Victoria Maxwell

Victoria Maxwell, BFA, BPP*  is a sought-after international (and funny) keynote speaker, performing artist and workshop leader. She uses her personal story of recovery from mental illness to increase awareness, transform negative beliefs and ignite powerful conversations about mental health.

Blending 30 years as an actor, and 15 as a wellness warrior, Victoria inspires people to take immediate action to improve their well-being. 

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has endorsed her one-of-a-kind keynote performances as one of the top anti-stigma interventions that creates lasting shifts.

Two scientific studies have shown her theatrical keynotes reduce stigma. Learn about the research results here and here.

She was named one of Canada’s top leaders in Mental Health by the National Centre for Addiction and Mental Health centre (CAMH) and honoured with the National Difference Makers award.

Her plays, keynotes and other efforts have won or been nominated for over 14 awards. They include the Entertainment Industries Council PRISM Award, SAMHSA Voice Award, best foreign stage play at the Moondance International Film Festival, and one of Top Ten Entrepreneurs with Disabilities.

Prior to her diagnosis, Victoria was an actress during the 90’s, playing small roles opposite actors such as X-Files’ David Duchovny, John Travolta and Johnny Depp. She’s blogged for Psychology Today for over 8 years.

While her story is her own, the messages are universal. Even the most veteran of conference delegates are energized and enlightened by her keynotes and workshops.

Victoria's website is here: https://victoriamaxwell.com/

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast

00:21 Introduction to Podcast

00:44 Kylee and Victoria

29:13 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

30:06 Goodbye from Dr Pam

Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future!

Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

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Kylee Maloney has been a creative for as long as she can remember: from trying to make music with two hands on the piano at three to writing fanfiction at nearly 60, she has always enjoyed using her voice, words and music as modes of self-expression — and sometime employment. As a survivor of abuse in the care of RNZFB, she works as Administrator for the small group of survivors tasked with constructing a compensation and redress framework for positive change. She also enjoys reading, weight lifting, a decent glass of wine and setting the world to rights with a small and select group of friends. As a newly-diagnosed autist, she now proudly wears the sunflower and hopes to continue to help others through promotion of self-knowledge as a tool for growth.

The song performed by Kylee after her interview is called, The Water is Wide, from her album, Early One Celtic Morning.

The album is available on Spotify and Apple Music

Connect with Kylee:

• Kylee has a professional clone of her voice on Eleven Labs. If you would her to read to you and you have Eleven Reader, add Kylee here:

https://elevenlabs.io/app/voice-lab/share/c2b0aec5bdab1dd57f61079e0ad3a1d694cc1657aaa1dfef1e0e31bccf2c3f78/pcKdPWtbF6bM9o7NHjCI

• The link to Kylee's fanfic on AO3 is here:

https://archiveofourown.org/users/TheKiwiCelt/works

• Kylee is featured

in an interview here

about her IT course on radio New Zealand

• Email Kylee with Subject line: Disrupters at silvercords@icloud.com

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast

00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest

01:05 Interview with Kylee Maloney

37:53 Goodbye from Dr Pam

38:07 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

Dr Pam's Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future!

Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Andrew is a passionate disability advocate, content creator and aspiring YouTuber. He has a passion for showcasing the positives of leading a fulfilling life with a physical condition.  

You can connect with Andrew here:

Linktree: 

https://linktr.ee/AGGUIDES

TikTok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew_gadd?_r=1&_t=ZN-92TAGl0r02Y

YouTube: 

https://youtube.com/@andrew_gadd?si=ymO5vaHGG8sCzn12

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast

00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest - Andrew Gadd

01:04 Interview with Andrew Gadd

21:49 Employment Matters

25:20 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future!

26:35 Goodbye from Dr Pam

26:56 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future!

Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeldhttps://youtube.com/@andrew_gadd?si=ymO5vaHGG8sCzn12

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Mark is a successful entrepreneur, and National Sales manager - NZ for HT Systems (Kera sit2sit & Kera Travel hoists). Their first product, the Kera sit2sit hoist, has already made a huge difference in the lives of people living with disability.

