Living well after a life-altering injury with support from the NDIS

In the final episode of season two, Mel chats with tech entrepreneur, brand expert and NDIS participant Steve Ralph. At the end of 2017, Steve misjudged a jump into a swimming pool and sustained a spinal cord injury that saw him become a quadriplegic. Steve now needs significant support to go abou…

How can the NDIS be a fairer, more equitable scheme for all?

This is the second part of Mel's conversation with Lisa Grech, a researcher, psychologist and mum to Hannah, who has a rare genetic condition and intellectual disability. If you missed part one, where Lisa shares how she fiercely advocates for her daughter, who is an NDIS participant, skip on back …

An assertive – and effective – approach to NDIS plan reviews

This episode is part one of Mel's chat with Lisa Grech, a researcher, psychologist and proud mum to Hannah, her 20-year-old daughter who has a rare genetic condition and intellectual disability. Lisa herself has multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic mental health issues. She co-parents and cares for …

Building a better NDIS for First Nations peoples

In this episode Mel chats with Bernard Namok Jr, host of Yarning Disability, the first podcast dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. Bernard has a long history in radio broadcasting and, since experiencing disability first hand and in his family, he's now workin…

Advocating for kids with autism - regardless of age - and NDIS wrangling as a solo parent

In this episode Mel chats with Jo Abi, a journalist, media commentator, author and autism advocate who has three children - two sons, Philip, 18, Giovanni, 15, and her daughter Kitty, 13.  Philip and Giovanni both have autism and are on the NDIS - and it looks like Kitty will soon be joining them,…

NDIS support after your kid turns seven and bringing therapies in-house

In this episode Mel chats with Stacey Phillips of Tubie Fun, a business that makes products to support families and people who tube-feed. Tubie Fun was inspired by Stacey's son, Callum, who’s been tube-fed for pretty much his whole life. Callum is now six, and is one of three boys being raised by S…

The Australian Autism Handbook's co-authors share what they've learned

In this episode Mel chats with Benison O'Reilly and Seana Smith - co-authors of what’s known as “the essential guide” for parents of children with autism - about their new, fully updated edition of The Australian Autism Handbook. Benison and Seana both have sons with autism and this conversation co…

Defining “parental responsibility” with the NDIS

In this episode Mel chats with Hayley Thiele, a fellow parent of a child on the NDIS. Hayley is the director of Alee Disability Support Services, an organisation that helps families on the NDIS, primarily through support coordination. Hayley and her husband, Dave, live in regional South Australia.…

Self-advocacy and hope for a disability-led NDIS

NDIS Know-how is coming back strong after the holiday break with the woman who got Beyoncé and Lizzo to change ableist lyrics in their songs. Hannah Diviney is a disability advocate, writer, actor and creator of an incredible media company called Missing Perspectives. You might have seen her on th…

How to craft kick-ass NDIS evidence (part two)

In this episode Mel chats with Alexandra - or Alex - Browne, a senior support coordinator and recovery coach in the NDIS space. Having started out in occupational therapy, Alex has been working in the disability sector for a decade and her own son, Ethan, is on the NDIS.  Alex is an expert on evid…