The allabilityhour’s Podcast

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Patty from Focal Community Services and West Bremer Radio’s DJ Sparky return for a new season of the All Abilities Hour!, a weekly show coming to you every Saturday. It’s a dedicated space where we come together to celebrate diversity, amplify voices, and foster inclusivity.

  1. 1d ago

    Life After School: Maddie's Journey Towards Employment and Independence

    Finishing high school is an exciting milestone, but for young people with disability and their families, preparing for life after Year 12 can come with plenty of questions. This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Achieve Australia welcome Maddie and her mum, Kris, to share their experiences of preparing for the transition from school into employment, independence and adult life. Maddie is in her final weeks at Ipswich Special School, attending classes three days a week while spending her other days volunteering with eWaste Connection, where donated electrical equipment is dismantled and recycled. With graduation fast approaching, Maddie has one big goal in mind — getting a job! Kris, who is also an employee of Achieve Australia, shares some practical advice for families navigating the school-leaving process. She explains how information provided by Ipswich Special School helped her prepare for important steps, including obtaining identification, applying for a Tax File Number and understanding the documentation needed when accessing government services. A major focus of the conversation is School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES), an NDIS support designed to help eligible young people with disability prepare for employment. Kris explains why families should begin exploring employment pathways and discussing NDIS funding well before their child finishes school, rather than waiting until graduation. She also shares how Endeavour Foundation has been working with Maddie to identify her strengths, develop her confidence and explore potential employment opportunities. One particularly exciting possibility is Project SEARCH, a program delivered through UnitingCare that could give Maddie the opportunity to undertake a year-long employment training program at St Andrew's Hospital. With an assessment approaching, Maddie and Kris are keeping their fingers crossed! The conversation also explores how employment providers can work with businesses to identify opportunities that suit a person's individual skills and interests, rather than simply relying on traditional job advertisements. And there's another side to Maddie's busy life — she's also involved in the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale's production of Raven's Requiem, alongside Patty, showing that life beyond the classroom is already filled with exciting opportunities. Kris leaves families with an important message: start planning early, ask questions and don't leave everything until the last minute. It's an informative and encouraging episode about preparing for adulthood, exploring employment pathways, building independence and helping young people with disability work towards their goals. 📞 Contact Information Achieve Australia 🌐 www.achieveaustralia.org.au 📞 1300 224 438 Patty – Customer Engagement Partner, Achieve Australia 📱 0426 107 647 Endeavour Foundation 🌐 www.endeavour.com.au NDIS – Employment Supports and Planning 🌐 www.ndis.gov.au 📞 1800 800 110 For families preparing for the transition from school, contact your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator to discuss employment goals, available supports and individual eligibility.

  2. Oct 23

    Finding the Right Home: Understanding Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

    Finding the right place to call home is important for everyone, but for people with disability, having a home designed around their individual needs can make a world of difference. This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patti from Achieve Australia welcome Susanna Ratcliffe from JustSDA Services to explore Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), how it works within the NDIS and the opportunities it can provide for people with significant support needs. Susanna explains that SDA is a specialised form of housing funded through the NDIS, designed to support people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. The conversation explores the four SDA design categories — Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support and Robust — and how different housing features can help people live more comfortably, safely and independently. The episode also tackles an important distinction: the difference between SDA and Supported Independent Living (SIL). While SDA relates to the physical home and its specialised design features, SIL refers to the support people receive with everyday living. Susanna explains why separating housing from support services is so important, allowing participants to have greater choice and control over who provides assistance in their own home. With more than 15 years of experience in disability service provision before moving into specialist housing, Susanna shares her insights into what makes a successful housing arrangement, including the importance of collaboration between accommodation providers, support workers and participants. For listeners wondering whether SDA could be an option for themselves or someone they support, Susanna also walks through the application process. She discusses the importance of obtaining a Functional Capacity Assessment, working with occupational therapists and other relevant professionals, and ensuring housing needs and personal goals are clearly documented as part of an NDIS plan. The conversation highlights why finding the right housing isn't simply about having somewhere to live — it's about independence, dignity, choice and creating a home that genuinely meets a person's needs. Whether you're an NDIS participant, family member, support coordinator or disability service provider, this episode offers a valuable introduction to specialist disability housing and the steps involved in exploring your options. 📞 Contact Information JustSDA Services – Susanna Ratcliffe 🌐 www.justsda.com.au 📞 0450 217 756 LinkedIn: Search Susanna Ratcliffe For enquiries about Specialist Disability Accommodation, SDA eligibility or available housing options, contact Susanna directly.

