A Real Job or Just Filling in Time? How Social Role Valorisation can help

Every young person deserves to get a job they love. Unfortunately, persistent societal attitudes and low expectations around disability continue to create barriers for young people with disability seeking real meaningful work. Presented by Lindie Brengman (accredited ASRVA co-teacher) and Katrina Dunks, this webinar will also feature pre-recorded video excerpts by Jane Sherwin, one of only two senior trainers in Social Role Valorisation (SRV) in Australia (now retired). SRV explains why such barriers exist, what can be done to influence attitudes and expectations, and how family members and supporters can assist young people with disability into real jobs.

The webinar will include live Q&A.

Participants will learn approaches that are informed by Social Role Valorisation (SRV), a framework that many families have used to create good lives for their loved ones with disability.

We will explore how we can support young people with disability to find and keep employment suited to their interests and where they make a valuable contribution, and not limited by others’ ideas on what is possible.

Co-Presenters

Lindie Brengman is a Senior Facilitator at CRU. Lindie started her career as an Occupational Therapist but became most passionate about inclusion when 1 of her 4 children was born with a disability. Her experience with her daughter, now 22, led Lindie to discover CRU as a parent while struggling to advocate for an inclusive education. Lindie was a founding member of the Queensland Collective for Inclusive Education (QCIE). Since commencing working with CRU in 2019, Lindie has worked on a variety of projects and also undertaken training in Customised Employment. Lindie is an accredited co-teacher with the Australian Social Role Valorisation Association (ASRVA), believing SRV offers families practical ways of creating a good life for their loved one with disability.

Katrina Dunks started at CRU in September 2024 as a facilitator and currently works in the School to Work project. Katrina is the mother of 3 children, including a teenager with a disability. She has held a broad range of roles including assistant teacher, project manager and company director. Katrina has volunteered and served as a committee member in non-profit organisations over many years in inclusive education, women’s health and literacy.

RSVP: Monday 14th September 2026

Download the flyer here (PDF)
Download the accessible flyer here (word)

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is for the families of secondary school students with disabilities. Supporters and allies are also welcome to attend.

What do I need to participate?

We will be using the video meeting platform Zoom to host the webinar.

You will need access to:

• a computer or iPad/tablet or smart phone with internet access;

• speakers/sound

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your ability to participate. Ph: 07 3844 2211 or Email: cru@cru.org.au

This webinar is Funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Aging (DHDA).

About CRU:

For over 35 years, Community Resource Unit has been working across Queensland to help people with disability take control of their lives and take their place in their community.

Community Resource Unit CRU in QLD, Resourcing Inclusive Communities, an initiative of Family Advocacy (NSW) and Imagine More (ACT) are working together on a six year project called ‘School to Work’. School to Work aims to inspire and equip students with disability, through the support of families, to seek meaningful, paid employment in the community.

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