Disability Spotlight Podcast

Simone Dudley

A podcast that SPOTlights the way for allied health professionals working in the disability sector. Topics will be relevant to speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists working in the disability sector aiming to achieve best practice. 

  1. Bridging the Gaps: Psychosocial Disability and the NDIS

    MAY 12

    Bridging the Gaps: Psychosocial Disability and the NDIS

    In this episode, we are joined by the wonderful Professor Jen Smith-Merry, a Professor of Health and Social Policy and Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow (2024-2029) at the University of Sydney School of Health Sciences. This conversation starts by exploring Jen’s career-long dedication to mental health and her push for government policy that truly addresses the needs of people with mental illness. We then dive into the significant gaps currently found within and outside the NDIS, the vital importance of integrated care between clinicians and support workers, and whether Foundational Supports have the potential to provide effective supports for those with complex psychosocial needs.  There are some words of wisdom in this chat regarding the role of Occupational Therapists as the "human glue" that connects broken systems for their clients.  We encourage you to listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the shifting policy landscape and to hear a preview of Jen’s upcoming presentation at our annual conference.  Host: Clare Batkin  Editing: Podcast Services Australia  Links: Jen's staff profile page with information about her work: https://profiles.sydney.edu.au/jennifer.smith-merryFixing the NDIS for people with psychosocial disability: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/our-research/research-centres/centre-for-disability-research-and-policy/research/fixing-the-ndis-for-people-with-psychosocial-disability.html Disability SPOT Conference Tickets: "Forging the Future Together: Innovation in Practice" When: Saturday 30th May, 9am-5pm AEST Where: Virtual Tickets: $100 for members $200 for non-members See program and more details on our webpage: https://disabilityspot.org.au/event/annual-disability-spot-conference-forging-the-future-together-innovation-in-practice/ Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    36 min

  2. FEB 25

    A parent's perspective: Advocacy and preparing for school

    In today’s episode we are joined by two wonderful women, Chelsey and Emma, both of whom are Mums to children with rare and complex disabilities.  This conversation is starts by understanding these Mums' journeys through their child's diagnosis, to becoming the fierce advocates and they are today. We then dive into all things preparing for school; from finding the right school for your child through to evaluating when maybe it’s time for a change.  There are some amazing words of wisdom in this chat and I’m sure that it will not only be allied health professionals who will benefit from listening to these two Mums share their experience. We encourage you to share this episode with families you work with and with educators and teachers in your professional circles.  Host: Rebecca Sampson  Editing: Podcast Services Australia  Links: Disability SPOT Conference Tickets "Forging the future together: Innovation in Practice: https://disabilityspot.org.au/event/annual-disability-spot-conference-forging-the-future-together-innovation-in-practice/ Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    56 min
  3. Clinical Chats: MDT approach to understanding CP

    11/12/2025

    Clinical Chats: MDT approach to understanding CP

    In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by a multidisciplinary panel, Sarah Hallams (Physiotherapist), Isabella Krak (Speech Pathologist), and Amanda Lidis (Occupational Therapist) for a rich discussion on supporting children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Together, they unpack what CP is, the different types, and how it can affect a child’s development across the lifespan. The conversation explores common goals across allied health disciplines, practical strategies for family education, and the importance of empowering children and families through collaborative care. Learn about real-world clinical experiences, from setting meaningful goals to navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of CP management. The panel also highlights evidence-based tools, continuing professional development opportunities, and the role of specialist CP services in NSW. Show Notes:  CPA  Classification scales MACS  GMFCS and FMS CPUP Communication function classification system  cerebralpalsy.org.au Tobii - DAG (emerging to independent communication) Resources Iona Novak (et al) - state of the evidence paper  Monash Uni online courses (CP)  AGOSCI - workshops, research, frameworks, AAC Bryan Hall - CP teaching (UL Assessment and interventions) Children’s Hospital Network - liaison + learning opportunities  https://schneducation.com.au/  Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    1h 4m
  4. Supporting Children with Restricted Eating, and doing a PHD with Rene Fraser

    09/03/2025

    Supporting Children with Restricted Eating, and doing a PHD with Rene Fraser

    In this episode, Bec Sampson is joined by Rene Fraser, Occupational Therapist and long-time Disability SPOT Executive Committee member, to discuss her PhD research on parent interventions for children with disabilities who are restricted eaters. Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience, Rene shares how her work with families inspired her research and why traditional approaches to restricted eating often fall short. Instead of chasing “perfect” mealtimes, she highlights the importance of creating safe, responsive environments that nurture a child’s natural curiosity to explore food. Listeners will gain insights from Rene’s scoping review and parent interviews, including her decision-making framework for choosing interventions, the value of tailoring supports, and the power of collaboration across disciplines. She also explores how clinicians can reflect on their own practices, embrace family-centred strategies, and apply her findings directly in therapy to better support children and families. Show Notes:  Get Permission Institute - Meal Times Responsive Feeding Group Meg Farrell - learn play thrive, Podcasts  Deborah alvarez feeding therapy australia Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    42 min
  5. Building Inclusive Foundations in Early Education Settings – A Conversation with Dr Amanda Niland - Part Two

