Valued Roles

Social Role Valorisation (SRV) is a social science framework that underpins the work of Resourcing Inclusive Communities. It helps us understand human relationships and the life experience of marginalised people, and why people with disability are devalued. It is based on the idea that, within any given society, some attributes and by association some people, are valued more highly than others. The roles that people have are valued differently too.

Valued roles are the key to the good things of life for everyone. When we have work, community, civic, relationship and recreational roles we have opportunity to meet people, develop our skills and project a positive image of ourselves with others. Extra effort must be made to assist people with disability into valued roles, so they too can reap the wonderful benefits. The resources on this page will inspire you with examples of the exciting roles of people with disability, as well as how you can take steps to develop roles uniquely tailored to the individual.

The Young Entrepreneur - a successful story of microenterprise

A microenterprise is a small business that is simple to start, requires minimal capital and has a viable purpose. It is a small business that is created for and around the person. It is a pathway to work that connects the person to their local community and is aligned with their skills, interests, passions and strengths. In this video, Luca Weber, owner of Braille by Luca and his mother Susanna Wagner share their insights around creating and running Luca's microenterprise.

Rhiannon's Work Experience

When Rhiannon was in Year 10, she completed a week of Work Experience, at a local bakery in her community. This video highlights the importance of planning ahead, focusing on the student's strengths and interests, and also maximising existing community connections, all of which contribute to a successful experience for the young person.

Nathan Basha

Nathan Basha is a disability advocate, filmmaker and motivational speaker. In 2022, he was an ambassador for International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). Hear him talk about his work in this video created for IDPwD.

Josh's Story

This video tells the story of Josh Shearman, who attended his local mainstream school and did school work experience with two local businesses. He now volunteers at both businesses as well as running his own mail courier service, 'JLS Mailink'. (Opens in YouTube)

Seeking quality Customised Employment supports

By tailoring job-seeking strategies to the unique skills, abilities, and interests of each individual, the Customised Employment approach increases the chances of finding the right job fit. This resource aims to support family members to approach services or job coaches in a positive and helpful way, to help achieve better Customised Employment outcomes for people with disability. (PDF)

19 stories of Social Inclusion

A website showcasing real stories of people with disability working, learning and contributing, in video and writing. The stories show the many ways Australians with disabilities belong and contribute to their communities. (Opens in new window)

Tailor made: a life as individual as you

In this video, SRV trainer and consultant John Armstrong and parent Meg Sweeney talk about the power of valued roles to create lives that reflect the uniqueness of an individual and what is important to them. (Opens in YouTube)

Valued roles for all

"Helping a devalued person to find or keep a valued social role is the most important goal of any organisation or individual who cares about a devalued person or group of people." What valued social roles are, why they are important and how to assist people to have them. A 68 page handbook by Bianca Schultz and Ronda Held, published by the Better Practice project. (PDF)

Life Long Learners

Positive stories of people with disability learning new things at all ages. Published by Resourcing Inclusive Communities. You can also order hard copies by calling or emailing our office. (PDF)