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 >>

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This is Kerry’s final episode as the Family Voices Podcast host. We thank Kerry for her invaluable contribution and wish her all the very best.

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 the importance of being heard. Maya talks 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. 

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In the second part of a two-part series on family wellbeing, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Fiona about her own wellbeing. Fiona talks about the importance of family, friends, and professionals in forming a network of support and the value of sharing with each other. These, as well as a strong partnership with her husband, played a significant role in Fiona’s personal health and happiness.

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• Association for Children with a Disability - https://www.acd.org.au/

In the first part of a two-part series, Fiona talks about her whole family’s wellbeing. As a mother of four children, two diagnosed with autism, Fiona talks about the role of early information and education, parent support groups and the importance of trusting relationships. Fiona highlights the enormous role that community connections played in the wellbeing of all members of her family.

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• Association for Children with a Disability - https://www.acd.org.au/

In this episode, Dr Kerry Bull talks with Sarah (Ben's mum) about their journey with Autism.

Sarah described a thorough assessment for Ben which led to a diagnosis of autism and global developmental delay. She describes how the diagnosis gave the family a way forward and the help they needed at that time.

If you're concerned about your child's development, talk with someone you trust, like your maternal and child health nurse or GP, who can refer you to a paediatrician.

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is a special edition of The Family Voices Podcast. Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS, has partnered with the Department of Health to share key messages with you about COVID safe behaviours and up-to-date vaccine information. This episode has been recorded on 15 December 2022.

It's important to remember that advice may change, and you can keep in touch with COVID information through the Victorian Department of Health website.

Professor Margie Danchin from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute at the Royal Children's Hospital is joining us today to discuss COVID safe information, particularly in relation to young children with disabilities and their families.

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In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Jason (Jude’s dad). Jason talks about the importance of being open when there are concerns about the development of children and how this leads to getting the supports needed.

Jason talks about how he and his wife, Jess have guided the process of forming a team around Jude and the important role of his family and friends being central to this.

Hear about, how Jude’s development was supported within everyday family life, at home, kindergarten and childcare, along with support of a team through the NDIS.

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In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Ruth and Collin. Ruth and Collin share their experience in the early years and how best practice achieved best outcomes for their daughter. Ruth and Collin talk about the work of their key worker and having seasons of support. They also share a heartfelt account of what this meant to them, and how best practice has shaped their lives.  

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In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Pam. Pam's perspective about being a grandmother and her changing role in the family really reflects what we know from research about the practical and emotional support grandparents can provide when there's a child with a disability or development delay in the family. But also, her reliable information and great communication in the family helps with that support. At the end of the conversation, Pam summed up what she thought were the most important things to share with other grandparents. 

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In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Kate (Bridget's mum). Kate has a clear long-term vision about Bridget reaching her potential which includes having meaningful work, having friends, and living independently. Kate talks us through how she double checks that every decision they make to support Bridget is in line with their vision. And of course, Bridget has dreams and aspirations of our own, see: bridget_does_art.

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