Do you work in the NDIS sector? Are you interested in connecting with people who share your passion for caring and improving the lives of people with mental health conditions and disability in our community?

Join us for a networking event to promote a discussion on NDIS changes, sponsored by Senami Counselling and Psychotherapy Services.

October 1 marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re proud to welcome Fiona Watson as our keynote speaker. Fiona has worked on and supported initiatives focused on improving breast screening awareness and accessibility for people with disability.

We encourage everyone to wear pink on the day in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 💗

Support BreastScreen SA and help make early detection of breast cancer possible for more South Australians.

Event Highlights by Senami

Senami Counselling and Psychotherapy Services hosted Adapting to Change Together on 1 October 2026 at Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes by IHG. The event brought together professionals and community members to explore NDIS reform, disability support, participant choice and control, accessible healthcare and the importance of evidence-based practice.

Through expert presentations, lived experience perspectives and collaborative discussions, the event encouraged attendees to share knowledge, strengthen connections and consider practical ways to improve outcomes for people living with disability and mental health challenges.

Connecting Through Lived Experience and Community

The programme opened with a Welcome to Country and a lived experience speaker, recognising the importance of inclusion, respect and listening to the voices of people with disability. The event also welcomed The Hon Michelle Lensink MLC as Guest of Honour.

The Hon Michelle Lensink MLC as Guest of Honour

The About Senami segment introduced attendees to Senami Counselling and Psychotherapy Services, its commitment to inclusive communities and its work supporting people with disability and mental health challenges. The presentation also featured Dr Robert John Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Senami, whose leadership focuses on organisational growth, transformation and the continued development of life-enhancing services for participants, families and communities.

Dr Robert John Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Senami

Improving Breast Screening Awareness and Accessibility

Fiona Watson delivered an informative presentation on improving breast screening awareness and accessibility for people with disability. Her session explored why access to breast screening matters, the barriers some people experience and how healthcare services can provide more inclusive and accessible experiences.

The presentation covered practical adjustments for people with mobility, sensory and communication needs, including wheelchair access, sensory-friendly clinics, individualised support and preparing for appointments. It also highlighted the role of support workers in communicating access requirements, respecting consent and helping people feel informed and comfortable throughout the screening process.

The session reinforced the importance of planning ahead and working with BreastScreen SA to identify suitable appointments and adjustments, helping improve equitable access to essential breast health services.

Fiona Watson — Radiographic Services Delivery Manager, BreastScreen SA

Protecting Choice and Control Through NDIS Reform

Justine Hall explored Protecting Choice and Control in an Evolving Landscape, focusing on the role of plan management in helping NDIS participants understand and make effective use of their funding amid ongoing scheme changes.

Her presentation covered the evolution of plan management, changes affecting plan usage, evidence requirements, end-to-end compliance and the importance of effective collaboration between participants, plan managers, support coordinators and service providers. It also examined safeguarding participants, payment integrity, practical strategies and tools that can help people better understand their NDIS plans.

The session highlighted the importance of clear communication, appropriate documentation and evidence to support funding decisions. It also reinforced that collaboration and informed decision-making are essential to protecting participant choice and control while responding to changing NDIS requirements.

Justine Hall — State Relationship Manager, Plan Partners

Evidence-Based Reporting and Good Governance

Sharon Floyd presented Evidence-Based Reporting and Good Governance: Preparing Providers for Module 5A and a Changing NDIS Regulatory Environment. Her session explored the changing expectations facing NDIS providers, with particular attention to Supported Independent Living (SIL), governance responsibilities, evidence-based reporting and regulatory compliance.

The presentation examined the transition to mandatory SIL registration, the updated SIL Practice Standards and the importance of demonstrating that policies and procedures translate into safe, consistent everyday practice. It also explored what auditors assess across documentation, people and actual service delivery, highlighting the need for reliable evidence of participant rights, safeguarding, supported decision-making and accountability.

Sharon’s presentation encouraged providers to strengthen internal audits, review their evidence, improve workforce capability and ensure governance systems reflect what participants experience in practice. The key message was that quality and compliance must be embedded in everyday service delivery rather than addressed only when an audit approaches.

Sharon Floyd — Director, Engels Floyd Quality Consulting

Making Participant Voice Count: Evidence, Co-Design and Meaningful Outcomes

Narelle Akers brought a participant-centred perspective to discussions about NDIS reform, exploring how providers can use evidence and co-design without losing sight of the people receiving support. Her presentation, Making Participant Voice Count, examined the importance of gathering evidence with participants rather than simply collecting information about them.

The session explored how lived experience, accessible communication and meaningful participation can help providers understand what matters to each person and demonstrate whether supports are achieving useful outcomes. It also considered how evidence can inform assessments, support decisions and strengthen submissions while keeping the participant’s preferences, goals and choices central.

Narelle’s presentation highlighted that effective evidence is more than paperwork or a collection of reports. It should reflect the person’s circumstances, functional needs, goals and experiences, helping ensure that decisions about disability support remain person-centred, informed and responsive to individual needs.

Narelle Akers — National Operations Manager, Communication Extra

Panel Discussion, Reflection and Networking

The programme brought these perspectives together through a panel discussion and Q&A, giving attendees an opportunity to reflect on the topics covered and consider their implications for the disability and mental health sectors. The discussions encouraged the exchange of ideas around NDIS reform, governance, plan management, participant voice and practical approaches to improving support.

Reflection and closing remarks provided an opportunity to bring the key themes together, while networking and lunch allowed attendees to build professional connections, share experiences and continue conversations beyond the formal presentations.

Supporting BreastScreen SA

Alongside its focus on learning and collaboration, Adapting to Change Together supported BreastScreen SA, with 100% of event proceeds pledged for donation to support breast cancer awareness and research.

This initiative reflected the event’s broader commitment to community engagement and the importance of improving access to healthcare and support. By bringing professionals and community members together around these discussions, Senami aimed to contribute to greater awareness, inclusion and collaboration.

Thank You for Being Part of Adapting to Change Together

Senami Counselling and Psychotherapy Services extends its sincere thanks to our Guest of Honour, speakers, attendees, partners and everyone who contributed to Adapting to Change Together. We are grateful to Fiona Watson, Sharon Floyd, Justine Hall and Narelle Akers for sharing their expertise and perspectives, and to everyone who helped make the event an opportunity for meaningful discussion and connection.

We also thank the attendees who participated, asked questions and shared their experiences throughout the programme. Your engagement helped create an environment for learning, reflection and collaboration across the disability support, mental health and NDIS communities.

At Senami, we believe that meaningful progress comes from listening, sharing knowledge and working together. We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting future opportunities that contribute to better outcomes for people living with disability and mental health challenges.

We Thank you for being part of Adapting to Change Together.