Libby Ellis

Libby Ellis lives in Hobart, Australia. She has two brothers: a younger brother, James, and an older brother, Matthew (who has a disability). She is married to Sebastian.

Libby has walked many steps with Matthew. For a number of reasons, he left his family home when he was nine and lived in a hostel and then group homes until his mid-twenties. At this time, Matthew’s family assisted him in moving into his own home. Matthew’s story of change has seen him move from a passive recipient of care in institutional settings to an active citizen in his own home and community.

Libby works for a vivid vision of inclusion. For 25 years, she has assisted others in taking centre stage in their own lives, most recently focussed on achieving home. Libby founded a capacity-building organisation called InCharge in 2011. Since then, she has worked at Housing Hub as their Housing Options Facilitator and Summer Foundation as their Person-Centred Housing Specialist. She is currently the Individualised Living Program Manager at Mable.

Safeguarding the future: A sibling’s view

How can we create space for parents and siblings to come together to safeguard their person’s good life?

Brothers and sisters are likely to have the longest relationships with their disabled siblings, perhaps lasting more than 70 years. Therefore, a brother or sister might become critical to safeguarding their sibling’s future well-being.

It can be a difficult subject to broach. It can be emotionally challenging, and the sheer weight of day-to-day life can be overwhelming enough. A strong system of support, however, will be more sustainable when siblings’ roles and thoughts are given space to breathe and materialise.

Libby drew on her own experience and many conversations with other brothers and sisters to share some helpful strategies with parents, siblings, and professionals in the room.

Learn about the other conference speakers and their presentations

Pre-conference webinars

• Webinar 1 – Decision-making in everyday life – Janet Klees
• Webinar 2 – Medical safeguarding – Jo Massarelli and Cathy Ludlum
• Webinar 3 – Now is the time for vision – Darcy Elks

Main conference

• Never too late to get a life – Cathy McMahon and Josey McMahon
• The secrets of fabulous skin self-direction – Margaret Ward
• What happens when I cark it? – Linda Hughes
• Planning ahead: Safeguarding decision-making – Helen Connolly
• The importance of trust and relationship in supported decision-making – Kim Roots
• Dream big! – Laura Esplin and Bernadette Esplin
• Building bridges to neighbourhood – Sarah Faulkner
• Safeguarding a Micro Enterprise for the future – Helen Neale
• Finding and safeguarding a job – Jan Kruger
• What’s the plan? Estate planning consideration for parents and carers – Stacey Bell
• Passing on the “How”: A sibling’s journey – Rebecca Altaffer
• It’s a long game: Planning for a great future for Valen in a constantly changing world – Ann Greer, Valen Litster, and Sally Aubrey
• How to set your Executor up for success – Stacey Bell
• Safeguarding the future: A sibling’s perspective – Libby Ellis
• Dispelling myths about the Disability Support Pension, Rent Assistance, and employment income – Paul Kruger
• Your money, your future – Carolina Albornoz
• Helping relationships flourish – Tim Bavinton
• Who is the person behind the behaviour, and what do they need? – Kane Morgan
• Safeguarding Isaac’s good life through a Service for One – Sheree Henley
• Emma Davidson MLA
• Planning future finances – Chris Oates
• Crafting and safeguarding a meaningful week for Cameron – Karen Caldwell, Cameron Zellner, and Markus Zellner