In this episode, Melo shares his story about parental agency as he talks with our host, Simone Dudley. Melo stresses never to underestimate the importance of a parent’s influence on their child’s development, as experienced with his own daughter. Listen to Melo as he defines hope as having a goal, believing you can make a difference, and having a pathway to follow. This as well as the benefit that comes from peers sharing their stories truly highlights that parents are a rich resource for one another, for their lived experience incorporates deeper meaning to any message they deliver, and it wa ..read more

In this episode Ciara talks with our host, Simone Dudley, about the importance of building knowledge and finding your voice. Ciara describes how gaining an understanding of best practice empowered her and her husband to find and advocate for the right supports for their son. This, alongside firsthand experience, led them to establish a peer support group for parents and carers of children on the spectrum. Ciara reminds us that with the right information and supports parents and carers are better equipped to make decisions that lead to better outcomes for them and their children.  Dow ..read more

In this episode our host Simone Dudley, talks with Kara about her family and work.  Kara is a mum and researcher from Cincinnati, who studies parenting with disabilities. Kara and her husband are both disabled parents of three children with and without disabilities. Listen to Kara as she shares insights into how her family creates a culture that celebrates disability and how she advocates and builds support for people with disabilities through inclusive practices. Download transcript here >> www.eciavic.org.au In an effort to continually improve, we are asking our community for feed ..read more

In this episode, we hear from Falak, a mother, wife and research and evaluation manager at Rare Voices Australia (RVA). Falak talks with our host, Simone Dudley about her children, two of whom have rare diseases and how her lived experience has deepened her professional role at RVA. In this conversation, Falak helps to remind us of the importance of trusting our instincts as we continually build our capacity. She also describes the power of gratitude and how giving back to communities that supported her and her family, created a sense of belonging and purpose. Download transcript here >> ..read more

In this episode, our host Simone Dudley talks with Cassie (Emily’s mum) about her experience with early supports and pioneering the NDIS. Cassie talks about the need for professionals to recognise the strengths of children and work from these when developing goals with the family. Goals for Cassie and her family needed to reflect the values they held strong for Emily. These included having the same opportunities and experiences that Emily’s siblings had, and being and belonging in her everyday life and community. These align so well with the principles of family-centred and strengths-based pra ..read more

In this episode we are joined again by Leanne (Angus’s mum). This time, Leanne talks with our host Simone Dudley about her personal story of being identified 10 years after her son as autistic and ADHD. Leanne describes how the process of being identified has really helped with understanding herself and with the way she supports her son. Download the transcript here >> www.eciavic.org.au ..read more

In this episode, our host Simone Dudley talks with Leanne about what life was like living in an extremely remote location in Australia, while navigating therapy supports and education for her son, Angus. In this remarkable story, hear how Leanne made the most of her family’s circumstance while achieving Angus’s goals through telehealth and home education. Download the transcript here >> www.eciavic.org.au We would like to welcome Simone Dudley as the new Family Voices Podcast host ..read more

In this episode, our host Trish McIvor talks with Dee, co-founder of Little Stroke Warriors Australia and Emma's mum. Dee shares her story about co-founding Little Stroke Warriors after Emma was diagnosed as having a stroke while in utero. Dee talks about how her own experience has forged the need for improved resources and treatment of paediatric childhood stroke and how this is coming to fruition. Dee also shares personal insights and on how to be the best support for your child.   Little Stroke Warriors Australia website >>   Download transcript here >> ..read more

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Penny (Al’s mum). Penny shares her insights and wisdom about being an advocate and how this has shaped an incredible path for Al. Being an advocate and accessing support can be a powerful influence in children’s wellbeing, inclusion, participation and contribution to family and community life. We hope you enjoy this inspiring story. In this episode, we mention a video featuring Al's story. To watch on YouTube, please click here >> Download the transcript here >> In an effort to continually improve, we are asking our community for f ..read more

In this episode, Dr Kerry Bull talks with Maya (Lloyd's mum) about her experience of being a young mum of a child with a disability and importance of being heard. Maya talked about the need for professionals to assume competence of parents. This phrase fits so well with the principles outlined in the National Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Guidelines. The guidelines highlight concepts like family-centered and strength-based practices, that are based on an understanding that parents know their child best and have valuable information and insights from professionals to learn from.&nb ..read more