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Embrace inclusive design at our one-day forum!

The Altro Neurodiversity Care Forum is a free one-day learning and networking event where you will hear from top experts in neurodiversity and design.

With three captivating speakers and a thought-provoking panel discussion, you'll leave with a renewed passion for creating inclusive environments. You'll also gain practical insights through an engaging workshop presented by Aspect, Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with takeaways you can implement immediately.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. The conference agenda is available in the table below.

Following the forum, we invite you to join us for a cocktail-style networking dinner and drinks from 6 - 9 pm at the Felons Manly, just a short walk from the conference venue.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your design practice and champion inclusivity. Places are limited. Register via the form below.

Meet our speakers and the topics they’ll be presenting

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Keynote presentation

Patricia Falcetta, OAM
Neurodiversity Advocate, Executive Coach, and Entrepreneur

Designing Neuro-Inclusive Spaces: How Understanding Neurodivergent Conditions Transforms Our Physical Environments

The keynote, "Designing Neuro-Inclusive Spaces: How Understanding Neurodivergent Conditions Transforms Our Physical Environments", explores how recognising and understanding diverse neurodivergent conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Sensory Processing Disorder can lead to more inclusive and supportive physical spaces.


This presentation will highlight the sensory, cognitive, and emotional needs of neurodivergent individuals and emphasise the importance of designing flexible and adaptable environments that minimise sensory overload and accommodate various work and interaction styles. It will encourage leaders, designers, and organisations to rethink conventional design norms to create physical spaces where everyone feels valued and understood, ultimately enhancing all individuals' overall experience and productivity.

Introducing Patricia
Patricia Falcetta is an accomplished business leader and executive coach with over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. As a neurodivergent individual herself, Patricia is deeply passionate about advocating for the rights and well-being of neurodivergent people. Patricia founded Social Living Solutions, an organisation dedicated to supporting neurodivergent youth, families, and adults through holistic programs and resources.

Hands-on Workshop 

Dr Tom Tutton
Executive Manager, Aspect Autism Friendly

Building Inclusion: An Experiential Workshop on Autism and the Built Environment

"Building Inclusion: An Experiential Workshop on Autism and the Built Environment" is a hands-on session presented by Aspect, Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider.

Led by Emma and Tom, this workshop will explore key topics such as design, materiality, structure, and organisation, as well as sensory stressors and sensory joys for autistic individuals. It will help you understand how the built environment impacts the experiences of people on the autism spectrum. Through an interactive activity, you'll learn from lived experience and gain valuable insights and actionable strategies that you can implement in your own practices.

Introducing Tom
Dr Tom Tutton is the Executive Manager of Aspect Autism Friendly.  Tom trained as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK and has worked for Aspect for 18 years supporting Autistic people in challenging situations in schools, family homes and communities through direct service, training, writing and research. Tom is passionate about working in partnership with Autistic people to deliver evidence-based supports that develop inclusive environments and communities that work for everyone.

Hands-on Workshop

Emma Beardsley
Senior Autistic Consultant, Aspect Autism Friendly

Building Inclusion: An Experiential Workshop on Autism and the Built Environment

"Building Inclusion: An Experiential Workshop on Autism and the Built Environment" is a hands-on session presented by Aspect, Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider.

Led by Emma and Tom, this workshop will explore key topics such as design, materiality, structure, and organisation, as well as sensory stressors and sensory joys for autistic individuals. It will help you understand how the built environment impacts the experiences of people on the autism spectrum. Through an interactive activity, you'll learn from lived experience and gain valuable insights and actionable strategies that you can implement in your own practices.

Introducing Emma
Emma Beardsley is a proud Autistic woman who works as a senior consultant, advocate and researcher with Aspect Autism Friendly. Emma holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care & has worked at Aspect for 9 years. Emma is a keen advocate for the rights and needs of Autistic people through sharing her lived experience and her expertise in providing support for children of all abilities.

Presentation

Jo Viney MDIA
Founder and Lead Designer, Brinnie T Design

Designing for Neurodiversity: Inclusive Spaces for Every Mind

"Designing for Neurodiversity: Inclusive Spaces for Every Mind" will explore how thoughtful, inclusive design can support neurodivergent individuals in various environments, from homes to educational and healthcare spaces.

Drawing on real-world examples and her expertise in Disability Inclusive Design, Jo will present four key design principles: Sensory Sensitivity and Modulation, Flexibility and Adaptability, Predictability and Structure, and Inclusivity and Personalisation. These principles aim to create environments that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant, catering to the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals.

