PRESENTATION
Presentation Title:
How to co-design a self-employment program for people with intellectual disability in your library
Presenter:
Monique Godbehere, Vanessa Gigliotti
Date:
Thursday 14 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:00pm
Presentation Description:
In 2024 Greater Dandenong Libraries co-designed and delivered a self-employment program for young people with intellectual disability. The program was funded by the Pierre Gorman Award through the State Library of Victoria.
Co-design leads to strong engagement and a sense of ownership over programs by participants. Co-design is best practice for library program development but finding accessible information on how to ‘do’ co-design can be a barrier for library staff. This presentation provides information on how Greater Dandenong Libraries created a co-designed self-employment program for people with intellectual disability.
Self-employment for people with disability offers benefits such as flexibility, autonomy, and financial independence. Young people who were participants at local disability services had expressed their desire for more employment options in the area.
Using an emergent co-design model a facilitator and two library staff delivered the program to ten young people from The Bridge and Burke & Beyond. The objectives of the program were to introduce participants to self-employment/small business concepts; council, state, and federal supports; small business owners with disability; and local disability organisations that promote disability pride. The program also aimed to build confidence and autonomy and make self-employment a viable option. Some of the outcomes included: increased connection with the library service and between participants, increased confidence accessing services and engaging with council staff across departments, and an increase in options for employment. A toolkit was also developed to enable other libraries and organisations to run their own co-designed program.
Monique Godbehere
Library Services Senior Coordinator, Greater Dandenong Libraries
Presenter Bio
Monique Godbehere is a passionate advocate for access, equity and community‑centred library services, with more than 30 years’ experience shaping inclusive public library environments across Victoria. In her leadership roles at Greater Dandenong Libraries, Monique has championed meaningful access for diverse communities by rethinking service models, strengthening frontline capability, and embedding programs that meet people where they are—culturally, socially and geographically.
Her work includes leading major service transformations, supporting vulnerable communities through literacy partnerships, and guiding staff to create safe, welcoming spaces that reflect the needs of multicultural, multigenerational and marginalised groups. Monique’s values of curiosity, honesty and movement underpin her approach to dismantling barriers, elevating lived experience, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate, learn and belong.
Vanessa Gigliotti
Library Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator, Greater Dandenong Libraries
Presenter Bio
Vanessa Gigliotti is the Library Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator at the City of Greater Dandenong, leading initiatives that strengthen community connections and elevate the library’s role as a vibrant hub for learning and engagement.
With a 25‑year career that began as a junior staff member shelving books, Vanessa has built broad expertise across library operations, program development, and community outreach.
Known for her warm approach and community‑minded leadership, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships and developing initiatives that enhance the reach, relevance, and impact of library services.