Mark has first hand experience as a User of the Kera Travel hoist and can help guide New Zealanders with NZ funding.

Information on NZ funding can be found on the HT systems website here, and this is where Mark's contact details, such as email address and phone number are available.https://www.htsystems.co.nz

Mark previously ran a lighting business for over two decades, and this business is now based in Auckland, NZ. Check out Flexilight New Zealand

Mark has two short videos of his house/property lighting setup available to be viewed on youtube.

Outside Christmas Lights - Napier NZ

My house -Christmas 2024 Napier NEW ZEALAND

Mark is also involved with custom made wheelchair spoke protector designs at Bazaa Wheels

On a personal note, Mark is in the middle of writing a book about his work and life, so watch out for that announcement coming up.

Emma Bennison

This month Emma is reading us her blog article "Stop Mining our Ideas. Start Appointing Disabled Leaders"

Audio Chapters

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast

00:21 Introduction to Podcast

00:51 Interview with Mark WIlliams

13:20 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

14:17 Stop Mining Our Ideas. Start Appointing Disabled Leaders

21:32 Advert - fast braille translation service

22:34 Goodbye from Dr Pam

Footnotes

Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future!

Available on amazon here

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Behind the Shutters is a deeply personal and moving memoir that lifts the lid on life behind closed doors. Stephanie Birkhead shares her powerful journey of survival, resilience, and hope after enduring experiences that shaped her life in unexpected ways. With raw honesty and courage, she invites readers to step inside her story — not just of struggle, but of strength, healing, and finding light after the darkest of times.

Discover her memoir: Behind The Shutters Amazon link: https://mybook.to/jMM8

Connect with Stephie on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephie-birkhead-931762388

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:32 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 01:51 Interview with Stephie Birkhead 24:57 Advert - Fast braille translation service 25:58 Goodbye from Dr Pam 26:14 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Gemma O’Donnell is an experienced Barrister and Solicitor. She is passionate about advocating for those with disabilities and older people. Gemma loves dark chocolate, books, and making food to share.

About Gemma’s business - Chronically Legal Chronically Legal makes it easy to get your legal ducks in a row.

Chronically Legal can help with: • Enduring Powers of Attorney, • Orders under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (PPPR Act), • Residential Care Subsidies and • Trusts/ Incorporated Societies.

We offer fixed fees (for everything but litigation) and bespoke instalment payment plans

Email: gemma@chronicallylegal.co.nz Website: www.chronicallylegal.co.nz

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:44 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 02:07 Interview with Gemma O'Donnell 44:30 Denied right to learn Braille - Radio New Zealand 47:53 Employment Matters - part 4 52:00 Advert - Fast braille translation service 53:02 Goodbye from Dr Pam 53:19 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

Dr Pam and Kylee Maloney's Interview sourced with permission from RNZ (Radio New Zealand) website: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/573515/denied-right-to-learn-braille-woman-shares-historical-experience-at-royal-new-zealand-foundation-of-the-blind-s-apology

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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On 1st September, DARUMA finally comes to Australia and New Zealand! From Oscar-winning executive producer Peter Farrelly comes the first film in US cinematic history to star two leads with disabilities in a narrative not about overcoming disability.

DARUMA is a story about fatherhood, found family and forgiveness. Rent the film on Amazon Prime or Apple TV+

Starring: Christopher Reeve Best Actor Winner, Tobias Forrest Slamdance Best Actor Winner, John W. Lawson CBS Blue Bloods' Abigail Hawk And Golden Globe winner Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show)

DARUMA is available with open captions and has audio descriptions for free via All4Access. Download the app at https://all4access.com/ for audio descriptions of DARUMA.

