This episode explores Health & Wellbeing, highlighting how accessible systems, inclusive healthcare, and appropriate supports can improve outcomes for people with disability.

Sam Drummond speaks with Dr Dinesh Palipana, reflects on overcoming scepticism within the medical profession and the value of employing disabled professionals in healthcare. He discusses how inclusion can lead to practical benefits such as reduced absenteeism and stronger patient trust, while also drawing attention to ongoing physical and logistical barriers in the health system, including inaccessible hospital environments and transport challenges.

He also speaks with Dr Margaret Spencer and her goddaughter Amanda White, who share insights into the lived experience of parenting with disability. They discuss the importance of tailored supports for families, the barriers parents can face, and the strengths and possibilities of co-parenting models when the right structures are in place.

Also joining the conversation is Vera Ciavarella, who is the Disability Liaison Officer from the Royal Women’s Hospital, who outlines initiatives aimed at improving disability awareness and patient care.

Host – Sam Drummond
Produced by Eliza Hull for Powerd Media
Audio Edited by – Honor Marino for Print Radio Tasmania
Audio Record – Ascent Media

This podcast by Powerd Media is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Inclusion and Accessibility Fund: Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) – Community Attitudes grant program.