Compass Event
Strengthening Independence
A free event for people with disability, families and carers.
Hear real experiences, explore practical ideas and learn how support, health, home and environment can help strengthen independence in everyday life.
DATE
Friday 13 November 2026
TIME
11.00 am – 1.00 pm
WHERE
St Albans Community Centre
Early registration recommended.
What does strengthening independence look like for you?
Independence means different things to different people.
It might mean pursuing something you love. Studying towards a goal. Feeling comfortable in your own home. Getting out into the community. Spending time with friends. Or simply having more choice over how you live your day.
At Strengthening Independence, we’ll bring together real experience and different professional perspectives to explore what can help make more of this possible.
ON THE DAY YOU CAN
Hear real experiences
from people with lived experience of disability.
Explore practical ideas
that can support everyday independence and quality of life.
Hear different perspectives
across allied health, accessible housing and disability support.
Take part
in a short, accessible physiotherapy activity.
THE PANEL
Four perspectives. One shared conversation.
Katie Jeffery
Sports player & Carlton fan
LIVED EXPERIENCE · ACCESSIBILITY · PARTICIPATION
Katie enjoys playing a range of sports, including wheelchair soccer, which she especially loves. She’s also a passionate Carlton supporter. She joins the panel to share her lived experience and what greater independence has meant in her everyday life.
Tom Worsnopp
SDA & Accessible Housing Specialist
HOME · ENVIRONMENT · ACCESSIBLE HOUSING
Tom has extensive experience across the disability sector. His work has focused on helping people find housing and environments that better support independence, choice and quality of life.
Alex McIntosh
NeuroRehab Allied Health Network
Senior Physiotherapist · Clinical Educator
Hear how rehabilitation and neurophysiotherapy can help support everyday capability and independence — followed by a short practical session for attendees.
Jonathan Edmonds
Founder & CEO, La Vita Care · Facilitator
DISABILITY SUPPORT · WHOLE-PERSON CARE
Jonathan will facilitate the conversation, bringing together the different perspectives and keeping the focus on the individual and the life they want to live.
01
Welcome + connect
Our friendly team will greet you and make sure you feel at ease right away.
02
Panel conversation
Hear different perspectives on what can strengthen independence in everyday life.
03
Practical physiotherapy session
Take part in a short, accessible activity led by NeuroRehab Allied Health Network and learn more about how physical capability and rehabilitation can support everyday independence.
04
Questions + conversation
Opportunity to hear more, ask questions and connect with the people involved.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A practical conversation — not just another information session.
THE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Something practical to take away.
Strengthening Independence isn’t only about listening.
A physiotherapist from NeuroRehab Allied Health Network will lead a short practical session exploring examples of how movement, physical capability and rehabilitation can support everyday independence.
The session will be designed so people can participate at a level that is appropriate for them. No special experience is required. Participation optional.
Independence looks different for everyone.
FOR LUKE,
it includes continuing to create art and getting out to the places that inspire him.
FOR TYLER,
it means choice and autonomy, pursuing his studies and working towards bigger goals.
FOR RAY,
it can be enjoying the colourful courtyard he has created — a place where neighbours and the La Vita Care team can stop, chat and enjoy each other’s company.
AND
sometimes it looks like simply meeting your mates for coffee and being part of your local community.
There isn’t one definition of independence.
That’s why the conversation starts with the person and what matters to them.
THE LA VITA CARE COMPASS
Why a La Vita Care Compass Event?
Independence is rarely shaped by just one thing.
Your health matters. Your home matters. Your relationships matter. Your goals matter. Your community matters. And the support around you matters.
The La Vita Care Compass reflects our whole-person approach to support — understanding the different parts of someone’s life and how they work together around what matters to that person.
Compass Events bring those ideas into real conversations with people who have different experiences and expertise. Strengthening Independence is our first Compass Event.
ST ALBANS + GUARDIAN LIVING
Why St Albans?
The event also marks the opening of Guardian Living’s new Specialist Disability Accommodation in St Albans, where La Vita Care will provide onsite support.
It’s a fitting setting for a conversation about independence.
Our home, environment, health, support and community can all influence how we live — and what becomes possible.
WHO IT’S FOR
We’d love you to join us.
The event is particularly for:
People with disability who are interested in strengthening independence and quality of life.
Families and carers looking for ideas, perspectives and possibilities.
We also warmly welcome people and organisations who support people with disability, including support coordinators, allied health professionals, hospital and discharge teams, associations and community organisations, and disability support professionals.
ACCESSIBILITY
Designed so you can participate.
We want everyone attending to feel comfortable and able to take part. The event will be planned with accessibility in mind, including:
-
Accessible venue entry and movement through the space
-
Room layout suitable for mobility devices
-
Accessible amenities
-
Support for different participation needs
Is there anything we can do to help you participate comfortably? Tell us when you register and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
EVENT DETAILS
Strengthening Independence
La Vita Care Compass Event
WHEN
Friday 13th November 2026
11.00 am–1.00 pm
WHERE
St Albans Community Centre (STACC)
33 Princess Street, St Albans VIC 3021
GETTING THERE
There is parking available at the venue, including accessible parking spaces.
COST
Free to attend
Limited places · Early registration recommended
REGISTER FREE
Join us at Strengthening Independence.
Register below and we’ll send you confirmation and everything you need before the event.