Andy Jackson is a poet and creative writing teacher who was awarded RMIT’s Future of Health Fellowship. Andy’s book “Human Looking” – a poetry collection that gives voice to a range of experiences of people with disability – won the 2022 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Poetry. In our interview we explore ideas of health, the challenging and problematic pursuit of “normal” in the health care context, the nature of fears that possibly drive the ableist instinct, and the place that creatives have in designing a more inclusive future.  Support the show ..read more

The Federal Government has signaled changes to the NDIS system. The upcoming introduction of compulsory independent assessors has been met with significant concern among people with disability and their supporters. Stacy Reese joins us in this podcast to explain what we know about the upcoming changes and why they are of concern to many in the community. Support the show ..read more

Akiko Hirata, Assistant Editor and Researcher for the Canberra Disability Reviews, gives an update on the great content for the Canberra Disability Review Winter Edition. There's a lot to look forward to in this edition from the focus on inclusion in disaster planning and management through to some fine contribution from the Canberra community.  You can find more information about the review, and the Autumn Edition, at: » Canberra Disability Review (advocacyforinclusion.org) If you have an idea for a contribution that you would like to pitch, please send us an email at: cdr@advocacyfori ..read more

We are all on a journey towards our full truth and identity. On the journey we experience relationships, our sexuality, and gender identity. Sometimes it can be bewildering. Sometimes presumptions and even the protective inclinations of others can prove a barrier. Support and information can certainly help. Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT is approaching its 50th anniversary in providing that support, education, clinical services, and a space for conversations in the Canberra Region. In this podcast we talk with Cate Barclay  who works in Community Education and Tim Bavinton Executiv ..read more

We have recently launched an exciting project at AFI. The Canberra Disability Review is a quarterly online magazine that reflects the breadth of experiences, perspectives, policy impacts, and concerns of people with disability in the Canberra Region.  Our first edition, for Autumn, was launched last week and can be found at:  » Canberra Disability Review (advocacyforinclusion.org) If you, or someone you know, is interested in contributing to the review then please pitch your idea to:  cdr@advocacyforinclusion.org Support the show ..read more

Guardianship has been in the headlines recently. In this podcast we will explore what guardianship is, why it happens, how a guardian is appointed, and what are the things guardians are meant to do and what are limits are applied to the scope of what they can do. This podcast is recorded in the ACT so the references are to the local legislation related to guardians. If you live in another state or territory it is good to check on the local legislation and processes that are operating in your area. The ACT Guardianship Legislation that we refer to in the podcast can be found here: Guardianshi ..read more

The Federal Government has signaled changes to the NDIS system. The upcoming introduction of compulsory independent assessors has been met with significant concern among people with disability and their supporters. Stacy Reese joins us in this podcast to explain what we know about the upcoming changes and why they are of concern to many in the community. Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG ..read more

DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKERS: THE FORGOTTEN WORKFORCE IN COVID-19 describes the findings from a national survey of 357 disability support workers (DSWs) conducted online between May and June 2020. In this episode, Rob discusses the results of this survey and that doing the right thing by people with disability means doing the right thing by people who support them. You can read the report here: https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/news-and-events/disability-support-workers-and-covid-19-findings-from-our-survey Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG ..read more

Today the Interim Report into Ann-Marie Smith's death has been released. In this episode, Rob speaks with our Senior Policy Advisor, Bonnie Millen about the report, the recommendations and how the system needs to change to prevent tragedies like Ann-Marie Smith's death happening again.  If you think or know abuse is going on, you need to report it.  It is everyone’s responsibility to create a safe community. Below is a list of ACT and national organisations that you can call. Who you can call: The Police Police assistance line: 131 444  In an emergency: 000  The Nation ..read more

In this podcast we will reflect on four simple points about self-advocacy. The work of self-advocacy, communicating what matters to us and what is OK and not OK in our lives, is ongoing. It isn't always easy particularly when it feel likes nothing we say or do can make a difference. In our reflection we will think about those feelings that tell when circumstances are not OK, the powerful truth that we have rights and also responsibilities, the value of our message and our individual way of communicating it, and the help we can find in trustworthy supporters.  Support the show (https://buf ..read more