Introducing Jo
Jo Viney is the founder and lead designer of Brinnie T Design, an interior design studio based in Cowes, Phillip Island. With extensive experience in Disability Inclusive Design, she specialises in creating bold, colourful, and accessible environments tailored to individual needs. As a neurodivergent designer, Jo is passionate about designing aesthetically striking and functionally inclusive spaces, with a particular focus on neurodiversity and autism-friendly design. She is also a member of the Design Institute of Australia, the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute, and a lifetime member of the Centre for Universal Design Australia.

Case Study

Sarah Davis
Senior Project Manager, Construction Assignments

The Lived Experience of Autism: Asking More Beautiful Questions

“The Lived Experience of Autism: Asking More Beautiful Questions” will explore the transformative impact of designing for neurodiversity through the refurbishment and expansion of autism-specific primary schools.

This case study will discuss the impact of integrating neurodiversity-focused design principles and showcase how prioritising the needs of individuals with heightened sensory experiences and those who support them can create spaces that cater to unique requirements. Real-life experiences and user stories will highlight the positive outcomes of applying neurodiverse perspectives in design and offer insights into the benefits these spaces are providing the individuals they serve.

Introducing Sarah
Sarah is a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity and an experienced architect, project manager, and organisational coach with 15 years of experience in the US and APAC regions. Recently, Sarah became the Project Director for Autism Spectrum Australia's (Aspect) capital works program, where she collaborated with end-users to establish school goals, create tailored strategies, and oversee the refurbishment and expansion of Aspect's Australian school portfolio. Sarah's passion, commitment, and focus played a pivotal role in redesigning learning environments to align with Aspect's educational model, reflecting her dedication to creating spaces that truly support the neurodiverse needs of the students.

Panel discussion

Our final session for the conference will be a panel discussion. We’ll share further details closer to the event.

Networking dinner and drinks

After the forum, attendees are invited to join the speakers and the Altro team for a cocktail-style networking dinner and drinks from 6 - 9 pm at the Felons Manly, East Esplanade, Manly Wharf.

Event MC

Julie Ockerby BN BBUS BA
Principal Creative Director, Meli Studio

Introducing Julie
Julie Ockerby is the Principal Creative Director of the award-winning interior architectural firm Meli Studio. Julie is an Australian leader and an advocate for inclusive diversity, including gender and age, a maverick in the development of spaces that are an extension of life for the world’s ageing population.

She is a former Registered Nurse and boutique hotel marketer in Europe and Australasia. Julie is now a multi-award-winning designer and advisor in the seniors living design industry, where she has been recognised as a change agent.

With over 15 years of experience, having worked with some of the most innovative designers and hoteliers worldwide, Julie has now translated this experience into the aged care and senior living industry. Through her combined career background, Julie’s approach is unique. She has transformed the industry for the better by pushing the boundaries and is determined to achieve better outcomes for our ageing population.

Julie is a highly regarded thought leader, serial entrepreneur, and speaker/moderator. The Ageing Asia Alliance has notably recognized her with the ‘Global Ageing Trailblazer Award’. In 2021, Inside Small Business Australia named Julie one of the ‘Top 50 Small Business Leaders’.

She holds bachelor degrees in Nursing, Business and Arts in Interior Design.

Event FAQs

We have answered some common FAQs below. If there is anything else you’d like to know about the event, please email Altro’s marketing team at [email protected], and we will contact you.

Are any of your speakers neurodivergent?

Yes, absolutely; several of our speakers are neurodivergent and bring unique perspectives shaped by their experiences.

The event planning team carefully and considerately selected our speakers to ensure an inclusive and diverse dialogue.

The event branding is so unique. Does the butterfly symbolise something?

The butterfly represents the journey of self-discovery and growth for neurodivergent individuals.

At Altro, we take pride in being a leading voice in the neurodiversity conversation, actively promoting awareness and encouraging meaningful discussions around inclusive design.

Tell me more about the Networking Dinner and Drinks.

After the forum, attendees are invited to join the speakers and the Altro team for a cocktail-style networking dinner and drinks from 6 - 9 pm at the Felons Manly, East Esplanade, Manly Wharf.

Please select the tick box in the registration form above to indicate whether you will attend the networking dinner.

Is on-site parking available?

The hotel provides on-site parking with 70 available spaces, including self-parking and valet options.

How can I get to the event if I prefer not to drive?

If you are coming from the airport, the quickest and most affordable option is to book a private transfer or an Uber. Both options will cost approximately $80. A more scenic route is to take the train to the ferry across the CBD to Manly. Ferries run every 15 to 20 minutes.

Can I bring a colleague or industry peer?

Yes, you can. Share this registration link with colleagues or peers who might be interested in attending. Places are limited, so encourage them to register as soon as possible.