🌟 Building a Vision for a Good Life: First Steps for Families

Saturday, December 6, 2025
🕤 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (AEST)
💻 Online via Zoom – Link sent after registration
📹 Session will be recorded and shared with those who attend.

About the Workshop

Every person deserves a good life — one filled with belonging, contribution, choice, and valued roles in community.

This interactive online workshop invites families of people with disability to take the first steps toward shaping a personal vision for a good life for their loved one.

A vision acts like a compass — helping families stay on track through life’s changes, decisions, and transitions. Whether your child is still in school or an adult, it’s never too early (or too late) to start imagining what a full, meaningful, and inclusive life could look like.

Together, we’ll explore what’s important to you, how to build supportive networks, and practical ways to bring your vision to life — one conversation and connection at a time.

What You’ll Learn

What a vision is — and why it’s the foundation for a good life
How to uncover what’s truly important to your loved one
Practical ways to build community and natural supports around them
How to challenge devalued views and promote inclusion
How to start planning for the future with confidence and clarity

Workshop Outcomes

By the end of this session, families will:
✅ Understand what a vision is and why it matters
✅ Begin shaping ideas about what a “good life” looks like for their loved one
✅ Identify values, interests, and aspirations that guide meaningful choices
✅ Learn how to invite and engage others in building community
✅ Reflect on future planning and next steps toward their vision

What’s Included

2-hour interactive online session (via Zoom)
Reflection activities and take-home resources
Access to the session recording (for those who attend)
Opportunities for ongoing connection and learning with the Towards Better team

Agenda (120 Minutes)

Welcome & Introduction
Emma’s Story – The Power of a Vision
What Is a Vision and Why It Matters
What’s Important to You and Your Loved One
Building Community and Support
Challenging Devaluation and Changing the Narrative
Planning for the Future
Bringing It Together: Your Next Steps
Q&A and Closing Reflection

Presenters

Jo Lynam – Facilitator, Towards Better

Jo brings deep passion, skill, and lived experience as a parent and MicroEnterprise Consultant with the Towards Better team.

As a mother of a daughter with disability, Jo has worked tirelessly to challenge society’s devalued views and open doors to A Good Life. Her daughter, though unable to read, write, or speak much, now runs her own business five days a week — finding purpose, autonomy, and recognition as a valued community member.

Jo helps families and individuals uncover skills, gifts, and passions that can become pathways to meaningful roles and small enterprises. Her message is simple but powerful: A good life grows from contribution, autonomy, and belonging.

Ricky Esterquest – Founder, Towards Better

Ricky is a parent, community development worker, and founder of the Certified Social Enterprise Towards Better. After years working in segregated disability settings, Ricky saw the harm caused by people being stuck in “serviceland” — and set out to create a better way.

Through Customised Employment, MicroEnterprise, Social Role Valorisation, and Asset-Based Community Development, Ricky and his team help people with disability discover valued roles, build connections, and live lives rich with purpose, belonging, learning, and freely given relationships.

Using NDIS Funding

Families can use NDIS funding if their (or their loved one’s) plan is Self-Managed or Plan-Managed.

Applicable line items:

01_134_0117_8_1 – Capacity Building and Training in Self-Management and Plan Management
15_038_0117_1_3 – Training for Carers/Parents

Contact

Ricky Esterquest
Founder & Principal Community Development Worker – Towards Better
📞 0447 574 600
📧 ricky@towardsbetter.com.au
🌐 www.towardsbetter.com.au