  3. Oct 16

    NDIS Reforms Explained: What the Changes Mean for Participants and Providers

    Big changes are underway for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and understanding what they could mean for participants, families and service providers is more important than ever. This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky is joined by Patti from Achieve Australia to unpack the latest NDIS reforms, the proposed changes to funding and support arrangements, and where people can turn for information and guidance. Patti discusses the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations legislation and the government's efforts to improve the long-term sustainability of the scheme. The conversation explores changes relating to eligibility assessments, plan reassessments, funding arrangements, provider compliance, fraud prevention and pricing decisions. A major focus is the potential impact on people with disability and their everyday supports. Patti raises concerns about possible reductions in community participation funding and explains why changes to individual plans could affect people's ability to access activities, build independence and remain connected with their communities. The episode also looks at the rollout of Thriving Kids, proposed changes to support coordination, and stronger requirements for providers to maintain records and meet compliance obligations. While the reforms are intended to strengthen the NDIS for future generations, Patti acknowledges that navigating changes can be confusing and potentially stressful, particularly when participants are uncertain about how their individual funding and supports may be affected. The key message from this week's episode is simple: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether you're an NDIS participant, family member, support coordinator or service provider, understanding your circumstances and seeking reliable information is essential. Patti encourages listeners to contact the NDIS directly and work with their existing support networks to understand what the reforms may mean for them. Achieve Australia is also helping participants stay informed by providing access to information and updates throughout the reform process. It's an important conversation about change, sustainability, protecting participant choice and making sure people with disability have the information they need to navigate the future of the NDIS. 📞 Contact Information National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 🌐 www.ndis.gov.au 📞 1800 800 110 For official information about NDIS reforms and how changes may affect your individual circumstances, contact the NDIS directly. Achieve Australia 🌐 www.achieveaustralia.org.au 📞 1300 224 438

  4. Oct 2

    Finding Her Confidence: Crystal’s Journey Continues

    A familiar voice is back on the AllAbility Hour this week, as DJ Sparky and Patty from Achieve Australia welcome Crystal back to the microphone to find out how she’s progressing. Since her first appearance, Crystal has been throwing herself into the Dance Troupe, working as part of the team, learning new routines and practising at home. She’s also preparing for an exciting performance at the Ipswich Disability Interagency Meeting on November 25, where the group will not only perform but also have the opportunity to speak about their lives and experiences as part of a panel. For Crystal, it’s another chance to meet new people, share her story and continue building her confidence — although she admits there’s still one particular dance routine giving her a bit of trouble! The conversation also looks at the importance of having a support team that works together. Crystal is supported by Achieve Australia alongside independent support workers, her support coordinator and her mum. Patti explains why communication and collaboration between everyone involved can make such a difference in providing consistent, person-centred support. Crystal also speaks openly about anxiety and the strategies she’s working on to manage it. She explains how talking things through with people she trusts can help her calm down, while Patti reflects on the growing self-awareness Crystal is showing when recognising what she needs during difficult moments. And Crystal came prepared with another very important job — shout-outs! She gives some love to the people who play an important part in her life, including Andrea, Patti, Sally, her mum and support coordinator Candy. It’s a warm and very personal episode about confidence, community participation, teamwork and the difference a strong support network can make.

  5. Sep 25

    More Than a Support Worker: Getting the Right Match with Bespoke Care

    Finding a support worker isn't just about finding someone who can fill a shift — it's about finding someone who understands the person they're supporting. This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky is joined by Tyrone from Bespoke to talk about support work, compliance, matching workers with participants and why getting the little details right can make such a big difference. Tyrone shares the story of how he and his business partner Andrew entered the disability sector, drawing on their own family lived experience before deciding to establish their own business. He also discusses the significant compliance requirements involved in operating within the NDIS and why he believes strong auditing and accountability are important across the sector. A major focus of the conversation is Bespoke Workforce Solutions' approach to matching support workers. Rather than simply sending an available worker into an unfamiliar environment, Tyrone explains the importance of onboarding workers into an organisation's systems and ensuring they understand a participant's individual needs, preferences and potential triggers before arriving for a shift. Tyrone also shares a story about a participant whose life changed dramatically following serious health issues. By connecting him with an opportunity involving animals, Tyrone says they've seen him rediscover something he's passionate about while gaining social connection and a renewed sense of purpose. The episode also explores the growth of Bespoke Care, the organisation's registered provider arm, and how it works alongside the workforce business while maintaining separate systems for participant information and privacy. It's a conversation about looking beyond filling a roster, recognising the individuality of every participant and understanding why the relationship between a person and their support worker really matters. 📞 Contact Information Bespoke Care / Bespoke Workforce Solutions 🌐 bespokeau.com Bespoke works across a large part of Queensland and Northern NSW, with Tyrone describing its service area as extending from Townsville to Byron Bay and west to Toowoomba. The organisation welcomes enquiries from both participants looking for support and people interested in support work.

