Ann Greer, Valen Litster, and Sally Aubrey gave a presentation titled "It's a long game: Planning for a great future for Valen in a constantly changing world."
Sally is a wife, mother, and medical doctor who grew up in a slightly chaotic but very loving household in North Queensland. As Val’s sister, she had a front-row seat to some of the challenges he experienced in his early life and has watched in awe as his family and support team have helped him build a life on his own terms.
As a sibling to two people who live with disability, Sally has a unique insight into how families can thrive despite a sometimes complex start.
It’s a long game: Planning for a great future for Valen in a constantly changing world
Valen Litster – a man with a severe communication impairment – opened this session using a slideshow to tell the audience about his present-day life. Val was involved in developing the captions for the slide show with the support of his family and team.
Ann Greer, Valen’s mother, discussed the past experiences, challenges, and strategies that have helped Valen become the happy man and good citizen he is today. With her signature candour, Ann shared her family’s questions and thoughts about Valen’s future when he will need help from people other than his parents.
Sally Aubrey is one of Valen’s two sisters. She discussed her thoughts on growing up in a family where lots of time and attention went elsewhere and her future support of her brother and sister. This plan is not fully formulated but is still under construction.
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
skinself-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