Some of Our Parts

A message from one of the I Can Network founders, Chris Varney:

Dear Friends,

Just a reminder about our exciting planning workshops this week! Many thanks for your support of them, whether through promoting them or RSVP’ing! Below are the details again.

City Planning Workshop: Wednesday 9 October, 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Foundation for Young Australians, 21-27 Somerset Place (off Elizabeth St), Melbourne

Eastern Planning Workshop: Saturday 12 October, 2pm – 4pm at World Vision Australia, 1 Vision Drive, Burwood East

My mobile is 0432 405 384 if you have any queries in the lead up or need help with directions, building access, etc, on the day.

Would really appreciate your input during the workshop on how we create a meaningful program for young people on the Autism spectrum, bearing in mind the breadth of the spectrum and young people’s many different strengths!

Please spread the word far and wide about these workshops. More creative minds the better!

Thanks,

Chris and the team

Hiya there!

My name is James Ong. I am in third year, studying the Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program) with majors in immunology and physiology. I am academically intelligent and work hard in my studies, but I also like to surf the net and go running. I am also in the autism spectrum, diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of four. Although it can sometimes affect me, throughout my life I have taken huge strides to where I am today, maturing and becoming more confident about myself.

I am working with Chris Varney, a Monash alumnus, to set up an I.CAN network in Monash University for students under the spectrum. As a first-year university student in the spectrum it was difficult for me to transition into university. I know that students in the spectrum may find the transition to university life overwhelming, demanding and emotionally draining. Yet there are no mentoring networks or outlets for university students under the spectrum to meet up and chat together.

Hence, we are setting up an I.CAN network in Monash University for students in the spectrum to meet once a month. Here, you can socialize with other students in the spectrum and share your experiences and coping strategies to other students like you while listening and learning from others. Our goal is to create an enabling environment where students in the spectrum can openly discuss anything they may have and feel empowered to overcome their limits and succeed in university and life.

Our next meeting will be on
Thursday 10^th October, 12-1PM,
Building 6 (Faculty of Education),
Level 1,Room TLS110,
Clayton campus

RSVP to chris.r.varney@gmail.com.

I hope to see you there!

The I.CAN Team – Chris, Penny and James