Free Webinar | Getting Started with Independent Living and the NDIS

Thinking about independent living can feel overwhelming, especially when the NDIS is involved. With so many acronyms, pathways and opinions, families are often left unsure where to start, what matters most, and how to plan without making costly or irreversible decisions.

This free webinar will provide you with confidence and practical guidance.

Join Nicole Rogerson, founding CEO of Autism Awareness Australia, in conversation with Libby Ellis, a nationally recognised leader in independent living and person-centred practice, for a discussion on how to get started with independent living and the NDIS.

Together, they’ll share what families really need to know, focusing on people first.

In this webinar, we’ll cover:

• How to start with a vision of a good life, before looking at funding
  
• Independent living options explained in plain English (SDA, SIL, ILO and beyond)
  
• The difference between housing (bricks and mortar) and supports (services)
  
• What “good” looks like in practice, and red flags to avoid
• Safety, stability and planning for the future with confidence
  
  

By the end of the session, families will:

• Understand home and living basics in clear, practical terms
  
• Feel more confident talking about options and asking the right questions
  
• Know the first step to take, even if a move isn’t imminent
• Feel reassured that planning can be staged, and doesn’t need all the answers today

Webinar Details

When: Thursday 29 January 2026, 12:00 PM AEDT
Where: Zoom
Cost: FREE
Q&A: Yes, so have your questions ready
Recording: Available to all registered attendees

Can’t join live? Register anyway and you’ll get the recording.

Register now

Meet our Speakers

Libby Ellis
Mable

Libby Ellis has spent more than 25 years advancing self-determination, inclusion and independent living for people with disability. Inspired by her brother’s journey from group homes to self-managed supports, Libby has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families create living arrangements that put people in control of their own lives. She brings deep expertise in person-centred practice, home and living pathways, and translating complex systems into practical solutions.

Nicole Rogerson
Autism Awareness Australia

Nicole Rogerson is one of Australia’s leading voices in autism advocacy and disability policy. For more than 18 years, she has worked alongside families, governments and service providers to improve inclusion, early intervention and lifelong outcomes for autistic people. Nicole is a passionate advocate for person-centred planning and practical support for families navigating complex systems.

Proudly Supported by

Mable connects people seeking disability and aged care support with independent support workers of their choice. With a focus on flexibility, transparency and choice, Mable supports thousands of Australians to build support arrangements that reflect what matters most to them. Through partnerships with organisations like Autism Awareness Australia, Mable is committed to helping families navigate support options with confidence and clarity.