Rockhampton: Imagining, Discovering and Finding Work

Join us for an interactive and participatory full day workshop that aims to bring families together to connect and increase confidence to seek out meaningful, paid employment for their secondary school student with disability.

This workshop will enable participants to get actively started in a range of processes so they leave with some concrete plans and strategies to find work for their secondary student with a disability.

Participants will hear stories and experiences from people with a disability and their family members about practical tips and strategies when planning for and finding real and meaningful work.

Topics covered will include:

• Uncovering and identifying student strengths and interests and using them as a guide for creating potential work roles.
• Identifying the conditions that help set up a student for success in work.
• Identifying community connections and contacts to approach for work.
• Practical strategies and tips on working collaboratively with other professionals or services.
• Developing a positive pitch to get the job.
• Exploring what good employment support looks like and how to find the right people to support your student.
  

Gina Barwell-Pickup started at CRU in August 2020 as a consultant in the ‘School to Work’ project. Gina is the mother of two children, including a teenager with a disability. Since studying business at university, Gina has held a broad range of roles in a variety of industries from hotels to education; in State government and small business. Additional experience in recruitment and as a careers consultant will equip her well to assist students and their families to get ready for work. Gina has also studied Auslan (Australian sign language)

Sharon Bourke works as a Professional Development Consultant and has facilitated workshops for people with disabilities and their families on planning, good lives and employment related topics for 30 years. Sharon’s youngest son Dan knew he wanted to do something in the music industry from an early age. With Sharon's assistance, he has pursued opportunities and further learning to follow his dream. Dan established his own small business DanCan in 2018 and together with his mate, is now song writing under the name of "A Little Whine Productions". Sharon’s workshop facilitation is informed by her first-hand experiences and knowledge. Sharon believes that sound processes and practical strategies assist people to find their own wisdom and clarity.

For over 30 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.

CRU (QLD), Resourcing Inclusive Communities, an initiative of Family Advocacy (NSW) and Imagine More (ACT) will work together on a new three year project called ‘School to Work’.

The project is being provided as part of the Community Inclusion Capacity Development program through The Department of Social Services.