We had a great day, Friday October 21st with over 300 in attendance at ANZ Docklands, Melbourne. We also hosted almost 2000 guests online via the vFairs platform. We couldn’t of done it without our wonderful sponsors: Gold: Victorian Department of Education, ANZ, and Newsboys; Silver: Amaze, Positive Partnerships and Jim’s Antennas/ Security, and Bronze: GenU Training, Auticon, Untapped, Specialisterne, The A-List, Yellow Ladybugs, Different Journeys Aspergers Victoria, Australian Catholic University, AASE and Travengers. To our I CAN staff and guests who attended but most importantly to the stars of the day, the student speakers who spoke proudly of their strengths inspiring guests and colleagues to be themselves and embrace their unique differences. You can watch those talks via out YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss a talk: https://www.youtube.com/@TheICanNetwork
PARTNERS & EXHIBITORS
Victorian Department of Education:
The Victorian Department of Education and Training is responsible for Victoria’s education system and is supporting the expansion of the I CAN Schools and I CAN Online Programs through its Autism Education Strategy.
ANZ
The ANZ Spectrum Program: Shaping a workplace where Autistic people thrive! By providing a supportive employment environment, ANZ hopes to empower Autistic people to build greater independence and thriving careers at ANZ and beyond.
Newsboys Foundation
Each year, Newsboys Foundation provides grants to approximately 30 community organisations who are working with young Victorians experiencing disadvantage. Our grants reach every corner of Victoria, supporting programs which are targeted at regional, metro and statewide youth.
AMAZE
Amaze is the peak body for Autistic people and their supporters in Victoria. Among’s Amaze’s services is Autism Connect which is a free, national autism helpline, providing independent and expert information over phone, email and webchat.
Positive Partnerships
Positive Partnerships works in partnership with families, educators and communities to strengthen positive outcomes for young people on the Autism Spectrum. Positive Partnerships delivers high quality professional learning and resources through workshops, webinars and online modules for parents, carers and school staff. This strengthens their capacity to support and advocate for young people on the Autism Spectrum.
Jim’s Antenna/Security
It’s a great way to celebrate Autistic young people and help bring valuable Autistic insights to a wider audience’ – David Legge, Jim’s Security. I CAN thanks Jim’s Security which is a residential and business security company operating local franchises across Australia. You can learn more about their services here: jimssecurity.com.au
GenU Training
genU Training breaks down the barriers to learning new skills. Virtual training, online study and face-to-face learning offer flexibility, while government funding for eligible individuals makes upskilling accessible to those who need a little support. genU Training’s expert educators are here to guide and support you with valuable training and industry connections to see you through your course and beyond.
Specialisterne
Specialisterne Australia assists organisations in recruiting and providing Autistic and neurodiverse-inclusive workplace practices and cultures. Specialisterne recognise that Autistic individuals offer a range of skills which can be of benefit to any job.
Untapped Group
Realising untapped talent. Untapped is passionate about identifying commercially-compelling opportunities in organisations for neurodiverse teams and uncovering extraordinary individuals to form those teams.
auticon
auticon is an international information technology consulting firm that exclusively employs adults on the Autism Spectrum as information technology consultants.
Different Journeys
Different Journeys provides social platforms that connect Autistic youth and Autistic adults and their families in inclusive, safe and supportive environments. This enables Different Journeys to provide individualised wraparound supports to decrease the prevalence of mental illness and social isolation in the Autism community and enhance employment and educational opportunities.
Yellow Ladybugs
Yellow Ladybugs is a non-government organisation with strong bridges to the community. YLB is dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of Autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals. YLB believes all Autistic individuals deserve to be recognised, valued, accepted and supported in order to realise their full potential.
Aspergers Victoria
Aspergers Victoria provides a range of grassroots support services across the lifespan from kids to adults, parents and carers, professionals and employers to support the discovery of strengths, manage challenges, and empower Aspies, for Aspies, with Aspies. Our Board all have lived experience as do all of our staff and our volunteers.
