Program aimed at empowerment, a success in Mildura

The Keys To Success Program – Self Advocacy Training (KSP-SA), established by the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID) aims to educate and empower people with disabilities and their families.

On April 18, 19 and 20, fourteen participants from the Christie Centre at Mildura enjoyed three days of learning and self-discovery with Program Coordinator, Zoe Broadway.

The Christie Centre is a NDIS-registered provider offering group and individual support across a range of areas including employment and work opportunities, independent living skills, behaviour support, social and recreational support and community inclusion.

Miss Broadway says she received overwhelming positive feedback from the session.

“I liked the variety of ways the workshops were delivered.”

“[Zoe is a] great teacher. I enjoyed listening to her [and] she actually looked at us when she was talking to us.”

Over the 90 minute session, participants learnt about rights and responsibilities including human, service user and NDIS rights, self advocacy including assertiveness, self expression and self esteem and planning including setting goals, understanding their needs and taking charge of their plan.

Miss Broadway says the program also encourages staff to be included in the conversations, opening up their role as equal participants in the group.

“The conversations are important to encourage everyone to know the importance of safety for themselves, others at home and in the community,” a staff member at the Christie Centre said.

The program was developed about 7 years ago and is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“KSP-SA came about due to a need for people to learn about how they can speak out in the right way,” Program Coordinator, Jon Slingsby says.

He says they have had to be adaptable to accommodate changes within the sector, especially with the introduction of the NDIS.

VALID, an award-winning organisation advocating for people with a disability for over 29 years, has developed training tools, information and resources, recently extending their training programs and workshops to service providers.

“What we are trying to do is get people into the space where they can be a part of the conversation,” Mr Slingsby says.

Miss Broadway says the program enables her to grow as an educator.

“It helps me to learn and grow as I always take away something from all the conversations we have and people we meet.”

VALID is now taking bookings for KSP-SA for the next financial year. To book a session contact Jon via email.