Since the ENVISAGE Families Program was launched nationally at the beginning of 2023, it has become an invaluable resource for families coping with the challenges of raising children with developmental delays or disabilities. Through a series of informative and supportive workshops, parents have connected and exchanged experiences, strategies and insights. As a result, participants have shared some of the key takeaways that have profoundly impacted their perspective on parenting, selfcare and their child's development.

Just ask Victorian parent Mandanna Daemi. When she signed up to the fully funded ENVISAGE Families Program, little did she know the full extent of the impact it would have on her life, and that of her family.

“Doing the ENVISAGE program was like coming up for air after being underwater for a long time. For years, I had been submerged in the diagnoses and therapies of my children and my fear for their futures, but ENVISAGE was such a positive experience for me, encouraging me to reframe my perspective and examine my values as a parent by focusing on my children’s strengths instead of their challenges.”

So, what are the benefits?

The Role of Facilitators

One of the standout aspects of the ENVISAGE Families Program is the dedicated facilitators. Both the service providers and the parent peers went above and beyond to make the sessions accommodating and informative. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in shaping the program's success, creating a safe and open space for parents to share and learn.

The "F Words"

The ENVISAGE Families Program emphasises the importance of what are referred to as "The F Words." These words - Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future - serve as guiding principles for parents raising children with developmental delays or disabilities. These words remind parents to focus on what truly matters, beyond the clinical aspects of treatment.

For Mandanna, the F-Words were such a helpful tool that made her rethink how she was parenting, what she was choosing to prioritise and enabled her to recognise the imbalance in her family’s life.

“Shifting the emphasis from my children’s therapies to having fun and enjoying time together as a family has had a profound impact on our relationships, happiness and wellbeing.”

Learning Moments

The Envisage program provided participants with three main learning moments:

• Not Everything Requires a Clinical Approach: Parents discovered that not every aspect of their child's development or challenges needed a clinical solution. Often, a holistic and family-centered approach is just as effective, if not more so.

• The Power of Language: The choice of language used to discuss a child's developmental concerns, diagnosis, or disability can significantly impact how their story is heard and understood. The program taught parents the importance of using sensitive and empowering language when discussing their children's challenges.

• Health and Wellbeing: The program highlighted that health and wellbeing are influenced by various factors, including family, friends, the community and the environment. By recognizing these influences, parents can better care for themselves and their children.

Selfcare and Interactions

Many participants have told us that the ENVISAGE Families Program taught them the importance of selfcare. They learned to allocate time to focus on themselves, which, in turn, improved their interactions with their children and their other family members. This newfound focus on selfcare enabled parents to find happiness and joy in their family moments, even amidst the challenges they faced.

Empathy and Coping Strategies

The program provides parents with valuable tools to navigate the adversities of raising children with developmental delays or disabilities. Participants were able to develop empathy and learn strategies that could help their families cope more effectively with the challenges they encountered. Through shared experiences and support from like-minded individuals, parents felt more equipped to handle their unique situations.

A Sense of Community

One of the most significant takeaways for participants was the realisation that they were not alone. There are many families out there facing similar challenges, and the ENVISAGE Families Program connected them with a supportive community. This sense of solidarity and the knowledge that others are on the same journey was both reassuring and empowering.

“I was also grateful for the opportunity the program gave me to connect to other families on similar journeys. The sessions provided a safe and honest space for us to talk about how overwhelming, exhausting and often very isolating it can feel being a parent of children with needs. Each week, I looked forward to connecting with the other participants, sharing our experiences and stories, and remembering I wasn’t alone,” Mandanna said.

“My family have undoubtedly felt the flow on and the benefits of me doing the ENVISAGE program — it has brought joy back into our journey. I don’t feel fearful now; I feel lighter, and hopeful. And when I catch myself getting stuck in the hard days or being tempted to hothouse therapy, I remember the powerful message of ENVISAGE: that real-life experiences are as important as therapy and to make the most of these precious moments of my children’s childhood. To be present with them, play with them, enjoy learning and growing alongside them. To love them and celebrate them for who they are and the gifts they have, and, most importantly, for the immeasurable joy they bring into my life.”

The ENVISAGE program has undoubtedly made a profound impact on the lives of parents raising children with developmental delays or disabilities. Through shared experiences, expert guidance, and a focus on selfcare and empathy, participants have gained valuable insights that have improved their ability to navigate the challenges they face. As these parents continue their journey, they do so with a newfound sense of community, strength, and empowerment. The ENVISAGE Families Program stands as a testament to the transformative power of support, education, and shared experiences in the world of parenting.

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