Disability Spotlight Podcast

Starting your first role as an allied health therapist can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging all at once.  In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by Sara-Jane Arns (speech pathologist), Taylor Hayward (occupational therapist) and Mohammed El-Ali (physiotherapist). From choosing the right workplace and making the most of placements, to nailing interviews, building confidence as a clinici...

In this episode, we are joined by the wonderful Professor Jen Smith-Merry, a Professor of Health and Social Policy and Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow (2024-2029) at the University of Sydney School of Health Sciences. This conversation starts by exploring Jen’s career-long dedication to mental health and her push for government policy that truly addresses the needs of people w...

In today’s episode we are joined by two wonderful women, Chelsey and Emma, both of whom are Mums to children with rare and complex disabilities.  This conversation is starts by understanding these Mums' journeys through their child's diagnosis, to becoming the fierce advocates and they are today. We then dive into all things preparing for school; from finding the right school for your ch...

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by a multidisciplinary panel, Sarah Hallams (Physiotherapist), Isabella Krak (Speech Pathologist), and Amanda Lidis (Occupational Therapist) for a rich discussion on supporting children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Together, they unpack what CP is, the different types, and how it can affect a child’s development across the lifespan. The conversation explore...

In this episode, Bec Sampson is joined by Rene Fraser, Occupational Therapist and long-time Disability SPOT Executive Committee member, to discuss her PhD research on parent interventions for children with disabilities who are restricted eaters. Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience, Rene shares how her work with families inspired her research and why traditional approaches to restricted...

In part two of our conversation with early childhood expert Dr Amanda Niland, we explore what best practice collaboration looks like between allied health professionals, parents, children, and early childhood educators. Amanda shares insights into building strong, respectful partnerships in early education settings and the tools that can support truly collaborative and child-centred approaches. Th...

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by early childhood educator and researcher Dr Amanda Niland to explore the topic of praise and how we use it with children. Drawing on her recent article, Amanda discusses why phrases like “good boy” or “good girl” may not always offer the positive reinforcement we assume, and how our language can influence a child’s developing sense of self. We discuss...

In this episode, host Bec Sampson speaks with occupational therapist, business owner, and mentor Alyce Svensk who you may know through her business as ‘The OT Coach”. Alyce is a guest speaker at this year’s annual Disability SPOT conference and this episode of the podcasts discusses Alyce’s professional journey to ‘The OT Coach’, her passion for mentoring, and a teaser for what she will present at...

In this episode, host Bec Sampson speaks with occupational therapist and researcher Dr. Sarah-Grace Paguinto. With over a decade of experience at Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Neuromuscular Clinic, Sarah-Grace shares insights from her PhD on creating a psychoeducation resource to support parents through the emotional and practical aspects of wheelchair prescription. Tune in to learn about her paren...

In this episode, host Bec Sampson welcomes Rene Fraser, Kate Bellamy, and Tahlia Frost to discuss their journeys transitioning from students to new graduate clinicians. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced during this pivotal stage, including building confidence, adjusting to professional expectations, and finding balance in the healthcare environment. Rene, Kate, and Tahlia share va...

In this episode, host Bec Sampson sits down with speech pathologist Leanna Fox to explore the world of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and its impact on individuals with disabilities. Leanna shares her journey in becoming a passionate advocate for AAC, working across Australia to support individuals using tools like eye gaze technology and LAMP (Language Acquisition Through Motor...

In part two of the Disability Spotlight Podcast mini-series on Neurodivergence and Neuroaffirming Practices, Bec Sampson, Chloe Garret, and Rebecca McNeil delve into the significance of neuroaffirming approaches, particularly the differences between the medical and social models of disability. The conversation highlights a shift toward recognising neurodivergence as both an internal and external e...

In the third part of the mini-series on neurodivergence and neuroaffirming practices, Bec Sampson, Chloe Garret, and Rebecca McNeil explore resources that allied health professionals can use to deepen their understanding and skills. This episode focuses on Autism CRC, Positive Partnerships, and other valuable podcasts, training modules, and social media platforms. Discover the importance of recogn...

