At PDCN, we offer one-on-one peer mentoring to people with physical disability and to parents or unpaid informal supports of people with disability.
Our team have lived experience of disability and can assist you with ideas, goals, or challenges you may be working through. We can even help you start some new hobbies!
You are the expert in knowing what is best for you however, sometimes talking to someone outside of your regular circle may help you gain clarity, more information and opportunities.
Some examples of topics we can help with are:
- Information and a better understanding of any aspect of the NDIS;
- Self-advocacy, assertiveness, and your rights or the rights of your child;
- Resilience during and beyond the coronavirus pandemic;
- Enhancing independence;
- Relationships;
- Adapting to change;
- Barriers – internal or external;
- Practical living skills;
- Travel accessibility (local, interstate and overseas);
- Accessing your community, starting a new hobby or activity.
Adrian O’Malley – Lead Educator & Peer Mentor
First and foremost, Adrian is a dad, horticulturalist, outdoor enthusiast, and an avid bird watcher. Adrian survived a stroke in 2006 resulting in physical disability and vision impairment. He has worked in the disability sector in various roles for more than nine years ranging from community engagement, training to Support Coordination with NDIS participants.Adrian joined PDCN in April 2020 and is now our Lead Peer Facilitator and Mentor. He works closely with people with disabilities, and their families, to help work towards goals and build capacity and independence. Adrian’s role also includes facilitating PDCN’s workshops in our NDIS Series, Speaking Up, Post-Traumatic Growth, Employability Edge and Disability Inclusion.
Nicole Newton – Educator & Peer Mentor
Creative and curious by nature, Nicole is a mother to two young men, her youngest son acquiring a brain injury at birth in 2006. Her work in graphic design pivoted at this point to caring for her sons fulltime, whilst also focusing on her own personal, professional and spiritual development. This path led to a career change in facilitation and coaching, concentrating on effective communication, mindset, emotional regulation and self-care.
Bringing her professional expertise and lived experience as a parent to a child with a disability, Nicole joined PDCN in October 2023 in the role of Educator and Peer Mentor. She continues to work closely with people with disabilities and their families, working with them towards independence, empowerment and achievement of goals. Her role also includes facilitating PDCN’s workshops alongside Adrian, and she created Nurturing Self – a workshop for parents. Drawing from her personal experiences and that of other parents of children with disability, Nicole developed this workshop to support parents walking a similar path feel seen, heard, and valued while sharing practical self-nurturing strategies.
Our team have a wealth of knowledge with lived experience of disability. If you are interested in individual peer mentoring or a less formal chat, please contact us or register your interest using the form below.
Register Today
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.