Navigating Disability

Mark Toomey leading the RoboNDIS Campaign - This man means business! The NDIS has a lot to answer for as far as Mark is concerned when you listen to this show, I wonder if you'll agree? Sharing his own battles with the NDIS when his son became disabled, Mark discovered a system that seriously failed him and his family. Not willing to stand by and have others impacted, this degree qualified, w...

Bob Buckley is an autism advocate, known for his contributions to the autism community through leadership, policy development, systemic and individual advocacy.  With support from his partner and as Co-convenor of Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) since 2003, he spearheads national efforts to represent and support individuals across the whole autistic spectrum and their families & assoc...

Sue Grier is the Founder and Managing Director of Lets Connect Support Services which is an Independent Registered Support Coordination Company based in SE Qld providing supports to people through out Australia.  Sue has over 25 years experience in the disability sector in Queensland and Tasmania with 8 of those years as a Support Coordinator. Sue has lived experience with her son William promotin...

Todays guest, Ellen Bereza lost both her parents to illness when she was 24 years old. Not long afterwards, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease that claimed her dad's life. Forced to face the challenges of change, Ellen had to reinvent herself while coming to terms with a new 'normal' she didn't sign up for. Ellen is an incredible inspiration as she shares he...

Wow, this week, we are in the presence of someone who has played a pivotal role in the Disability Community and his story, passion and purpose drives everything he has achieved in his career. Here is a quick snapshot.....: Graeme Innes AM is a lawyer, author, and company director and in 2016 he published his first book, Finding a Way. Graeme led the merger of four blindness agencies to form Vision...

Welcome to what we can only suggest is one of the most inspiring stories to come from such a tragic event, September 11. Today, we are introducing you to Michael Hingson, blind since birth, born in Chicago to sighted parents who believed in raising their son with a can-do attitude. Treated like all other children in his family, Michael rode a bike, did advanced math in his head and learn to read a...

Andrew started his professional music career as an Oboist in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 15. He travelled the world playing music and on completion of his 9 years’ service he relocated to Western Australia with his wife and 2 children. "Life should revolve around opportunities" ... Andrew Fairbairn Andrew and his wife Kaye, a classically trained vocalist, opened a music schoo...

From fitting in to truly standing out, Paula Gowland's journey has been one of profound learning, healing and self-discovery coupled with an unwavering appreciation for the preciousness of life. After a simple accident turned into a life-threatening challenge that saw Paula lose the bottom half of her left leg and very nearly her life, undergoing 32 surgeries and spending 756 long days and ni...

When children are growing up with siblings that have disabilities, it can create challenges in the home and family dynamic and todays guest, Kate Strohm answers the burning questions about how to create harmony and healing for everyone!!  Here is a snapshot of Kate's background.... After various careers as a hospital scientist, health educator and counsellor, and radio/print journalist, Kate...

Danielle Campo McLeod, OOnt, is a world-renowned Paralympian, motivational speaker, and resilience expert with over 20 years of experience inspiring individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. A three-time Paralympic gold medalist and holder of eight world records, Danielle’s remarkable journey from a childhood diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA-LED) to international athle...

Sally Thibault is an Australian author, speaker, and wellness coach, specialising in helping women navigate the challenges of midlife, particularly during menopause. She focuses on empowering women to regain confidence and balance in their lives through holistic approaches that integrate emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Sally has over 40 years’ experience in the fitness industry, is a P...

We are thrilled to welcome the amazing Heath Davidson OAM to the show this week! Heath is a is an Australian wheelchair tennis player and four-time Australian Open doubles champion, all partnering Dylan Alcott. He has also won two Paralympic medals, a gold and silver in doubles at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics respectively (both also partnering Alcott). He was selected for the 2024 Paris...