Exploring meaning and purpose after an acquired disability
ENGAGE
About the Engage Program
The Engage is a part of our Resilience Programs. It is a free 10-week program led by experienced facilitators, at least one of whom has an acquired disability to help you:
- Refocus on what you enjoy
- Gain a clearer sense of personal direction
- Connect with others
- Identify new opportunities
Based on research on post-traumatic growth, Engage explores how people can flourish after traumatic life-changing events. The program includes six content filled group sessions, followed by one-on-one coaching to support you to put your learnings into practice. Read the program overview.
It uses the stories of people with lived experience of spinal cord injury to guide learning and demonstrate how meaning and purpose can be found after a traumatic, life-changing event. Listen to a few of these experiences on our Stories page.
The Engage program was developed by Professors Philip Siddall, Skye Dong, Rebecca McCabe, and Shane Clifton through HammondCare, and 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 Program Dates 2024
- Wednesday 7th February 2024
- Wednesday 31st July 2024
To enquire about the next online Engage program please complete the Registration of Interest Form.
75% of participants feel significantly more connected to people with a similar lived experience following the Engage Program.
[SCIA Impact Survey 2022]
Engage Alumni
Anyone who has completed an Engage Program can join the Engage Alumni. These quarterly meeting are held online by the Engage facilitators and allow you to reconnect, discuss your progress towards goals, and continue to learn from and with others.
Alumni Dates
- 31st January
- 17th April
- 17th July
- 9th October
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“I’ve been surprised to discover, 10 years after the injury I thought had destroyed my life, that life is good – bloody hard sometimes, but still full of purpose.”
Shane, C5 incomplete quadriplegic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
- How much does the program cost?
This program is currently funded by SCIA and participation is free.
- 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.
- Who developed the program?
The program was initially funded by the iCare Foundation. It was developed by health professionals, Philip Siddall, Shane Clifton, Skye Dong and Rebecca McCabe alongside a team of people with spinal cord injury. It is currently delivered by Suzie Stollznow and Emily Bray for SCIA.
- 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.
