grad Dip. in Psychology. My current hyperfixation is learning, with a side serve of procrasticooking (my custom term for putting off assignments and work by cooking). My assignment still isn’t done, but the freezer is stocked with “freezer meals” – and so is the one at work!
Leticia Grant
Leticia is mum to two daughters in their 20’s who live with Angelman Syndrome, Epilepsy, ADHD and a sleep disorder. She feels she spends more time nagging than she does sleeping! She has worked in the disability sector for 11 years and currently works at DDWA as an Advocate. In her spare time she torture’s herself by going to quiz nights to prove to herself the inadequacy of her sport and science knowledge. Leticia will speak about Leticia will speak about "Having a Support Team: how do you learn to trust that others can care for your child".
Heidi Brandis
Tara Gordon
Leonie Peterson
Kristie Pansini
I’m Kristie. I am a single foster mum to my 12 year old Autistic son. My Autistic son is non speaking and uses a mixture of sign language and alternative augmented communication. I am really keen to teach others sign language. We have been to the last 3 family camps and joined Side by Side in 2022. My hobbies are knitting, anything creative and yoga.
Bridget Scott
I am a mother of two grown up kids and two hairy dogs. I love doing anything that involves being outside in nature- walking, swimming, gardening, bee keeping and also a bit of quiet knitting, crocheting or board games on the side.
I am a mature and experienced Occupational Therapist who has worked with children and adults with disabilities over a 30+ year career, including running 2 private practices the first ‘Hop, Skip and Jump’ specifically focussed on sensory processing, and the second ‘The In Crowd” on social connection and inclusion. I have also worked as a Local Area Coordinator, a university educator and as a trainer for parents, teachers and support staff and allied health professionals and PBS practitioners.
I currently work at Microboards Australia in a diverse role but one where I have opportunities to work with people and families that are experiencing challenges in their lives.
My values and passions lie with the importance of relationship and connection, especially for families- Let’s Co- Regulate Together
Tarna Bulman
I am passionate about changing lives through connection, inclusion, and advocacy from a lived experience perspective. I believe that peer supports are essential to finding understanding and hope in challenging times. I have been a parent and kinship carer to 5 boys/men for 33 years. My 3 children and siblings live with a disability.
I have fought for equality, justice and human rights my whole adult life. I have worked in social justice for 30 years, firstly in the community sector as a peer advocate, education officer, and paralegal. In my 30s I trained as a lawyer and was admitted to practice in WA in 2011. I have a joint degree in Sociology and Law from Murdoch University. My work has involved working with people with a disability, marginalised people in society, those on low incomes and the disadvantaged. I have volunteered in the not for profit sector, in the areas of community housing and disability. I have been a member of Developmental Disability WA (DDWA) and Side by Side for 6 years. In November 2023, I resigned as a board member after a 3 year term on the board.
Lydia Briers
Wayiba from Wickham in the Pilbara where I work and live with my little family. I am a self identified neurodivergent mother to two little ones, including my amazing Autistic son, Monty. I am also a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and recently became a Registered NDIS Provider through my company Waves WA. I am also working to become a psychologist, one step at a time. And none of that means that I have all of the answers or have it all together, because like you too, no two days are the same, and parenting a child who this world wasn't built for is a marathon- we pace ourselves, fall down, get back up, celebrate the good, and get through the bad. I'm grateful for organisations like Side by Side who give us a place to just be. I look forward to meeting you all and hearing your stories.
Jaquie Mills
Jaquie is managing director of Microboards Australia, an organisation which facilitates the development of social networks around vulnerable people to support them to have greater autonomy, citizenship and quality of life. She is a champion for the rights of people with disability, having developed a range of programs, tertiary courses, and resources to improve outcomes in the areas of social inclusion and friendships, communication, supported decision making, understanding behaviour and health.
Jaquie is also the parent of Eli who lives with disability and who has complex support needs. Jaquie was instrumental in working with families to start Side by Side.