IndieFilm

DisabilityRepresentation

Movies

AuthenticCasting

Disability

If you want to tag us the socials are here: INSTAGRAM: @darumamovie https://www.instagram.com/darumamovie

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W12KK9poUV0

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:30 Advert - Disability Responsiveness new Zealand (DRNZ) 00:53 Interview with John Lawson and Tobias Forrest 47:39 Goodbye from Dr Pam 47:55 Podcast Donations request

Disability Self-empowerment Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Neelu Jennings is a politician, disability advocate, and adventure athlete from Lower Hutt, New Zealand. A member of the Green Party, she has stood for both local and national office while raising two children as a full-time parent. Neelu brings deep expertise to her advocacy, holding a master’s degree in disability policy and a postgraduate diploma in public health, alongside professional experience with the Office for Disability Issues.

As the founder of Integrated Sport NZ and a decorated para-athlete, she has broken barriers in sport—becoming the first blind person to complete the Coast to Coast and the Crazyman multisport races, as well as climbing Mt Aspiring and paddling across Cook Strait. Her leadership has been recognised with an Attitude Award and a Woman of Influence Award. In April 2025, Neelu and Optimed’s Craig Norman teamed up to race the Porirua Grand Traverse - the multisport event involved legs in a double kayak (12k), a tandem mountain bike (28k) and a supported trail run (18k).

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:40 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 01:58 Interview with Neelu Jennings 30:59 Employment Matters - part 3 35:04 Advert - Fast braille translation service 36:04 Goodbye from Dr Pam 36:20 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Nick Ruane

Nick Ruane has a long history of community involvement, advocacy, leadership, and disability activism. Nick has a Master of the Arts (with Honors) in Political Science and Government from Victoria University. He is a board member for New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and was co-chair of the Wellington Accessibility Advisory Group for 5 years, giving advice to Council on Accessibility. He is currently the Workbridge Group Foundation Advisor, advising on establishing a Philanthropic giving program, establishing a small grant program, and re-launching the Foundation website. He also posts about disability politics topics at https://nicholasruane.substack.com/

Dr Pam's Disability Self-empowerment module one is now available !

Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available to purchase on amazon

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast
00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guests
00:56 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future!
02:26 Interview with Nick Ruane
19:24 Employment Matters - part 2
25:14 Advert - Fast braille translation service
26:12 Introduction to United Blind Leaders Webinar segments
27:28 United Blind Leaders Webinar segments
47:15 Goodbye from Dr Pam
47:32 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

United Blind Leaders Webinar recap

How Leadership Changes the Way We Advocate United Blind Leaders recently hosted a powerful and deeply personal webinar exploring how stepping into leadership changes the way we advocate—and how advocacy, in turn, shapes leadership. Facilitated by UBL Co-founder, Emma Bennison, the session brought together three distinguished speakers with decades of lived experience, activism, and leadership: Susan Thompson, Martin Stewart, and Dr Pam MacNeill. Together, they unpacked the shifts required when moving from independent advocacy to organisational leadership, shifts that call for strategic thinking, political savviness, and an unshakable commitment to the communities we serve. Each speaker reflected on the delicate balance between working within systems to create change whilst staying true to grassroots advocacy. Dr Pam McNeill shared candidly about her 18 years working within the New Zealand government, navigating complex relationships with ministers while staying loyal to disabled communities. Her approach? Find strategic alignment without compromising values—and don’t be afraid to stir the pot when necessary. Susan Thompson spoke of earning respect through active participation across all parts of an organisation—from client committees to internal operations—while never losing sight of her identity and responsibility as a blind person. She emphasised the importance of choosing battles carefully, maintaining emotional discipline, and being “part of the blind community, not above it.” For Martin Stewart, the shift from activist to advocate was also a deeply personal journey. He described moving from anger-fuelled protest to organisational leadership, crediting his role at Blind Citizens Australia as a transformative turning point. “I wanted to be a reputable person,” he said. “And now I’m happy to be swimming in the mainstream.”