In this episode of the Disability Spotlight podcast, speech pathologists Bec Sampson, Rebecca McNeil, and Chloe Garrett discuss neuroaffirming practices, focusing on supporting neurodivergent individuals. In part 1 of this 3-part series, the conversation delves into neurodiversity, which refers to the variety of brain types, highlighting the importance of inclusive practices, community-driven awar...

In this episode host Simone Dudley welcomes occupational therapists Arul Hamil and Lucy Charles from Auckland, New Zealand. They delve into the Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) model, a transformative approach developed by Dr. Fiona Graham at Otago University. Arul and Lucy share their journey into the OPC space and highlight its profound impact on pediatric practice. The OPC framework emph...

Join us for an eye-opening episode where our host Kim Bulkeley sits down with Orion Kelly, an autistic advocate and father, who shares his transformative journey in supporting his autistic son, Conan. Orion discusses the real challenges and triumphs of parenting a neurodivergent child, offering invaluable insights into how proactive, individualised approaches can empower autistic children to thriv...

Host Simone Dudley and guest Sharon Majella discuss Sharon's transition from early career occupational therapist to a more experienced role. Sharon shares her experiences working in a community private practice and the changes she has noticed in her role, such as taking on more independent work and mentoring new therapists. She also talks about the challenges she faced, including imposter syn...

Join Simone Dudley as she welcomes Clare Batkin, the owner of Your OT Tutor, to dive into the world of functional capacity assessments (FCAs) and report writing. Clare, a self-proclaimed OT nerd, shares her journey from rural New South Wales to becoming an expert in the field. She emphasises the crucial preparation phase for FCAs, highlighting the importance of gathering comprehensive information...

Host Simone Dudley of Disability Spot interviews Dr. Felipe Retamal Walter, a lecturer in speech pathology at the University of Queensland School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, to explore the pivotal role of telehealth in supporting children with disabilities and their families. Dr. Retamal Walter, draws from his extensive research background and expertise in the field, shares invaluable i...

In this episode, Simone Dudley speaks with Denise Luscombe, Chair of PRECI (Professionals and Researchers in Early Childhood Intervention). PRECI is a newly formed organisation in Australia focused on supporting professionals and researchers working with children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. Denise discusses PRECI's goals, including promoting excellence and e...

In this episode a group of physiotherapy students and guest physiotherapist, Cara Van Wyk, discuss their research project on the low physical activity participation rates in children with disabilities. They examine various barriers and facilitators of participation at different levels based on the socio-ecological model of health. The podcast focuses on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutio...

Disability Spot introduce a series of podcasts focused on goal-setting tools for the disability sector. Developed by students from Western Sydney University, these podcasts aim to provide valuable insights and professional development opportunities for those working in the field. This episode features Bronte Gwenyth Ballintine Jones and Robbie Cabungcal, who delve into the Canadian Occupational Pe...

Disability Spot introduce a series of podcasts focused on goal-setting tools for the disability sector. Developed by students from Western Sydney University, these podcasts aim to provide valuable insights and professional development opportunities for those working in the field. In this episode your hosts Bronte Gwenyth Ballantine Jones and Robbie Cabungcal provide insights into the purpose, stru...

Disability Spot introduce a series of podcasts focused on goal-setting tools for the disability sector. Developed by students from Western Sydney University, these podcasts aim to provide valuable insights and professional development opportunities for those working in the field. In this episode, hosts Bronte Gwenyth Ballantine Jones and Robbie Cabungcal delve into the Family Goal Setting Tool (FG...

Disability Spot introduce a series of podcasts focused on goal-setting tools for the disability sector. Developed by students from Western Sydney University, these podcasts aim to provide valuable insights and professional development opportunities for those working in the field. This episode delves into the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting Scale (PEGS), presented by hosts Jennifer Livas and Ka...