Why Your Organisation Needs EPIC
“Inclusion is No Longer Optional”
Every community organisation that works with children is already doing incredible things. In NSW and across Australia, inclusion is no longer optional: it’s embedded in local government Disability Inclusion Action Plans (DIAPs), state policy, and national disability rights frameworks.
Neurodivergent children, including but not limited to those with autism and ADHD, are increasingly visible in mainstream schools, clubs and community programs. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded that in 2022, 4.3% of Australians aged 5-14 years were autistic. 6-10% of Australian school-aged children are estimated to have ADHD (May et al, 2023).
This means organisations are likely to encounter children with very different communication, sensory, and participation needs. But many systems, environments and routines weren’t designed with that diversity in mind.
Good intentions don’t always translate into inclusive outcomes without practical planning, reflection and design.
That’s where EPIC comes in.
Underneath everything I do is the EPIC Participation Framework™ - a research‑grounded, lived‑experience‑driven approach that makes invisible participation barriers visible. It helps organisations move from guessing why inclusion fails to intentionally designing participation that lasts.
Right now, you can access EPIC‑informed support through my consultancy services. More resources are on the way.
Why work with EPIC now?
Community spaces play a vital role in supporting wellbeing, authentic participation, and a sense of belonging for neurodivergent children. EPIC helps you:
Understand your inclusion strengths and challenges through audits and insights
Review and refine programs so they genuinely work for diverse learners and participants
Align with DIAP commitments, NSW disability inclusion expectations, and good practice - without jargon or blame
Strengthen grant and funding applications (including Club NSW and local council community grants) by showing thoughtful planning, context awareness, and evidence of meaningful inclusion work
Inclusion isn’t just “the right thing to do” - it’s a strategic asset. It builds safer, more welcoming spaces, improves engagement and participation, and supports organisations to demonstrate commitment to their communities, compliance with policy expectations, and readiness for future challenges.
A gentle note on how I work
I keep clear boundaries so I can focus on quality.
Free advice is given through speaking events, expo stalls, social media, and public videos.
Paid, direct support is available through my consultancy services.
Courses and tools are self‑paced and affordable.
Future EPIC Sites receive licensing and training, not ongoing free consulting.
This clarity means you always know what to expect – and I can sustainably support organisations over the long term.