News

Indigenous Conference Services Australia Call for Abstracts

July 25, 2023

ICS AUSTRALIA IS CALLING FOR PAPERS

2024 First Nations Greater Choices for Disability Care Conference

2024 First Nations Greater Choices for Aged Care: Elders Wellbeing Conference

HILTON HOTEL

CAIRNS QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA

 April 22-24, 2024

First round of Paper Submission/Abstract Deadline: August 30, 2023

To submit your entry, please complete the online form at this link:  SUBMIT-A-PAPER

ICS Australia is proud to announce the launch of its 4th National First Nations Greater Choices for Disability Care Conference and 2024 First Nations Greater Choices for Aged Care: Elders Wellbeing Conference on April 22-24, 2024 at Hilton Hotel in Cairns QLD respectively. Call for papers are now open and sought for from NDIS service providers, allied health professionals, NDIS participants, family carers, community-controlled organisations and governments who wishes to share their program successes, challenges and personal journeys.

ICS success is based upon our principle of trusting our culture and listening and adhering to our grassroots, community-controlled grounding and as part of this, our future planning is open to input from grassroots community groups. With this in mind, we are extremely keen to receive grassroots communities’ input and allocated at least 50% of the conference agenda items for grassroots community organisations. These conferences should be seen as avenues for information sharing, purposeful networking and further professional development no matter which level you are in your career.

Call for papers are now open and sought for with guidelines in submitting paper as below:

  • Papers should not contain offensive language and take into account cultural sensitivities of host country.
  • Papers may treat the themes in a manner that contributes to further discussion of conference aims.
  • Conference papers must be presented in the finish format not less than 60 days prior to the event.
  • First round of papers closing date will be close of business on August 30, 2023.
  • Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted in the second round.
  • Papers should be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
  • Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance.
  • Registration fee of $750 will apply to all persons submitting papers payable upon acceptance of papers.
  • Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.
  • All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light.

Disability Care Conference Themes: Presentations should relate to one or more of the following conference themes:

Empowerment and Inclusion: This theme emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in all aspects of society. It focuses on fostering a culture of equality, respect, and autonomy, where NDIS participants are given the necessary support and resources to participate fully in social, economic, and community life. Papers maybe about self-advocacy, accessibility, inclusive education and employment, and the role of technology in enhancing independence.

Building Resilience and Well-being: This theme highlights the significance of promoting resilience and well-being among individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and support networks. It recognizes the unique challenges they may face and aims to address the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of NDIS participants holistically. Paper can cover topics such as mental health support, strategies for building resilience, caregiver well-being, and the role of therapeutic interventions in enhancing overall quality of life.

Innovation and Collaboration: This theme centres around fostering innovation and encouraging collaboration within the disability sector. It recognizes the need for continuous improvement and the development of new approaches, technologies, and strategies to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. The conference can focus on sharing innovative practices, promoting research and development, exploring partnerships between different stakeholders, and discussing the potential impact of emerging technologies on disability support and services.

These overarching themes aim to address key areas of concern and opportunities within the disability sector, while promoting an inclusive and forward-thinking approach to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Elders Wellbeing Conference Themes: Presentations should relate to one or more of the following conference themes:

Culturally Appropriate Care: This theme recognizes the unique needs, values, and perspectives of First Nations communities and emphasizes the significance of incorporating cultural protocols, traditional practices, and Indigenous knowledge into aged care services. Paper may include topics such as language preservation, connection to country, cultural safety, and the involvement of Indigenous communities in decision-making processes.

Holistic Health and Wellbeing: This theme acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of wellbeing. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive care that addresses not only medical needs but also social determinants of health, such as social connection, community support, and access to culturally appropriate services. Papers may include mental health support, chronic disease management, healthy ageing, and the role of community in supporting Elders’ wellbeing.

Empowerment and Self-Determination: This theme centres around the importance of First Nations communities having control over their own aged care services and policies. It highlights the need for collaborative approaches that empower Indigenous Elders, families, and communities to actively participate in decision-making processes and shape the design and delivery of aged care services. Paper may focus on capacity building, governance models, cultural governance, workforce development, and the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination in the aged care sector.

These overarching themes aim to guide the discussions and presentations at the First Nations Greater Choices for Disability & Aged Care Conferences, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of topics that are essential for the wellbeing of Indigenous Elders and First Nations peoples with disability and the improvement of aged and disability care services in First Nations communities.

Submit your entry at this link SUBMIT-A-PAPER to secure your place. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect, reflect and learn together. To register and for more information, please visit the conference website at www.icsconferences.org  or contact us by email at adminics@iinet.net.au.