Linda Hughes

Linda lives and works on Awabakal land in Newcastle. She has a long history as an advocate in the disability sector and has been immersed in the NDIS since its launch in 2013.

Linda is the proud parent of Jacob Hughes, who has a disability. Jacob lives in his own home, which he shares with a housemate. He has a circle of support that helps him with decision-making, thinking, planning, and taking action.

Linda has thought long and hard about planning for the future and safeguarding a good life for Jacob. She shares her ideas and tactics generously with others through speaking and writing.

What happens when I cark it?

For families with a son or daughter with disability, myself included, “what happens when I cark it?” is perhaps our biggest worry. It is what kept Linda Hughes awake at 2:00 am, worrying about her son Jacob.

How will Jacob be able to live a good life? What can I do to ensure he is happy, well, and safe? What is needed for him to have a sense of belonging, to contribute, to be valued and loved? Jacob needs help in many aspects of his life and support to make decisions and enact them. How will his life continue without me?

In what is definitely a “work in progress,” Linda shared some of her family’s insights and strategies as they plan for a safeguarded future for Jacob. She described how they started his circle of support, how they supported Jacob in living in his own place with an individualised living arrangement, and what they’re doing now to “hand over the baton.”

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