About United Blind Leaders

United Blind Leaders (UBL) is an international movement of blind and vision-impaired people advocating for authentic representation in decision-making roles, particularly in organisations that provide services to blind people. We believe leadership by people with lived experience is essential—not optional—when it comes to shaping the future of our communities and the organisations that serve us. Learn more and sign up to our mailing list at www.unitedblindleaders.org to stay updated on upcoming events, campaigns, and opportunities to get involved. Want to join the conversation? UBL-Chat is our community discussion list where blind and vision-impaired people can connect, share ideas, and debate issues that matter. To join, send a blank email to: ubl-chat+subscribe@groups.io

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:42 The Life and Times of Ben Purse 40:42 Dr Pam introducing the Q&A with Dr Peter Wheeler 40:49 Question and Answers on the Life and Times of Ben Purse 01:07:14 Podcast seeking contributions from Listeners 01:07:41 Goodbye from Dr Pam 01:07:57 Advert - Fast braille translation service

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Emma Bennison is a bold disability advocate, consultant, Non-Executive Director and systems leader committed to equity, lived experience leadership and community transformation.

As Principal of Emma Bennison and Associates and Chief Advisor, Equity and Lived Experience at Life Without Barriers, (one of Australia’s largest human services organisations), she drives inclusive change across government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

A former President and CEO of Blind Citizens Australia and co-founder of United Blind Leaders, Emma is passionate about elevating blind leadership and challenging systemic barriers.

She’s also a TEDx speaker, MBA graduate and recipient of the 2024 Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability Leadership.

To learn more about Emma, visit www.emmabennison.com

The song excerpts featured in this episode are from Emma’s Album Fine Line, which is available on Spotify and Apple Music The songs are Changing Mindsand Winds of Change. To check out more of Emma’s music, head to https://emmabennisonmusic.com/

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast
00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest
37:19 Employment Matters
46:24 Dr Pam goodbye
46:42 Advert - Fast braille translation service

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Nikki has been involved in disability advocacy since intermediate, when she was advocating for autistic students in school due to the experiences of their brother within Aotearoa's education system. This continued as she transitioned into secondary school as a foundation student of Hobsonville Point Secondary School. Nikki sat on one of the school's first student councils, and then sat on one of the first 'Wellbeing Habitats' (specialised councils), advocating for the needs of disabled and chronically ill students.

Following a diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in 2020 in their first year of university, Nikki's passion for disability advocacy and disability rights skyrocketed. Alongside another disabled student, she founded the University of Waikato Disabled Students Association (WDSA) in June of 2021, and shortly after this, became a member of the National Disabled Students Association (NDSA). Throughout their Bachelors degree and other diagnoses, she joined Ehlers Danlos Syndromes New Zealand as a committee member, continued as president of WDSA, conducted two research scholarship opportunities - one of which became part of the basis for the University of Waikato Disability Action Plan. Nikki also sat on the Disability Action Plan Steering Group at the University of Waikato to bring the voices of WDSA, spoke to UNESCO about the challenges of youth living with a rare disorder, helped to develop the Student Disability and Impairment Policy at the University of Waikato, and guest lectures at multiple institutions regarding the experiences of and support for the disabled community. All while maintaining high grades and a high quality of work.

Their work in disability advocacy continued as she started a Masters degree in Disability and Inclusion Studies. Alongside continuing to be president of WDSA until 2024, she became the Relations Officer for NDSA and represents students with disabilities across NZ, became a member of the Te Mahau Advisory for Young Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Education, and spoke at conferences such as Student Voices Australasia in Brisbane, Australia in October of 2023, Learnfest in November of 2023 and 2024, and Brightstar 2024, amongst several others.

Currently, Nikki is one of the Co-Presidents of NDSA for 2025. Nikki aspires to continue their work in advocacy wherever that work takes them, whether it is in the education sector, health sector, the public sector or politically. Whatever makes the biggest difference for those who live with a disability within Aotearoa.

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 01:14 Advert - Disability Responsiveness new Zealand (DRNZ) 01:37 Interview with Nikita Van Dijk 31:08 Ask Dr Pam 36:42 Dr Pam's farewell 37:02 Podcast Donations request

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Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

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Grant has worked in the health. disability and education sectors for over 30 years at governance, senior leadership and practitioner levels. With lived experience of disability from birth, Grant uses a wheelchair for mobility and has faced many barriers that disabled people face in health, education and employment. He therefore brings both lived and professional experience to his work.

