Pathways to Possibilities possibilities icon

Pathways to Possibilities is a guided journey to planning for the future. Small groups work together encouraging each other, exploring future options and building networks and supports over 5-6 sessions.

The workshop focus’ on outcomes that promote community presence based on choice and preferences; valued social roles; the contribution of people with a disability and promoting community capacity to support and welcome people.

Each family has the support of an ally – a well networked community member or professional. Their role is to encourage and support during the sessions, and action goals set by the family between sessions, emphasizing actively building supportive community networks and less reliance on services. A focus on gifts capacities and strengths.

Pathways to Possibilities Presentation - web - online, PowerPoint (download 2MB).

Outcomes for people who have a disability include:

  • Community presence based on choice, preference and interest
  • New opportunities to contribute their unique skills within their local community
  • Paid employment and volunteer opportunities
  • Inclusion in mainstream sporting and leisure activities
 Parents report gaining:
  • Knowledge, understanding, new skills and feel a greater sense of self effectiveness.
  • Enhancement of their leadership skills, making a difference & being valued for their contribution
  • Decrease in isolation for some families, by building personal networks
  • Additional informal and formal networks that support community inclusion for their family member
  • Reflection time to plan long term supports and goals
  • The opportunity to negotiate and direct their assistance
  • Greater insight into the philosophy and practice of human services
  • More ideas to assist other families and people with a disability

Allies & Professionals gain:

  • Enhancement of their professional development and/or leadership skills
  • Enhancement of their ability to engage community and see each family and their family member as a valued member of society that would be reflected in the outcomes of the training/sessions
  • Enhancement of the capacity of their community to build relationships with people with a disability and their families and increase their inclusion in community life
  • Ability for community members to form a greater understanding within their peer groups as to the issues faced by people with disabilities and their families