Eli Dickenson
Eli Dickenson is a train enthusiast whose microboard was the first incorporated by Microboards Australia 12 years ago. Eli’s microboard has supported his planning and decision making in a range of areas including his work, where he lives, what he does for fun, and his relationships. Eli chose the name Blazing Condor Soul Explosions (Inc) for his microboard, a name which everyone feels reflects the energy he brings to his life.
Eli has complex communication needs, and uses a range of AAC tools and strategies to communicate. He is passionate about communication and hosts a peer group for adults who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Merger of Minds, whose work has been recognised at conferences around Australia and also internationally. Eli was awarded the ISAAC Community Service Award in 2015 for his community service advocating for AAC users.
Maxine Drake
Maxine is an advocate currently working for DDWA. Advocacy is the support of others in their negotiations for services or other entitlements. Maxine worked as a health consumer advocate for 16 years and now uses her skills across a wide range of areas, including in schools and the community. Maxine says, “sometimes fighting for yourself alone can just be too hard. Another person can tip the balance in power or confidence as well as offer new ideas or strategies”
* Supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
DDWA began Side by Side as a project in 2012, for families experiencing behaviour which could be seen as challenging.
Side by Side connects families experiencing challenging behaviour with other families though a supported peer group. Peer groups provide a safe place to share experiences, receive support and help each other. In December 2019, DDWA was approved for an ILC (Information, Linkages and Capacity) grant to develop the Side by Side program.
Our Vision
Side by Side’s vision and aim is for families experiencing challenging behaviour to be better supported, and to develop family leaders to grow the reach of support offered. Side by Side works with families to support them to develop their own capacity and is also building the strength of the Side by Side peer group collectively.
For more information contact Bron or Maggie
Or, click on the button below to register now!
Various conference packages are available, some of which include dinner, or dinner along with accommodation. During the registration process, you'll be prompted to indicate your preference, and we'll tailor the invoice accordingly. Whether you intend to make a claim through NDIS or prefer to pay privately, invoices can be provided accordingly. Our registration form will walk you through this process.
Conference Packages
Package 1 - Conference ticket only: Cost $170 (per person)
(Includes entry to the conference, morning & afternoon tea and lunch. Tea and coffee throughout the day.)
Package 2 - Includes Conference ticket and Dinner on Thursday 27th June: Cost $225 (per person)
Package 3 - Includes Conference ticket, Dinner and One Night Accommodation) : Cost $420 (per person)
If you have an "Additional Attendee" and will share the room, then Attendee 1 must book Package 3 which includes accommodation. Attendee 2 only needs to select Package 2 for conference ticket and dinner. The room cost is the same whether it is single or double accupancy.
Important information: no need to contact Ingot Hotel. DDWA will do this on your behalf for your booking.
Please note: accommodation excludes any room service and mini bar. You will need to present a credit card at reception on arrival for check in purposes.
I have been part of the Side by Side community from its inception and have been fortunate enough to be employed by DDWA for the last 4 years as one of the Side by Side managers. I have always been connected to disability, first with my younger sister and then with my son. Both are non speaking and can be challenging. I have learned so much in my role and have always been amazed by the insightful knowledge that families have. I believe that we can all learn from each other and together make a difference in the world, and promote inclusion and acceptance. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Bronwyn Pike who always manages to find fun in whatever we do. I can honestly say I have the best job ever! My highlights have been the parent training weekends and the family camps because you can see the magical moments and connections happen in front of you! I am so proud of our Side by Side Community and want to genuinely thank all of you for your support, honesty and courage. Thanks to our presenters for sharing their own experiences and words of wisdom with us. I would also like to thank my own family for their resilience and patience while I have worked with Side by Side families over the years. I hope you enjoy the conversations, and find strength and hope from attending our conference, Behaviour done Differently. Welcome!
Maggie from Side by Side
Frequently asked Questions
Thankyou to our funders
