Tarsha Saint is manager of Day Services at Brookvale's Spirit powered by Catholic Care. At Spirit, Tarsha channels her passion for helping others into creating vibrant meaningful programs for people with disability. From dog walking and creative arts to visual storytelling through film and photography she has helped participants discover new skills confidence and joy.

Original air date: 20.03.26

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Saraya O'Connell is the Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Etico, Australia. This is a social enterprise business offering life skills and hospitality training for young people with disabiities. Elaine Wziontek spoke to her about the business and the success with 82 percent of graduates securing employment. They also talked about a fund-raising campaign involving a 400 kilometre run from the Etico Hotel in the Blue Mountains reaching Parliament House in Canberra on World Down Syndrome Day March 21.

Original broadcast date: 06.03.26

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YMCA's Camp Manyung in Victoria is a pioneer in developing universally designed outdoor activities to make the camp adventure experience as inclusive as possible for people with physical disabilities. It has collaborated with Standards Australia in establishing recently published standards for some adventure activities. Jim Boyle, Manager of Y Camps' Camp Manyung, joins Barbara Sullivan to explain the positive impact of inclusive design in the outdoor sector.

Original air date: 20.02.26

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"Uncle' John Baxter grew up with spina bifida, was fostered out to non-Aboriginal family and attended a three-storey high school in Box Hill, Victoria which was challenging for a boy on crutches. He completed an apprenticeship as a printer and graphic artist. Throughout his life he has been a fearless champion for improving the lives of First Nations peoples living with disabilities.

He is the creator of a dedicated installation, "Not Fit for Purpose" now on display at the Australian Museum. He talks to Elaine Wziontek about the systemic inequities within Australia's disability support systems. And these challenges are especially acute in regional and remote communities.

Original air date: 06.02.26

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Reverend Bec Baines has grown up with experience of disability, including hearing loss and adoptive and foster brothers with disability. She is passionate about churches making everyone feel welcome and being encouraged to participate in church life. Bec explains to Elaine Wziontek that for many people with disability, and for their families, whether a place is truly accessible is not just about the building. It's about communication, attitudes and whether people feel they belong. In the past two years Bec has visited hundreds of churches in her role as Accessibility Ministry Advisor for the Sydney Anglican Church.

Original broadcast date: 23.01.26

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Intopia, a leading digital accessibility consultancy in Australia, is currently undertaking an Assistive Technology Survey. They are seeking participation from Australians and New Zealanders over the age of 18 and the survey is open from 3 December 2025 to 6 February 2026. Jacinta Gregory who is leading the survey talks to Barbara Sullivan about the format and aims of the survey and how people can take part.

Original broadcast date: 09.01.26

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Si Tew is the creator of CMPSR, an innovative and accessible music controller designed to make music easier for everyone. Elaie Wziontek talks to Si who explains how the device can be used to compose, play a variety of instrumental sounds with just one finger. Si and his team including musicians living with disability have been able to bring inclusive design and musical innovation together. CMPSR is now available in Australia.

Original air date: 12.12.25

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Robotic pets can offer the elderly a source of companionship with studies showing they can improve mood and enhance social interaction. They are especially helpful for those who have lost a spouse or real pet. In this episode Elaine talks to Emma Hardaker about the MetaDog which has soft fur, expressive eyes and is able to mimic the gestures of real dogs without the mess. They also discuss the MetaCat and the MetaPanda which is coming soon to Australia.

Original air date: 28.11.25

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