The allabilityhour’s Podcast

allabilityhour
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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

    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

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Aug 21

    Born to Perform: Singing, Dancing & Building Confidence with Achieve Australia

    There’s plenty of energy, laughter and personality on this week’s AllAbility Hour as DJ Sparky and Patty from Achieve Australia are joined by members of the Performing Arts Group! Jess, Shaylee, Amy, Shelby, Josh, Dom and Tom take over the microphones to share what they love about performing arts, from singing and dancing to acting, spending time with friends and, most importantly, having plenty of fun along the way. The group gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at their sessions, which include vocal and physical warm-ups, learning lyrics, singing together and hitting the dance studio to practise their moves. They’re currently working on a huge range of songs, including favourites from Moana, One Direction, Little Mix, High School Musical 2, Taylor Swift and Barbie. There’s also plenty to look forward to, with the group preparing for upcoming community performances — including Achieve Australia’s Thank You Ipswich event and the Fresh Futures Market. Beyond putting on a great show, the Performing Arts Group is about building confidence, developing new skills, forming friendships and giving people with disability the opportunity to express themselves and shine on stage. And judging by the energy around the table this week, they’re certainly ready to put on a show! 📞 Contact Information Achieve Australia – Performing Arts Group 🌐 Achieve Australia 📱 Patty – 0426 107 647 Interested in joining the Performing Arts Group, or looking for a talented and enthusiastic group to perform at your community event? Get in touch with Patti or Achieve Australia to find out more. Fresh Futures Market – Ipswich 📅 Wednesday, 2 September 2026 ⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm 🎤 Performing Arts Group expected on stage from around 9:30am.

  8. Aug 14

    Embracing Change & Creating Fresh Futures with DCAM

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patti from Achieve Australia welcome back Peter and Grandel from DCA Mentoring Support (DCAM) for a conversation about embracing change, the power of lived experience, and creating opportunities for people with disability. Peter and Grandel share their involvement in helping participants and support workers navigate the transition from Focal Community Services to Achieve Australia. Through their Embracing Change workshops, they created a safe, interactive space where people could talk openly about the transition, recognise Focal’s 52-year legacy, and look positively towards the opportunities ahead with Achieve Australia. The pair also explain the work of DCAM, which recently celebrated five years under its current identity. With both Peter and Grandel bringing their own lived experience of cerebral palsy, their focus is on mentoring, capacity building, support work, workshops and helping people understand that no two experiences of disability are the same. Their message is simple but powerful — your story matters. The episode also looks ahead to the Fresh Futures Market Ipswich, happening Wednesday, 2 September at the Ipswich Showgrounds. The expo connects school leavers and people with disability with employment pathways, service providers, allied health professionals and other opportunities as they transition into adult life. DJ Sparky will also be there showcasing radio and potentially taking the AllAbility Hour on the road! It’s an uplifting episode about respecting the past, embracing what comes next, and ensuring people with disability have a genuine voice in shaping their future. 📞 Contact Information DCA Mentoring Support (DCAM) 📧 askus@dcam.com.au 📱 Find DCA Mentoring Support on social media. Fresh Futures Market – Ipswich 📅 Wednesday, 2 September 2026 ⏰ 9:00am – 2:00pm 📍 Ipswich Showgrounds 🌐 freshfuturesinc.com – select the Ipswich event for further information and stallholder enquiries.

See All (28)

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
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The allabilityhour’s Podcast