Engage Program

About our Engage Program

The Engage program was developed by Professors Philip Siddall, Skye Dong, Rebecca McCabe, and Professor Shane Clifton through HammondCare. It is funded by the iCare Foundation and in partnership with SCIA.

Engage is run twice annually and we accept registrations all year round. Once you have registered your interest, participation is subject to availability and will be confirmed following an interview with one of our team members.

Engage is a free 10-week program led by experienced facilitators with loved-experience of an acquired disability. They will help you:

Refocus on what you enjoy
Gain a clearer sense of personal direction
Connect with others
Identify new opportunities

Our next Engage Program will run from 15 October – 17 December, 2025.

To register for our Engage Program please fill in the form below.

What does the Engage program look like?

Six modules delivered in a structured group-based setting, guided by facilitators with lived-experience of a spinal cord injury
Three one-on-one coaching sessions where you will put theory into practice
One final group based wrap up session to reflect on your learnings and growth
Online delivery method

Our Engage Modules

Module 1

Where are we going?

This module will introduce some key concepts we will use throughout the Engage Program, as well as explain where we are going, the overall program, and allow us to get to know each other better.

Module 2

Grief, loss and trauma

In this module we explore the significant emotional impacts of a spinal cord injury and start to find ways to understand and explain our diverse experiences.

Module 3

What gets me up in the morning?

It is now time to start to explore meaning and purpose after SCI. We will look at how a strong sense of meaning and purpose can be good for us. 

Module 4

Excellence, strength and virtue

Getting to know yourself better and being comfortable with being honest and reflective are key steps to making new decisions about how you engage with the world. We use this module to help you explore YOU.

Module 5

Relationships

After a SCI, many people find that their relationships change. This in itself is not a bad thing, but the importance of having relationships is well known. We use this module to identify the people around you and how they impact on you, and you on them.

Module 6

Meaningful activities

Doing things that we enjoy, and we feel are worthwhile is an important part of feeling that life is meaningful. In this final module, we will explore activities that are fun for you and how to make them part of your life. 

Stories of Lived Experience

Chloe's story, a new injury and motherhood

Hear Chloe talk about how she is adapting to a new injury, and at the same time becoming a mum with a spinal cord injury.

Tim’s global adventure with sci

Listen to Tim’s honest story about the challenges of life with a spinal injury, especially with dealing with permanent pain. But also hear him tell about how rich and meaningful life can be.

Heidi’s down to earth story of life with sci.

“When I first got home, I did something different every day. There might be a little gem of an idea that you pick up from people that you think might make you happy and you say to yourself, Oh, I’ll get outside my comfort zone and give that a try.” – Heidi

Nick’s story, from devastation to the good life

Listen to an interview with Nick, as he shares his fear that a spinal cord injury when he was 18 years old would destroy his future, only to discover that living with the injury could be an adventure.

Sara’s story, motherhood and spirituality

Sara talks about her failed attempt to be a super cripple, and how she drew on spirituality and dance to succeed as a mother and partner with quadriplegia.

Shane’s story, from grief to happiness

Shane talks about how hard it has been to adjust to the grief of the injury and living with quadriplegia. But he also discusses the surprising realisation that he is now happy.

John’s story, a great life with disability

John talks about living with spinal cord injury over the long run, how he has lived a great life, and would not want to have lived any other way.

John passed away in 2022. John was a friend to many in the SCI community. The story he shared with the Engage team is one of opportunity and a life well lived. John is greatly missed but his story lives on.

Mark’s story, faith and advocacy

Mark shares how faith has helped him to navigate the challenges of living with high-level quadriplegia. He also tells us how advocacy has become his “sport” — his passion. Despite the difficulties, he says he lives a great life.

Errol’s story, life, loss, and sport

Errol has lived with spinal cord injury for decades, and he talks to Nick about the ups and downs of life, dealing with grief beyond the injury, and the value of sport for a good life with disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read answers to the most commonly asked questions relating to our Engage Program.

Who is this program for?

The program is for people with an acquired disability of any type and any duration. You may gain the most benefit if it is more than 12 months following your acquired disability but if you are within 12 months and very interested, please get in touch.

I actually feel as though I’m doing OK. Is there any point in doing this program?

This program is not just for people who feel they may be struggling with these issues. Strengthening our sense of meaning and purpose can benefit us all. Even if you feel as though life is going well, it is likely you will find the program helpful.

Do I have to live in Australia to do the program?

The program has been developed in Australia but is delivered online. While focused on Australian participants, people from other countries are welcome to contact us to see if spaces are available.

What is the eligibility criteria for the program?

The only criterion for the program is an acquired disability, a device with a camera and the ability to understand and participate in the online conversation. If you have a device with a camera but you are not familiar with doing things online, don’t worry! Our team can help you get set up.

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Alternatively, If you want to get in touch with us please fill in the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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