Karen Caldwell

Karen is a partner in a micro-business, StretchAbility, and runs classes teaching adults how to stretch safely and efficiently. She is also a volunteer boat race official assisting Rowing ACT in the smooth running of regattas and wintertime trials. Karen enjoys walking up and down hills and reading.

Karen lives with her partner in life, Markus, and they have two adult sons, Aidan and Cameron. She coordinated Cameron’s home education (ABA) Program for ten years and has been the self-manager of Cameron’s NDIS Plan since 2015.

In February 2022, Cameron’s Circle of Support was incorporated to become his Microboard, Cameron’s Colour Crew. Along with family and friends, Karen is one member of “Cameron’s Crew”. They walk alongside Cameron to help him achieve his goals, strengthen his relationships with the community, and safeguard his good life.

Crafting and safeguarding a meaningful week for Cameron

Post-school life can be an intimidating prospect for young adults with disability and their families. Over the past five years, Cameron and his team have slowly developed a week that provides him with purpose and meaning.

Like any other young adult, Cameron wants a job, friends who share his interests, and to move out of the family home.

Cameron introduced himself and explained what his week and life look like now. His mother, Karen, described what makes an activity or routine meaningful to Cameron, how a “meaningful week” is crafted, and what steps they are taking to safeguard it for him.

Many typical and important relationships in our lives are unpaid, and they bring stability, fun, joy, and well-being into our lives.

Cameron’s Microboard is helping him identify and achieve his goals while strengthening his relationship within his community. Karen explained what a Microboard is, how it differs from a Circles of Support, and how Cameron’s Colour Crew is safeguarding a meaningful week for Cameron.

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