Envisage Families Program
Discover our ENVISAGE-Families Program
At ENVISAGE-Families, we understand that raising children is a tough task, and raising children with developmental concerns or disabilities can sometimes be even more complex and challenging. That is why we’re here to empower, support, and connect you with knowledge, information, tools, and resources, but most importantly, other caregivers who share similar experiences. Our program was carefully crafted in collaboration with parents, service providers, and researchers from Australia and Canada, ensuring that it meets your needs.
Whether you prefer online or in-person interactions, ENVISAGE-Families has got you covered. We offer a series of five workshops, accompanied by engaging activities and helpful resources available on our learning platform. These workshops create a space for group discussions, led by a caregiver who has firsthand experience raising a child with a disability, along with a qualified early childhood professional.
Join us at ENVISAGE-Families and embark on a journey filled with support, acceptance, and genuine connection. Together, we’ll navigate the path of raising exceptional children, while creating a supportive community along the way.
What is health and well-being in early child and family development?
Workshop 1
About this Workshop
Join our workshop 1 as we discuss how to approach concerns about your child’s development, diagnosis, or disability. We understand that receiving this information can be life-changing for some families, and our goal is to empower you and support you through this experience.
While professionals may focus on challenges, we want to celebrate your child’s strengths and the possibilities for their future. Even in unexpected circumstances, your family can experience a joyous life together.
Child, sibling and family development .
Workshop 2
About this Workshop
In this workshop, we will explore the idea that every child, regardless of concerns about their development or disability, continues to grow and develop their unique identity within their own special family or community as they get older. We want you to explore and understand the growth of your child, yourself, and your family. It’s also important to consider your relationships with other children like siblings, partners, extended family, or members of your community.
Understanding and exploring development from a lifecourse perspective of “being, belonging, and becoming” can be empowering because it focuses on what matters most to families, both now and in the future.
Parenting is a dance led by the children!
Workshop 3
About this Workshop
In this workshop, we will talk about parenting as a “dance” with ever-changing steps and routines. Each dance is a unique interaction between a caregiver and child, influenced by your values and beliefs. As parents and caregivers, we bring our own perspectives, beliefs, and values into our relationships with our children, family, and friends. We know that caregivers play a central role in their children’s development. Understanding what is most important to us as parent and what matters most to us in our unique families, helps us care for our children and make decisions in ways that align with what is important and meaningful to us and our family.
Looking after myself so I can look after my family.
Workshop 4
About this Workshop
Caregivers often hear phrases like “you need to take care of yourself” or “make time for yourself.” We understand that this can feel impossible at times. Taking care of yourself and prioritising your well-being can be challenging but it is important for your health and well-being.
The purpose of this workshop is to explore why well-being is crucial in your role as a caregiver and how you can take small but meaningful steps to enhance your own health, well-being, and resilience. People can promote their own well-being in many different ways, so it’s important to find what works best for you.
Communication, Collaboration, and Connection.
Workshop 5
About this Workshop
In this workshop, we want to bring together the concepts we have discussed in previous sessions. We will explore the themes of communication, collaboration, and connection.
First, we will talk about how people use different ways to communicate in various situations and the many factors that influence communication. Different communication styles affect how we listen and respond.
Next, we will discuss the importance of developing healthy collaborative relationships with healthcare professionals and provide strategies to support these relationships.
Lastly, we will explore ways to create social and community connections that will support and strengthen your family network.