Course - Inclusion Seekers

What is this learning series about?

Building strong communities is more critical than ever, especially in a world that can feel disconnected. Strong communities provide a sense of belonging, support and shared purpose for everyone. For people with intellectual disabilities and autism, the risk of isolation is often high.

This is 4 session course will assist participants to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the barriers that people with disabilities and their families face when seeking to find meaningful roles in their communities.

• Learn how to identify and strengthen the roles of families, supporters and neighbours in assisting people with disabilities become part of the community, not just present in it.

• Acquire practical tools to help uncover the unique gifts of both individuals and their communities.

• Create new strategies for intentionally planning experiences that are healing and inclusive for all members of the community, where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.

4 Sessions (purchase of 1 ticket gives you access to all dates)

Session 1: Setting a New Course (7 October 2025)

• Avoiding negative stereotypes; 4 commitments of community building.

Session 2: Advocating for a Culture of Gifts (14 October 2025)

• Interviewing, listening, affirming gifts; community asset mapping.

Session 3: Including All (21 October 2025)

• Designing healing community experiences; planning for inclusion.

Session 4: Sustained Success (28 October 2025)

• Planning for sustainability of relationships.
  

Who is this series for?

This series is aimed towards people with disabilities and their families. It will also be useful for direct support workers, professionals, and others want to build authentic inclusion. To make the most of this course all 4 sessions should be attended.

If cost is a barrier to attending, please email info@belongingmatters.org

After this four-session course, ten people with disabilities and their families will receive a small grant to help them start their own community projects.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to attend the Introductory Session to register for the 4-session Inclusion Seeker course?

No, it's not a requirement to have attended the introductory session to register for the 4-session Inclusion Seeker course. The introductory session provided an overview of the course content and its purpose. The 4-session course is designed for those who want to take a deeper dive into the topics, with each session building on the last.

If I have registered for the Introductory Session, does that mean I’m automictically registered to do the 4-session Inclusion Seekers course?

No, you'll need to complete a separate registration for the 4-session Inclusion Seekers course. You can sign up by visiting the Belonging Matters events page. https://www.belongingmatters.org/events

Do I need to attend all 4 sessions of the 4-session Inclusion Seeker course?

Since each session of the Inclusion Seekers course builds on the last, it's important to attend all four sessions to get the most out of the course. If an unexpected issue, like an illness, prevents you from attending, please email info@belongingmatters.org, and we'll help you get caught up.

How do express my interest for the small grants to build a community idea, gathering etc?

We are offering ten small grants of up to $1,000 to help people with disabilities and their families bring their community ideas to life. Whether it's a new event, a gathering, or a creative project, we want to help you make it happen.

To be eligible for a grant, you must:

• Complete the 4-session Inclusion Seekers course.

• Submit an expression of interest.

• Be committed to completing your project by June 30, 2026.

• Attend five online Community Design sessions with Starfire and Belonging Matters between November 2025 and May 2026.

• Be willing to share your project's outcome.

Preference will be given to applicants who live in Victoria.

If I do the 4-session course, do I have to do the Community Design sessions?

No, you don't have to do the Community Design sessions if you complete the 4-session course. The Community Design sessions are only required if you want to apply for one of the ten small grants.