'Beyond Making Do' for parents and carers.

Name: 'Beyond Making Do' for parents and carers.
Start: 2026-05-29T09:30:00+10:00
End: 2026-05-29T09:30:00+10:00
Location: Quest Apartments East Burwood

About

Beyond Making Do: A Workshop for Parents & Carers of children, young people and adults with complex disability related needs.

Caring for someone with complex disability requires navigating multiple systems, making high-stakes decisions, and managing ongoing emotional and physical demands.

This workshop has been designed specifically for parents, carers, and extended family members supporting children and young adults with complex disability, including (but not limited to):
*Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
*Intellectual Disability
*Genetic / Chromosomal Conditions
*Cerebral Palsy
*FASD
*Complex behavioural and sensory profiles

and most often a mixture of a few of the above with a chaser of ADHD (complex presentations) and a psychosocial disability

Your person maybe non verbal or low verbal, incontinent, peg fed, in a wheel chair, sight impaired, hearing impaired and will require ongoing care in all areas of their daily life.

If your child goes to a Specialist School or SDS unit this workshop is for you!

This is a neuroaffirming, practical, and deeply respectful space focused on what families actually need to know.

What We Will Cover
• Understanding behaviour through a nervous system lens (not compliance)
• What a full and meaningful life looks like beyond typical milestones
• How to recognise happiness, distress, and regulation
• Why “making do” is not enough – advocating for quality, comfort, and dignity
• Assistive Technology – what good actually looks like and how to get it
• Continence, sensory needs, and the realities families manage every day
• Navigating the NDIS:
o Core supports and what is typical
o Therapy when it does and doesn’t work
o Behaviour support
o Support coordination
• Collecting evidence that the NDIS will actually accept
• Planning for the future:
o SIL (Supported Independent Living)
o SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation)
o Wills, disability trusts, and guardianship
• Building your team and your tribe
• Managing exhaustion, isolation, and the long-term sustainability of care

Who This Is For
• Parents and primary carers
• Grandparents and extended family
• Kinship carers
• Families at any stage (early years through to adulthood)

What Makes This Workshop Different
This is not theory-based or generic advice.
It is grounded in:
• Real-world complex disability support
• NDIS legislation and advocacy
• Neuroaffirming and low-demand approaches
• Practical strategies you can use immediately

Event Details
Date: Friday, 29 May
Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm
(Arrive from 9:00am for registration)
Location:
Quest East Burwood

Session Format
• Presentation
• Practical examples
• Real-life case discussion
• Opportunity for questions

What You Will Receive
• Practical tools and templates
• NDIS language and advocacy strategies
• Clear guidance on support levels and planning
• A framework to understand your child’s needs and your role

Important Information
• This workshop may include discussion of:
o behavioural distress
o family stress and burnout
o complex support needs
and is therefore not suitable for children to attend.

❓ FAQ – Parents & Carers Workshop ( in your booking confirmation email you will receive a more detailed version of the FAQ's

**Can children attend?**
This is an adult learning environment.

**Can siblings attend?**
Yes — siblings aged 16+ are welcome.
Please note this is adult-focused content.

**Can I bring my own food?**
No. Catering is fully provided. If this will be an issue for you please email reception@bcbm.com.au
All dietary requirements will be catered for (please include details in your booking).

**Is there a quiet space if I need a break?**
Yes. You are welcome to step away at any time. There is a quiet room next door and you can go for a walk at any time.

**Are workbooks included?**
Yes — a workbook and copies of the PowerPoint slides will be provided

**Can I claim this workshop through the NDIS?**
In most cases, yes.
Pay upfront and then claim via self-managed or plan-managed funding.

**Can I send my support workers or therapy assistants?**
Yes — this is encouraged for consistency of support.

**Can extended family attend?**
Yes, extended family are welcome.

**Will the NDIS fund extended family attendance?**
This depends on your plan.
You may also explore Carer Gateway, Carers Victoria, or VMCH for support.

**Can I be invoiced instead of paying upfront?**
No — payment is required at booking.

**What if upfront payment is a barrier?**
Please contact: [reception@bcbm.com.au](mailto:reception@bcbm.com.au)

**Why is the workshop $193.99?**
This is an immersive workshop (equivalent to one therapy sessions) and includes catering, venue, workbook, and practical training. This amount will make reimbursement smoother.

**Should I come alone?**
It is strongly recommended you bring a support person (partner, friend, therapist, or sibling 16+).

**Is accommodation available?**
Yes — on-site at Quest East Burwood.
Book directly and mention Bobbi Cook’s workshop for a conference rate.