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. Jun 26

    Building Better Support Workers: Training for the Disability Sector

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Focal Community Services shine a spotlight on the people behind quality disability support, welcoming Philippa from Ashley Institute of Training. The conversation explores the growing demand for qualified support workers and why nationally recognised training is becoming increasingly important across the disability and aged care sectors. Philippa explains the differences between the Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate III in Community Services, helping listeners understand which pathway best suits their career goals. The episode also covers upcoming qualification requirements for support workers, government funding opportunities, vocational placements, and how existing workers can gain formal qualifications while continuing to work in the industry. Listeners will learn how one day of training each week can open the door to rewarding careers supporting people with disability, older Australians, and the wider community. Whether you're considering a career change, already working in the sector, or you're an employer looking to upskill your workforce, this episode provides practical advice on training pathways and the future of disability support. Pasted text.txt 📞 Contact Information Ashley Institute of Training 🌐 Ashley Institute of Training 📧 ipswich@ash.edu.au 📍 Ipswich Campus: Bell Street, Ipswich Ashley Institute of Training offers nationally recognised qualifications including: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) Certificate III in Community Services Certificate III in Business Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care If you're interested in starting a career in the disability sector or gaining formal qualifications while working, contact the Ashley Institute of Training to discuss your options and funding eligibility.

    10 min

  2. Jun 19

    Cooking Up Independence: Inside Focal’s Life Skills Kitchen

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patti from Focal Community Services shine a spotlight on one of Focal’s most practical and empowering programs — the Life Skills Cooking Group. Joining the conversation are participant Luke and support worker Kelly, who provide firsthand insight into how the program helps people build confidence, independence, and essential everyday skills through cooking. Luke shares how the program has helped him develop meal planning, budgeting, shopping, kitchen safety, and recipe-building skills, while also providing a fun and supportive social environment. From learning how to compare grocery prices and stick to a budget to mastering recipes like chicken carbonara, participants are gaining valuable tools that can be applied directly to daily life. Kelly explains how the program is carefully structured to suit participants with a wide range of abilities, ensuring everyone can contribute, learn, and succeed at their own pace. Beyond cooking, the group focuses on teamwork, social connection, food education, kitchen safety, cleaning up, and building confidence through hands-on experiences. The episode highlights how something as simple as preparing a meal can become a powerful pathway toward greater independence, stronger social connections, and increased self-confidence. Whether you're interested in life skills programs, independent living, or simply want to hear some inspiring stories from participants and support workers, this episode is packed with practical insights and heartwarming moments.

    15 min

  3. Jun 14

    Understanding NDIS Changes: What Participants Need to Know

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patti from Focal Community Services take a deep dive into some of the major changes happening within the NDIS and what they could mean for participants, families, and carers. With a scheduled guest unable to attend, Patti uses the opportunity to unpack key topics currently generating discussion across the disability sector, including the move towards standardised functional assessments, changes to supports for children aged eight and under, and updates to NDIS eligibility requirements. The episode explores how future NDIS planning may focus more on a person’s functional capacity rather than diagnosis alone, creating a more individualised approach to funding and support. Patti also explains the introduction of foundational supports for younger children and discusses the importance of seeking information directly from official NDIS sources when navigating ongoing changes. Listeners will also learn about supports available through the NDIS for life transitions, including education, employment, housing changes, hospital discharge, and mental health transitions. Patti highlights the often-overlooked employment supports available to participants, sharing real-world examples of how the right assistance can help people build independence and maintain meaningful work. This informative episode serves as a practical guide for anyone wanting to better understand the evolving NDIS landscape and where to find accurate information when questions arise. 📞 Contact Information National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 🌐 NDIS Website 📞 1800 800 110 If you have questions about your plan, upcoming changes, eligibility, assessments, or supports available to you, the NDIS recommends contacting them directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

    12 min

  4. Jun 5

    Stable, Grounded & Growing: The Power of Equine Assisted Therapy

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Focal Community Services are joined by Brittany from Stable and Grounded for a fascinating conversation about Equine Assisted Therapy and the powerful connection between people and horses. Brittany shares her personal journey from working in corporate rehabilitation and insurance to creating Stable and Grounded, a service that combines her professional counselling background with the transformative impact horses have had on her own life. After a life-changing experience with an off-the-track thoroughbred, Brittany discovered the unique way horses provide honest, real-time feedback about emotions, behaviour, and self-awareness. Throughout the episode, Brittany explains the difference between Equine Therapy and Equine Assisted Therapy, clarifying how qualified clinicians use horses as part of therapeutic and capacity-building supports. She discusses how horses help participants develop emotional regulation, social skills, confidence, communication, self-awareness, and resilience through experiential learning. The conversation explores how horses can provide immediate, unbiased feedback that helps people better understand their emotions and behaviours without the pressure of traditional talk-based therapy. Brittany also highlights how this approach can be particularly effective for people who find it difficult to express themselves verbally, offering a unique pathway to growth, learning, and personal development. Whether you're a parent, support coordinator, participant, or simply curious about alternative therapeutic approaches, this episode provides valuable insight into how equine-assisted programs are creating meaningful outcomes for people of all abilities. 📞 Contact Information Stable and Grounded 🌐 stableandgrounded.com 📞 (07) 3156 1239 Brittany encourages anyone interested in learning more about Equine Assisted Therapy, capacity-building supports, or discussing individual goals and NDIS funding options to book a consultation through the website or leave a message via phone for a callback.