The A List
The A List is a platform to help young Autistic people (from as young as 7) and their families find social and group activities all across Australia. It also includes resources and videos to help Autistic people reach their social goals.
Travengers
Travengers AU is making travel possible for young autistic adults (15-35′) through social events and group travel. Kind of like Contiki with support.
– Social groups
– Supported group travel (Port Stephens, Tasmania, Noosa, New Zealand & more)
– Virtual Travel Group
On a mission for inclusion, independence and good times!
While creating a ripple-effect of awareness and acceptance on their way. https://travengers.com.au/
LIVE SCHEDULE
REGISTRATION & OPENING – 9:30am – 10:30am AEDT
9:30am – 10:00am – Registration at Live Event, ANZ Docklands
Opening – I CAN Network Founder/ CEO Chris Varney
Remarks by Andrew Baird, ANZ Spectrum Program
Pre-recorded remarks by Tim Richardson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Schools
Keynote – Max Williams, I CAN Mentor
HOW I CAN WORKS IN HIGH SCHOOLS – 10:30am – 11:00am
Kate Andrews – Northern Victoria I CAN Regional Manager
Rachael Hamilton, I CAN Mentor & Disability Inclusion Ambassador – I CAN Talk
Jake Holland – I CAN Mentee to Mentor
Tom Miller, I CAN Mentor
Video – Vic. Department of Education – The Art of Learning with Autism
Morning Tea – 11:00am – 11:20am
EMPLOYMENT PANEL – 11:30am – 12:30pm AEDT
Facilitator: Chris Varney
Andrew Baird – ANZ Spectrum Program
Andrew Eddy – Genius Armoury (Untapped)
Julie Robertson – Specialisterne
Meiko Giesemann – Auticon
15 mins – Q&A
Lunch – 12:30pm – 12:55pm
EDUCATION & POST SCHOOL PATHWAYS – 1:00pm – 1:50pm
Billy Exton, I CAN Facilitator – Saxophone Performance
Keynote – Christian Tsoutsouvas, I CAN Facilitator
Lachlan Peach, I CAN South West Mentor – I CAN Talk
Keynote – Jessica Feary, Positive Partnerships
Professor Sandra Jones, Pro Vice Chancellor ACU, Autism@ACU Program
MOVE TO CLOSING – 1:50pm – 2:00pm
1:50pm – 2:00pm – Gather in the Red Room Main Stage for Closing
2:00pm – 2:30pm – 2023 Announcements & Thank You’s – Julia Wake & Chris Varney
ONLINE SCHEDULE
I CAN ONLINE GROUP MENTORING PROGRAM
- Dinosaur Presentations – Thomas, Parker and Anders
- Jurassic Presentations – CT and Colby
- Minecraft Presentations – Shaun, Archie, Austin, Joaquin & Aiden
- Pokemon Presentations – Patrick, Kobi, Ethan and Eddie
- Star Wars Presentation – Gavin
- Harry Potter Presentation – Evie
- Imagination Club Presentation – Alex
- Anime Mentoring Group Presentation – Alessia
I CAN SCHOOL® GROUP MENTORING PROGRAM
- Podcast by Alkira Secondary College Students – Mark, Chrissy, Hayden, Tate & Elijah
- Numurkah Secondary College – Presentation by Lex
- Euroa Secondary College – Presentation by Levi, Christopher and Declan
- CRC Caroline Springs – Presentation by Sophia, Kayla, Alex and Christian
- Geelong High School – Presentation by Cylan, Aiden and Maddie
- Surf Coast Secondary College – Presentation by Bailey, Cherry, Brooke and Holly
- John Paul College Frankston – Presentation by Alanna
- Sacred Heart College Geelong – Presentation by Bella and Alex
- Craigslea State High School – Presentation by Samantha and Cara
- St Monica’s College Epping – Presentation by Bronte and Lachlan