For the second consecutive year, Minda was proud to be a gold sponsor of the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID) Leading Through Inclusion Conference.
Held at the Hilton Hotel earlier this month, the conference aims to empower people with intellectual disability by providing a strong platform to be seen, heard and understood.
Across two days, attendees heard from guest speakers, participated in interactive workshops and come-and-try activities, and enjoyed plenty of opportunities to connect with peers.
Chief Executive David Panter presented at the conference, using the valuable opportunity to highlight Minda’s strong and growing partnership with SACID.
"“We deeply value our partnership with SACID. Their independent advocacy services provide a safe, confidential space for clients to raise concerns and have their voices heard."
“Minda continues to work closely with SACID, particularly in advocating for improvements to the NDIS to ensure it truly meets the needs of people with intellectual disability.”
Several clients once again attended the conference, including Bev, who said she “really enjoyed” this year’s event, which gave her the chance to share stories and connect with peers.
“I’ve been to a couple of the events, and I always really enjoy them,” Bev said.
“SACID provides a safe place to share our thoughts and opinions. It’s nice to know there’s a group that listens and helps us speak out when we need support.”
Bev also regularly attends SACID workshops held at Minda’s Brighton Neighbourhood, which focus on important life topics such as client rights, online safety and building relationships.
“I learn a lot from these workshops, and they tell us how we can speak up if something’s not right – it’s important that we have access to these workshops,” she said.
Minda Chief Executive, David Panter presenting at the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID) Leading Through Inclusion Conference. Photo: SACID.
During his presentation, Dr Panter also shared Minda’s broader commitment to advocacy, support and services for people with intellectual disability.
“We have made important changes since shifting away from an institutional model and embracing a more person-centred, life journey approach,” he said.
“Our strategic plan commits to supporting people with intellectual disability to live independently, be heard and thrive in inclusive, connected communities.”
Staff standing at the Minda stall during the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID) Leading Through Inclusion Conference. Photo: SACID.
The Minda Soldiers, a client advocacy group, play a vital role in co-design and in enhancing services in line with Minda’s strategic direction.
“Recently, we’ve seen clients work alongside our HR team to design recruitment processes that ensure the people we support are involved in selecting support workers,” Dr Panter added.
“This gives clients a voice in choosing staff who best understand and support their individual needs.”
He also spoke about Minda’s Truth Telling Project, which amplified the voices of clients last year - giving them the space to share their personal stories.
The project culminated in a short film titled A House for Humans, featuring 14 clients who shared their lived experiences—the good and the challenging—at Minda.
Partnering with like-minded organisations such as SACID, Minda is deepening its commitment to inclusion and to strengthening the voices of people with intellectual disability.
These valued partnerships are key to building a future where people with intellectual disability are heard, respected and supported to live independently and thrive in connected communities.
Together, Minda and SACID look forward to continuing their collaboration to drive positive change and deliver meaningful outcomes for the people they support.