Kim Roots

Kim Roots is the Executive Officer of Side By Side Advocacy, a not-for-profit advocacy organisation that supports people with disability to enjoy full and meaningful participation in the community. It specialises in providing advocacy for people with intellectual disability.

Kim has been a member of several advisory groups and has provided feedback to the government on issues impacting the lives of people with disability.

The importance of trust and relationship in supported decision-making

Some people with disability need support to help them make decisions about their lives. The ability to make more informed decisions and to have these decisions heard, valued, and supported by others can impact a person’s approach to seeking support in the future. A positive experience can result in people seeking out trusted supporters sooner.

Based on her experience in advocacy, Kim Roots described possible approaches to supporting a person with intellectual disability in making decisions where there are challenging, complex, and potentially life-changing issues, including in circumstances where the decision supporter may not agree with the decision.

Kim also explored why it’s so important that people with disability have the time and space to develop trusting relationships with their support systems and to consider their options deeply.

Kim discussed some concrete examples of supported decision-making, including life planning for a person with intellectual disability who has little money management experience and supporting a person who is looking for love on the Internet.

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