Ablequest

In todays episode we hear Kate Walker interview Storm Menzies, from Storm Beauty. During the interview we hear how the company came to be, how the products help people apply makeup, and other ways the company is being inclusive. Afterwards, you can listen to Kate reading an article from the ABC about a group of artists living with disability, and their reaction to feedback. Original air date: 01.05.2026Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Ablequest, Elaine Wziontek reads two online articles relating to technology and disability. The first was originally published on the BCA website and discusses accessible communications in Australila and the second (on the news.com.au website) focuses on incredible inventions emerging in Australia to improve the lives of those living with disability and how young people lare leading the way. Original air date: 03.04.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: 06.03.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"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: 06.02.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: 09.01.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: 28.11.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Horsley is the Founder of Remarkable, a global start up and initiative of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Pete is passionate about harnessing technology to build better products for a better world. His sister Jo was born blind, autistic and with an intellectual disability. That experience shaped the way he sees the world. In this interview with Elaine Wziontek he discusses some of the latest start ups which are supported by Remarkable and which will be showcased on the 11th of November at the Sydney Town Hall. The Disability Summit 2025 will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to connect, collaborate ad discuss AI and inclusive design. Original air date: 31.10.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Ross-Edwards, founder of Head High Disability Services, returns to Ablequest to speak more about Head High's philosophy and special approach. She explains to Barbara Sullivan how she works with her young adult clients with intellectual and other disabilities to develop socially and achieve their potential in the workplace. Original air date: 03.10.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Boccanfuso is founder and CEO of Van Robotics, a social robotics company based in South Carolina in the United States. She is also inventor of ABii, a smart robot tutor which is being trialled for pre-schoolers in Australia. The initiative is with the Australian Catholic University, Cincinnati University, the Brainary Association in Australia and Parramatta Libraries in Sydney. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Laura about her creation and how technology can help young children learn. Original air date: 22.08.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being in nature is good for you whether it is being in the garden or walking along the beach. Today's guest also believes that Nature can be a great healer. Kayte Kitchen is a counsellor, teacher and horticulturalist. She has her own private practice, Admirari Nature Therapy where she helps people find wholeness and healing outdoors. She also is employed running the therapeutic garden program at the Royal Children's Hostpial in Melbourne. She spoke to Elaine Wziontek about the program and how horticultural therapy can complement other medical disciplines. Original air date: 25.07.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disability Pride Month in July promotes awareness about people with disability and also celebrates individuals with disability. A special day will be the Sydney Disability Pride Festival on Saturday 26th of July at Sydney Town Hall. There will be performers and speakers, including rock princess Elly-May Barnes and pole dancing champion Deb Roach and films by Emily Dash. Festival Director and disability activist Hannah Solomons talks to Elaine Wziontek about heading up the team running the festival, its fun activities and workshops as well as the theme "No Shame, No Apologies." Original air date: 10.07.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Action Audio is a new language being created to transcend sport. It augments live radio broadcasts to change the way blind and low vision sports fans can participate in live sport and entertainment. Developed in partnership with Tennis Australia and Monash University, Action Audio uses data from a ball monitoring computer vision system to emphasise key moments of play with a 3D sound design system that has been developed with the blind and low vision community. Barbara Sullivan speaks to Machar Reid, Head of Innovation at Tennis Australia, about this new technology.Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.