2026 T1 Session 3 - Understanding Who We Are

Session 3 focused on getting to know who we are as a group and making plans as we move forward together. We heard from Angela, who shared her disability journey with her children through their neurodivergence and the accommodations made at home and at school. Angela also shared with us her own recent neurodivergence diagnosis which has been enlightening and affirming for who she is. Her presence within the group provides valuable and experiential knowledge of lived experience of neurodivergence within oneself and one's family. MyTime Penrith, is journeying alongside her to learn about the processes and policies in place in an education setting to foster inclusion for children who are neurodivergent. 

Inquiry Based Learning approach was enacted in the session where research into inclusive policy and processes in schooling will occur. This will entail inquiring with expert opinion and research. This was instigated through authentic and contextual questions arising from navigating disability supports from Angela and the members of the group. Preliminary research has occurred and results of the findings will be discussed in the next session. This model approach creates a team effort towards problem solving and learning when encountering issues. Engagement in this activity from members who are yet to "walk the walk" will provide useful insights and understandings. MyTime Penrith also has a wealth of knowledge from its members as many work within the education sector or have been through the process of enrolment and schooling. 

One of the key messages for Angela in her Australian Story was to see the child as unique and individual. She mentioned that diagnosis of neurodivergence provides affirmation, clarity and a starting block to do your own research to understand neurodivergence. She emphasised that the biggest teacher, however, is the person with neurodivergence. If you've met one person with neurodivergence, you've only met one person with neurodivergence. Being able to learn from her children has provided her and her partner the most accurate information to best support their children's development. Some recommendations and supports out their may not be fitting for your child's needs. Being able to distinguish that is important. 

Angela and her family's journey is a continual learning process just like all the families in MyTime Penrith. Since her own diagnosis, she is beginning to make more time for herself as a carer and to set boundaries to support herself. At times it can be a juggling act especially balancing needs everyone's needs as well as the other demands in life such as work. She acknowledges that at times the answer is not as clear and it takes time to work out the best answers together. 

MyTime Penrith also discussed the need for community engagement at Braddock PS. We are planning for an engagement activity. Communication has been made with the school and we are in the process of planning how that would look. MyTime Penrith seeks to educate and empower carers to better navigate and self determine in the disability support system. This is a crucial missing link that the members are passionate to engage in and help provide education on. It offers members leadership experience to mentor and support others in the community who are vulnerable. The aim of this is to provide MyTime Penrith members with leadership and advocacy experiences. 

*I hope that it'll inspire MyTime Penrith members to one day become facilitators of MyTime, to lead and support other carers - Tanya mentioned something along the lines of this during the session towards the end - "why don't they have a MyTime in the Hawkesbury? There's nothing out there ;)

Until next time!

Jenny Lai (MyTime Penrith Facilitator)