    16 min

  5. May 30

    Inclusion, Independence & Never Giving Up

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patti bring together an inspiring panel of guests to discuss disability advocacy, inclusive sport, independence, and the power of community support. First, Sean and Garth from Harmony Centred Care share their passion for helping people with disability achieve greater independence through person-centred support. Sean speaks openly about his own lived experience with cerebral palsy and his ongoing battle to secure Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding, highlighting the importance of advocacy, persistence, and having the right support network around you. Garth also shares the story behind Harmony Centred Care and explains how the organisation has grown to provide a wide range of NDIS supports while maintaining a strong focus on individual outcomes and community connection. The conversation then shifts to Dan from Sport 4 All, who shares his personal journey following a life-changing spinal cord injury and how sport became a crucial part of his recovery and wellbeing. Dan discusses wheelchair rugby league, inclusive sporting opportunities, and the importance of helping clubs and schools create environments where everyone can participate, regardless of ability. The episode wraps up with a powerful discussion about resilience, inclusion, and the importance of never facing challenges alone. Whether it’s navigating the NDIS, pursuing independent living, or finding your place in sport and community life, the message is clear: support, determination, and connection can change lives. A motivating and uplifting episode filled with practical advice, personal stories, and inspiration for people of all abilities. 📞 Contact Information Harmony Centred Care 🌐 harmonycentredcare.au 📞 0485 879 676 Sport 4 All 🌐 sport4all.com.au Sport for All works with sporting clubs and schools to build inclusive environments where people of all abilities can participate, belong, and thrive.

    33 min

  6. May 30

    Wraparound Support: Inside DCC’s Community-First Approach

    Broadcasting from the Ipswich Show, this week’s AllAbility Hour welcomes Victor from DCC Group to discuss the importance of holistic, culturally informed support and how community services are evolving to better meet people’s needs. Victor shares his personal journey from immigrating to Australia from Ukraine to finding his passion in the community services sector. He explains how DCC Group has grown from providing residential care for young people with complex needs into a multidisciplinary organisation offering foster care support, allied health services, disability supports, workforce solutions, and culturally responsive programs. The conversation explores the importance of wraparound care, where therapists, support workers, coordinators, and families work together to achieve meaningful outcomes for participants. Victor highlights the growing need for accessible, culturally appropriate services and how DCC is helping individuals and families through occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech pathology, SIL supports, short-term accommodation, and community participation programs. One particularly heartwarming story sees DCC helping a young person living with lupus receive a gaming setup through Make-A-Wish, allowing her to reconnect with her sisters and enjoy being a kid again. It’s an insightful episode about community, collaboration, inclusion, and the power of supporting the whole person, not just their immediate needs. 📞 Contact DCC Group 📞 1300 123 322 🌐 dccgroup.org.au 📧 admin@dccgroup.org.au Whether you're looking for disability supports, allied health services, foster care information, or culturally informed community services, the DCC team is ready to help.

    15 min

  7. May 1

    Food, Behaviour & Resilience

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patti return with a packed episode featuring expert insights and an incredibly inspiring personal story. First, Andrew from Thompson Community Dietitians shares his passion for helping people build better relationships with food, particularly those with complex needs such as dysphagia and enteral (tube) feeding. He explains how dietitians work alongside speech therapists and support teams to ensure meals are not only safe but enjoyable and tailored to each individual. Next, Penny from Horizon Counselling and Positive Behaviour Support dives into the world of behaviour support, highlighting the importance of understanding the “why” behind behaviours rather than just addressing the symptoms. She explains how a holistic, multidisciplinary approach can improve quality of life and even reduce the need for restrictive practices through the right supports and collaboration. The conversation then brings both guests together to explore how dietitians and behaviour support practitioners can work hand-in-hand to achieve better outcomes for participants — reinforcing the importance of teamwork across the sector. Finally, Kyle shares his remarkable journey of survival and recovery following a life-changing car accident that left him needing to relearn basic functions. With resilience, determination, and strong family support, Kyle has rebuilt his life and is now studying law. His message is clear: never give up, and don’t let setbacks define your future. This episode is a powerful mix of practical advice, professional insight, and raw inspiration. 📞 Contact Information Andrew – Thompson Community Dietitian 📞 0474 724 189 🌐 Find on Google, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn Penny – Horizon Counselling & Positive Behaviour Support 📞 0435 273 911 📧 admin@horizoncounsellingandbehaviouralsupport Kyle – Follow His Journey ▶️ YouTube: KyleWarne28 (search “Kyle Warne Journey”) 📸 Instagram: Warnies Feeds

    29 min

  8. Apr 3

    Navigating the NDIS: Support Coordination, Culture & Real Outcomes

    This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty sit down with Rufaro from Insight Collective to unpack the real impact of support coordination and the evolving NDIS landscape. Rufaro shares her inspiring journey into the sector, driven by her own experience navigating complex systems after moving from Zimbabwe, and her passion for supporting culturally diverse families who face additional barriers when accessing the NDIS. Through her work, she’s helping participants and families build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and genuine independence. The conversation dives into the different levels of support coordination, the role of recovery coaching, and why having the right person — not just the right qualification — is crucial for meaningful outcomes. Rufaro also provides valuable insight into recent NDIS changes, including funding challenges, evidence requirements, and the growing complexity of accessing supports. The episode wraps with a powerful success story highlighting the long journey through appeals and advocacy to secure the right plan for a young participant — a reminder of the importance of persistence, teamwork, and doing things the right way. A must-listen for anyone navigating the NDIS or supporting someone who is — full of real-world insights, practical advice, and heart.   https://www.inciteco.au/

    15 min
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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.

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