In this episode, Margaret Ward shares five secrets of self-direction, starting with a reminder to families that if they're waiting for a service to do this work, it won't happen.

Self-direction requires families to hold what Margaret calls "family business" – the vision, the plan, the story, the relationships – and never hand it over.

Her five secrets cover the full arc: step up, include others across generations, accept that life is messy, embrace change, and stay joyful while doing serious work.

You can watch Margaret's presentation on our website.

Click here to read the transcript of this episode. Please note that the transcript provided may contain occasional errors.

On our website, you'll also find:

• all the presentations from our Safeguarding the Future conference in 2024
• resources about safeguarding, planning and building good lives for people with disability
• events related to topics relevant to people with disability and their families seeking to enjoy a typical life.

Many thanks to Osher Marks, who is the voice of this season of the Imagine More podcast.