For 9.5 years Grant was the Chief Executive of Workbridge. He was also a member of the Ministerial Group that developed the Enabling Good Lives principles.

His governance appointments have included: The NZ Qualifications Authority, the Workforce Development Council for Community, Health, Education and Social Services, and chair of various disability-related boards and advisory groups including Spectrum Care, SkillWise, Ara, Health NZ.

In 1997 Grant established Creative Solutions. He provides disability-related strategic advice, coaching and training for organizations, and the disability community. Grant has worked extensively in tertiary/vocational education and employment supporting whaikaha (disabled people).

Grant grew up in Taranaki and lives in Christchurch. He has been married to Nicky for 31 years and proud dad to Tim and Jack.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Interview with Grant Cleland ONZM 27:38 Ask Dr Pam 33:10 Dr Pam's farewell 33:25 Podcast Donations request

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

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Cyndi has completed three prequels and three novels in The Therans Series, with two different worlds within the same series, where she twists legends into captivating mysteries and exciting narratives. To create an even more relatable main character, Callie has dyslexia, too.

If secrets, forgotten legends, and lost treasures spark your imagination, please check out her books at https://cyndibrecauthor.wordpress.com/

And her books can also be found on Amazon: Scarred Legends prequel was released on November 19, 2024 Scarred Secrets prequel was released on December 17, 2024 Scarred Lies prequel was released on January 14, 2025 Novel one in the series, The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars, was released February 18, 2025

00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:40 Interview with Podcast Guests 29:57 Ask Dr Pam Intro 30:15 Dr Pam discussing disclosure 34:11 Ask Dr Pam Outro 35:03 Dr Pam's farewell 35:33 Podcast Donations request

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Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

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Graeme Innes

Graeme Innes AM is a lawyer, author, and company director. He is the Chancellor of Central Queensland University, a member of the board of the National Disability Insurance Agency, and a member of the board of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority of NSW.

Graeme's autobiography Finding a Way achieved popular acclaim in 2016.

He has been a human rights practitioner for more than forty years, and is a conference presenter and facilitator. Graeme was a Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission for nine years, responsible for issues relating to disability, race and human rights. On the international stage, he was a member of the Australian delegation that participated in negotiating the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Since 2014, Graeme has received four Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his human rights advocacy. Graeme is married with two children, loves cricket as a spectator and sailing as a participant, and relaxes by enjoying fine Australian white wine.

Jonathan Mosen

Jonathan Mosen is a well-known advocate for accessibility features in computer and other technology for people who are blind, deaf-blind, or have low vision. Over the years, Jonathan has remained actively committed to his advocacy work, often speaking at conferences, participating in forums, and contributing to relevant discussions.

Before recently joining the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) in the United States https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/jonathan-mosen-brings-his-expertise-national-federation-blind Jonathan held the position of Workbridge Chief Executive Officer for five years. Workbridge is the largest employment agency for disabled people in New Zealand, and works to locate paid work for people with a variety of physical, sensory, and learning impairments, including people experiencing mental distress.

Jonathan has made significant contributions to accessibility as a writer, speaker, and advocate. He has been involved in efforts to improve the usability of various technologies, including software, hardware, and websites. His work has often involved collaborating with tech companies to ensure their products are inclusive and accessible for all. He has also authored several books and articles on accessibility and technology. His writings focus on provision of practical advice to users who are blind, deaf-blind, or have low vision. Jonathan is well known internationally for his work on two podcasts: "Mosen At Large" and “Living Blindfully”. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics focusing on technology and other matters affecting blind and deaf-blind people, and the vision impaired community. These podcasts have been highly praised world-wide for their in-depth content, such as discussions and insights into a range of accessibility issues.

Jonathan currently produces a technology podcast called “Access On”, for the NFB. Jonathan Mosen's contributions to the field of accessibility continue to have a significant impact on improving the lives of individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or vision impaired; his ongoing work continues to shape the way technology is designed, developed and used worldwide.

