In this presentation John Armstrong focuses on 'Competency Enhancement' as an adjunct to Social Role Valorisation theory. John explores how the expectation of imagery plays a major role on how valued social roles evolve and are perceived.

Planning for life after school can seem daunting, especially when you have a disability. The options may seem slim and limited, however with vision, preparation and planning it’s possible for young people with a disability to thrive after school. In this video Jack and Jan Kruger share their real life experience of Life After School and provide genuine examples of connection.

Brodie McElroy is young man who spent some time attending two different day programs but found them unfulfilling and mundane. A discussion with his mum was the catalyst for change and Brodie enrolled in the Certificate Three Music Course at Box Hill TAFE. Brodie studies electronic music composition and performance and discovered a whole new world at college. He has gained the respect and admiration of his peers, both staff and students, and could not be happier as he embarks on his new pathway. In this video Brodie presents his Inclusion story at the 2017 Belonging Matters' Conference.

Amelia Sloan is a high school student living in Melbourne, Australia, and is a enjoying life to the fullest. She attends Our Lady of Sion College where she is as included in everyday school life as any other student particularly enjoying Music, Art, and Food Technology classes. Amelia is also included, if not excelling, in her community having featured in an Australian Government advertising campaign, 'Girls Make Your Move', promoting healthy lifestyles for young women, she is a regular at her local gym, Aquarena, and has recently become a public speaker having presented at the Belonging Matters' Conference, 2017 In this video Amelia presents her Inclusion story at the 2017 Belonging Matters' Conference and fields questions from the delegates.

Amelia Sloan is a high school student living in Melbourne, Australia, and is a enjoying life to the fullest. She attends Our Lady of Sion College where she is as included in everyday school life as any other student particularly enjoying Music, Art, and Food Technology classes. Amelia is also included, if not excelling, in her community having featured in an Australian Government advertising campaign, 'Girls Make Your Move', promoting healthy lifestyles for young women, she is a regular at her local gym, Aquarena, and has recently become a public speaker having presented at the Belonging Matters' Conference, 2017

As the world progresses with an abundance of economic and technological advances, are we at risk of losing the neighbourhood connections that sustain us? Hugh Mackay was so concerned he wrote a book called The Art of Belonging! “We are not good at surviving in isolation”, he states. “We rely on communities to support and sus- tain us, and if those communities are to survive and prosper, we must engage with them and nurture them. That’s the beautiful symmetry of human society, we need communities and they need us.” Even though belonging is an issue for all of us, the barriers for people with a disability are often amplified through negative attitudes, lack of employment, congregate care models and ‘special’ or separate places. This creates even deeper wedges of disconnection. The conference will attract a wide range of people locally, nationally and internationally. This includes people with a disability, families, advocates, organisations, professionals and community members who are concerned about community, disability, diversity and belonging.

Katrina Morgan is the assistant manager of Community Living Project's Circles Initiative and has overseen their successful Circles@School program. In this presentation Katrina outlines the structure and implementation of the Circles@School program.

Sue Smith and her son Isaac are participants in Community Living Project's Circles At School project and in this presentation Sue shares key elements of the program and outlines the successful impact it has had in Isaac's life.

Talks That Matter is an on line video gallery featuring over 80 documentaries, presentations, and interviews of people with disabilities, their families and friends, and social inclusion professionals from around the world.

Talks That Matter now contains over 80 videos featuring a wide range of people with disabilities, their families and friends, and social inclusion professionals. Here is a brief taste of some of the stories so far.