Ricky and Dina both have intellectual disability and are married. They live together independently in the community. They talk about how they met, how their relationship developed, and about their life together. Ricky and Dina have plenty of insights into the highs and lows of being a husband and a wife, and how they balance being a couple while also having some personal independence.  ..read more

We all want to feel accepted and loved within our families and for our parents and siblings to believe in our capabilities, understand our desires in life and support us to reach life milestones.   Some of us also want to have families of our own and need to be free to make our own decisions around this, and if needed, supported to do so.  Judith is no different.   In this episode, Judith, who has an intellectual disability, shares her experiences of being a child, a mother and now a grandmother.       ..read more

We are excited to launch a new series of our Visibility podcast, Life My Way. In this series we chat to people with intellectual disability about decisions and choices. In the first episode we talk to Leonie. She shares her story of growing up, living independently, her relationships, and her journey to a job she loves ..read more

In this episode we talk with Ben Paior-Smith, a fashion designer who has autism and down syndrome.    Ben is a passionate artist who designs apparel for his fashion micro business called Hazzah. Ben started his clothing brand when he was 19 because he wanted people to be accepted for who they are, to embrace being unique and to have fun in the clothes they wear.   In this podcast Ben talks about where he draws his inspiration, how his business is run, all the ideas he has, and his dreams for the future.   To see or buy any of the Hazzah clothing or merchandise, visit https ..read more

In this episode we talk with Naomi Lake. She is a children’s book author with Down Syndrome.  She has published two books about Harmony the Hen.  She is also a dancer and performer with the Light Opera Company.   Naomi is a strong advocate for people with intellectual disability as well. She is an ambassador for several Down Syndrome associations and has spoken at numerous events worldwide.  To find out more about Naomi Lake visit the Harmony Hen website ..read more

In this episode we chat with Rudely Interrupted, an indie rock music band from Melbourne.  They talk about forming a band with intellectual disabilities, touring the world, recording new songs and getting heard on the radio.   ..read more

  A person with an intellectual disability, like any other person, is a sexual being. However, this is often not acknowledged or supported by families, support workers and even the broader community.   The result is that for many people with disabilities, their opportunities to form or maintain sexual relationships are limited.  Jonathan Bredin or Jono, is a young man who is non-verbal, has cerebral palsy but does not have an intellectual disability. That said, much of what he says in this episode will feel relevant to others who do have an intellectual disability.   In thi ..read more

Jianna is a professional dancer and director at Adelaide’s award-winning Restless Dance Theatre.  She has performed interstate and internationally, winning accolades since she began dancing professionally at age 14. She has recently been appointed as an Associate Artist of Philip Channells / Dance Integrated Australia and travels regularly with the company in the role of Choreographic / Workshop Assistant. In this episode Jianna shares with us her love for dancing, directing, friendship and fun ..read more

This is a special episode about adapting during COVID.     How do we cope when the world suddenly changes and we have to change along with it?  We talk with Kane about his experiences and his recipe for making the most out of unexpected change.     He shares his tips for staying calm and positive in trying times: meditation, getting into nature, dancing, family, friends, and avoiding too much social media.     ..read more

Gerard O'Dwyer is an actor, speaker and performer with Down Syndrome.   Gerard uses his profile to challenge social stereotypes and his work includes dramatic performances in film, television and theatre.   He was awarded Best Male Actor at Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival in 2009, Best Short Film Award and Best Male Actor runner up in the Short & Sweet short play festival in 2011 amongst others.  In 2010, 2011 and 2015 Gerard was selected as an Ambassador for the NSW state government Don’t DISMyABILITY campaign and he has featured in an advertisement f ..read more