The Loop

What

The Loop was an annual conversation that moved through a number of South Australian communities, with a focus on a particular topic of interest each time. 

Why

The Loop was established out of a concern that many people living with disability and their families were missing out on relevant conference events (typically held in main metropolitan areas). 

For people living, and working, in country areas, it can be hard to get into the city because of issues of cost, mobility, support needs, and lack of public transport.

The Loop reversed this arrangement by taking conferences to a number of different venues with a particular focus on regional rural areas.

How we hope it helps

The intended emphasis of the Loop is to talk with people, not at people; the essence is a conversation between all participants.

Purple Orange’s work in research and policy is set apart by a commitment to gathering information from people who have lived experience of the issues being discussed.

As well as including speakers with knowledge to impart to communities that may have difficulty accessing information, the Loop provided a forum for people to be heard.

Purple Orange gathers and amplifies the information gathered.  Previous findings have been used to inform policy development and submissions, and guide our project work. 

Findings from the 2011 Loop Conference informed Purple Orange’s submission to the Productivity Commission’s Disability Care and Support report.

Findings from 2007 and 2008 Loop Conferences were published in two reports; Why is it so hard to speak up and be heard? and Getting a good life: taking control of what’s possible.

Previously, Loop Conferences have been held in Mount Gambier, Whyalla, the Riverland, Victor Harbor, Port Lincoln, and Port Pirie, as well as in metropolitan Adelaide.