  6. Sep 19

    Discovering Boccia: The Inclusive Sport for Everyone

    What exactly is boccia? DJ Sparky and Patti had the same question! This week on the AllAbility Hour, Emily from Sports4All joins DJ Sparky and Patty from Achieve Australia to introduce listeners to a Paralympic sport they may never have encountered before — and explain why boccia can provide an incredible opportunity for people with disability to get involved in sport. Emily explains how boccia works, from throwing or kicking the ball to using a ramp that can be adapted to a player's movement and ability. Similar in concept to bowls, the game can be played individually or as a team, with plenty of strategy, skill and even the opportunity for trick shots! The conversation explores how boccia can be adapted for different abilities, how classifications help players compete alongside others with similar functional abilities, and the opportunities available for people to try the sport through clubs, schools and community programs. Emily also explains the broader work of Sports4All, which works with sporting clubs, schools and organisations to help them better understand inclusion and make meaningful changes. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, inclusion coaches work directly with organisations to identify what inclusion can look like for their particular community. With boccia opportunities growing across Queensland — including locally in Ipswich — this episode is a great introduction to a sport where the focus is on finding a way for people to participate. And after spending the episode learning about it, Sparky and Patty might just have to get onto the court and give boccia a go themselves! 📞 Contact Information Sports4All – Emily 📞 0424 666 762 🌐 sport4all.com.au Sports4All can assist sporting clubs, schools and organisations wanting to explore inclusion and create more accessible opportunities for participation. Want to discover Boccia? Search for Boccia Australia, Moreton Bay Boccia Bugs on Facebook, or connect with You Me and the Community in Ipswich to find out more about opportunities to play.

  7. Sep 11

    Fresh Futures, New Beginnings & Understanding Disability Support

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Achieve Australia sit down for a catch-up on a big few weeks in the Ipswich disability community — from the first month of Achieve Australia to Fresh Futures and some important conversations around disability accommodation. Patty reflects on the transition from Focal Community Services to Achieve Australia, sharing how participants have settled into the change while continuing with the programs, familiar supports and activities they know. The pair also revisit the Embracing Change workshops and the special time capsule created by participants to recognise Focal's 52-year history while looking towards the future. There’s also a wrap-up of the Fresh Futures Market at the Ipswich Showgrounds, where students, families and people with disability were able to connect with service providers and explore employment, programs, independent living and other options for life after school. Sparky and Patty discuss just how daunting that transition can be — not only for young people with disability, but also for their families — and why having information and choices in one place can make such a difference. Following Patty's visit to an SDA conference, the conversation turns to an important reminder: disability can become part of anyone's life. They discuss stories of people whose circumstances changed through accident or illness and why understanding the supports available before they're needed can be incredibly valuable. The episode also breaks down some of the accommodation options available to eligible people with disability, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), and encourages people and families to explore the choices and supports that may be available to them. It’s a relaxed but important AllAbility Hour about change, independence, planning for the future and making sure people know there are options available. 📞 Contact Information Achieve Australia For information about disability supports, programs, accommodation options or services available through Achieve Australia: 🌐 Achieve Australia website 📞 1300 224 438 Patty – Customer Engagement Partner, Achieve Australia 📱 0426 107 647

  8. Sep 4

    Finding Your Place: Kristel’s Journey & Inclusive Dance with Madeleine Stewart Dance Company

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Achieve Australia bring together two fantastic stories about independence, inclusion, friendship and finding something you love. First up is Kristel, who wastes absolutely no time getting involved on her very first day with Achieve Australia — asking straight away if she could get behind the microphone and tell listeners about herself! Kristel shares her love of singing, dancing and getting out into the community, along with some of the challenges she experiences living with an intellectual impairment. She speaks openly about anxiety, recognising when she needs some space to regroup, and how the right support can help her manage those moments. Transport and independence are also a big part of Kristel's story. Living in the Lowood area can make accessing activities in Ipswich difficult, but with support she's now able to participate in performing arts and dance programs. She's also learning to use public transport and developing skills that could eventually help her travel more independently. Then, Rosanne from the Madeleine Stewart Dance Company joins the show to talk about creating a genuinely inclusive space for people with disability to discover dance, drama and drumming. The organisation now welcomes more than 350 students each week across South East Queensland, with classes designed around the abilities and needs of the people taking part. Rosanne explains how the programs can build much more than performance skills. For participants who may have previously felt isolated or struggled to fit into mainstream classes, they can provide friendship, confidence and a genuine sense of belonging. More than half of the organisation's staff are also neurodivergent or people with disability, with some students progressing into paid employment and performance opportunities. It's an episode that captures exactly what the AllAbility Hour is about — giving people a voice, creating opportunities and celebrating what can happen when people are supported to pursue the things they're passionate about. 📞 Contact Information Madeleine Stewart Dance Company 🌐 madeleinestewartdancecompany.com 📞 Rosanne – 0428 156 688 📱 Facebook: Madeleine Stewart Dance Company 📸 Instagram: @insideoutsidedance_ndis The company offers inclusive dance, drama and drumming programs, with pathways ranging from social participation and friendship through to competitions, professional performances and international opportunitie

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About

Patty from Focal Community Services and West Bremer Radio’s DJ Sparky return for a new season of the All Abilities Hour!, a weekly show coming to you every Saturday. It’s a dedicated space where we come together to celebrate diversity, amplify voices, and foster inclusivity.

Information

  • Creator
    allabilityhour
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The allabilityhour’s Podcast