    07/01/2025

    Building Inclusive Foundations in Early Education Settings – A Conversation with Dr Amanda Niland - Part Two

    In part two of our conversation with early childhood expert Dr Amanda Niland, we explore what best practice collaboration looks like between allied health professionals, parents, children, and early childhood educators. Amanda shares insights into building strong, respectful partnerships in early education settings and the tools that can support truly collaborative and child-centred approaches. The conversation then shifts to Amanda’s research on disability representation and inclusion in children’s literature. She speaks about her recent projects and the importance of children seeing themselves—and their diverse experiences—reflected in books. Amanda also shares how children’s perspectives on disability may differ from those of adults and highlights why meaningful inclusion matters in early childhood settings, schools, and community activities. This episode wraps up with valuable recommendations for books and resources that support understanding and inclusion, both for children with disabilities and their typically developing peers. Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    43 min
  6. Early Childhood Education, Research, and Rethinking Praise – A Conversation with Dr Amanda Niland - Part 1

    07/01/2025

    Early Childhood Education, Research, and Rethinking Praise – A Conversation with Dr Amanda Niland - Part 1

    In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by early childhood educator and researcher Dr Amanda Niland to explore the topic of praise and how we use it with children. Drawing on her recent article, Amanda discusses why phrases like “good boy” or “good girl” may not always offer the positive reinforcement we assume, and how our language can influence a child’s developing sense of self. We discuss what led Amanda to write the article, how shifting the way we give feedback can promote long-term wellbeing and success, and how allied health professionals can reframe praise to focus on effort and process rather than outcomes. Amanda also shares helpful examples and offers recommendations for those looking to learn more about the research and practice guidelines behind her insights. Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    36 min
  7. Leadership, Coaching, and Career Pathways with Alyce Svensk The OT Coach

    05/13/2025

    Leadership, Coaching, and Career Pathways with Alyce Svensk The OT Coach

    In this episode, host Bec Sampson speaks with occupational therapist, business owner, and mentor Alyce Svensk who you may know through her business as ‘The OT Coach”. Alyce is a guest speaker at this year’s annual Disability SPOT conference and this episode of the podcasts discusses Alyce’s professional journey to ‘The OT Coach’, her passion for mentoring, and a teaser for what she will present at the upcoming conference. Disability SPOT Annual Conference 2025: The Future of Disability Therapy is on Sunday 17th May DO NOT MISS OUT!  Buy your Disability SPOT conference tickets here Show Notes:  Alyce co-hosts the OT Unplugged and The OT Coaching Confidential so you will hear these podcasts referenced throughout. We’ve linked both podcasts below for you to discover and enjoy. Podcasts mentioned:  The OT Coaching confidential  Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast The OT Unplugged Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast Gerda Muller: The Private Practice Success Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast Other resources mentioned:  Clare Batkins ‘Your OT Tutor’ : Workshops for setting up in private practice, being a clinical educator The OT Coach Workshops: Starting your own business, being a sole trader, learning to be a mentor  Michelle Bihary: Leadership and supervising  Brene Brown: Leading from vulnerability  Podcasts mentioned:  The OT Coaching confidential  Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast The OT Unplugged Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    43 min
  8. Getting wheels - Wheelchair Prescription for Children with Neuromuscular Conditions with Dr. Sarah-Grace Paguinto

    04/09/2025

    Getting wheels - Wheelchair Prescription for Children with Neuromuscular Conditions with Dr. Sarah-Grace Paguinto

    In this episode, host Bec Sampson speaks with occupational therapist and researcher Dr. Sarah-Grace Paguinto. With over a decade of experience at Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Neuromuscular Clinic, Sarah-Grace shares insights from her PhD on creating a psychoeducation resource to support parents through the emotional and practical aspects of wheelchair prescription. Tune in to learn about her parent resource booklet, the importance of early mobility support, and how clinicians can better guide families through this transition. Show Notes: Sarah Grace’s booklet that she developed during her PhD is yet to be published widely but if you would like a copy you can email Sarah Grace at Sarahgrace.Paguinto@health.nsw.gov.au The resources Sarah Grace mentions in this podcast around further professional development for clinicians are not available direct to the public either but Sarah Grace has kindly offered to share them with anyone interested. You can contact Sarah Grace at Sarahgrace.Paguinto@health.nsw.gov.au Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

    36 min
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About

A podcast that SPOTlights the way for allied health professionals working in the disability sector. Topics will be relevant to speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists working in the disability sector aiming to achieve best practice. 

Information

  • Creator
    Simone Dudley
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Disability Spotlight Podcast
  • Show Website
    Disability Spotlight Podcast