Podcast chapters 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guests 01:07 Interview with Podcast guests 55:12 Dr Pam discussing what's on her mind 59:28 Ask Dr Pam 01:00:53 Goodbye from Dr Pam 01:01:13 Podcast Donations request

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Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

Mark Cook Hello, my name is Mark I am 38-years old, I live in Bramhall, which is a suburb of Stockport in Greater Manchester. I live with my parents, Ann and Keith and I have an older brother called Peter who is a teacher in London. I went to mainstream school in Bramhall and then I went to college. After college I had a job with a training company as an administration assistant. I was there for eleven years until 2020 when I was made redundant due to the pandemic. I now have another job at a recruitment company in Manchester and I work there one day a week. I have been there for nearly a year and I am really enjoying it. On two other days I go to an animation workshop where I can create short cartoon style films and to a radio station where we research topics and discuss them. The recordings are then posted on the internet. Both of these activities are with an organisation called Pure Innovations. My hobbies are films, reading and listening to music and I love eating out. I have Down’s Syndrome and I am deaf in my right ear, but those things do not get in the way of me doing anything. During lockdown I began writing a film blog and I have carried on since then! The link to the blog is given below in case you are interested. https://mdcreviews.blog/

Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:20 Introduction to Podcast Guests - Paula and Mark 00:57 Advert - Disability Responsiveness New Zealand (DRNZ) 01:21 Interview with Paula Jessop 31:00 Dr Pam discussing goals 34:14 Podcast seeking contributions from Listeners 34:45 Dr Pam introduces Mark Cook 35:09 Interview with Mark Cook 46:27 Podcast Donations request - Tipjar 47:29 Goodbye from Dr Pam

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Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

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“When first approached to be interviewed for the disability disrupters podcast, my initial instinct was to decline the offer. The reason is that I do not engage in social media which appears particularly toxic and a generally unpleasant environment to be involved with. I held similar views on podcasts not really believing most served any useful purpose other than to provide a boost to the ego of people who really don’t need or deserve their ego’s to be enhanced. However, on reflection I decided to rethink my beliefs. This is because I began to relive the feelings and emotions I went through when I first became blind, and the hopelessness coupled with feelings of uselessness which accompanied my loss of sight. The future appeared bleak with little hope of ever working again. At that time, I did not know of any other blind people or how anybody else had managed the transition between being sighted and blind. Having another person’s description of how they managed to live with and overcome many of the fears and anxieties which accompany sudden loss of sight would have been a significant help in understanding my own situation. Hence, I have agreed to join the disability disrupters podcast in the simple hope that if only one person listens to the episode and it provides them with even a thought of the slightest prospect for a brighter future, then participation would have been worthwhile." Dr Peter Wheeler

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Find the Liel's podcast here: https://www.kultivate.au/podcast , or on any major podcast platforms.

To connect with Liel, find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lielkbridgford/

Find Liel's writing, interviews and more here: https://linktr.ee/lielkbridgford

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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Amos says: “We are building Glide out in the open with the community and encourage anyone who is interested to engage with us to register on our website http://glidance.io. We hold regular virtual demos for new gliders where you can meet the team, learn about the product and our plans, and get your questions answered live by our team. You can write to us with your questions and thoughts, and in addition we hold a monthly zoom call on the last Wednesday of every month where we have more advanced in-depth conversations.”

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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As a senior figure in the disability community, she has been a pivotal force in numerous landmark achievements which have shaped the landscape of awareness, responsiveness, and support to disabled people.

Her dedication to championing our rights has earned her a respected place in New Zealand's history of social justice and equality.

Throughout her career, Valerie has actively participated in the development and implementation of policies aimed at improving the quality of life for disabled people. She has been instrumental in advocating for accessibility in public spaces, inclusive education, and equitable employment opportunities.

Valerie's unwavering commitment to disability equity has inspired many, and continues to drive progress towards a more inclusive and just society for disabled New Zealanders.

Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

Read transcript