Disability Spotlight Podcast

Bridging the Gaps: Psychosocial Disability and the NDIS

In this episode, we are joined by the wonderful Professor Jen Smith-Merry, a Professor of Health and Social Policy and Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow (2024-2029) at the University of Sydney School of Health Sciences. This conversation starts by exploring Jen’s career-long dedication to mental health and her push for government policy that truly addresses the needs of people with mental illness. We then dive into the significant gaps currently found within and outside the NDIS, the vital importance of integrated care between clinicians and support workers, and whether Foundational Supports have the potential to provide effective supports for those with complex psychosocial needs.  There are some words of wisdom in this chat regarding the role of Occupational Therapists as the "human glue" that connects broken systems for their clients.  We encourage you to listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the shifting policy landscape and to hear a preview of Jen’s upcoming presentation at our annual conference.  Host: Clare Batkin  Editing: Podcast Services Australia  Links: * Jen's staff profile page with information about her work: https://profiles.sydney.edu.au/jennifer.smith-merry [https://profiles.sydney.edu.au/jennifer.smith-merry] * Fixing the NDIS for people with psychosocial disability: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/our-research/research-centres/centre-for-disability-research-and-policy/research/fixing-the-ndis-for-people-with-psychosocial-disability.html [https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/our-research/research-centres/centre-for-disability-research-and-policy/research/fixing-the-ndis-for-people-with-psychosocial-disability.html] Disability SPOT Conference Tickets: "Forging the Future Together: Innovation in Practice" When: Saturday 30th May, 9am-5pm AEST Where: Virtual Tickets: $100 for members $200 for non-members See program and more details on our webpage: https://disabilityspot.org.au/event/annual-disability-spot-conference-forging-the-future-together-innovation-in-practice/ Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

A parent's perspective: Advocacy and preparing for school

In today’s episode we are joined by two wonderful women, Chelsey and Emma, both of whom are Mums to children with rare and complex disabilities.  This conversation is starts by understanding these Mums' journeys through their child's diagnosis, to becoming the fierce advocates and they are today. We then dive into all things preparing for school; from finding the right school for your child through to evaluating when maybe it’s time for a change.  There are some amazing words of wisdom in this chat and I’m sure that it will not only be allied health professionals who will benefit from listening to these two Mums share their experience. We encourage you to share this episode with families you work with and with educators and teachers in your professional circles.  Host: Rebecca Sampson  Editing: Podcast Services Australia  Links: Disability SPOT Conference Tickets "Forging the future together: Innovation in Practice: https://disabilityspot.org.au/event/annual-disability-spot-conference-forging-the-future-together-innovation-in-practice/ Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

Clinical Chats: MDT approach to understanding CP

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by a multidisciplinary panel, Sarah Hallams (Physiotherapist), Isabella Krak (Speech Pathologist), and Amanda Lidis (Occupational Therapist) for a rich discussion on supporting children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Together, they unpack what CP is, the different types, and how it can affect a child’s development across the lifespan. The conversation explores common goals across allied health disciplines, practical strategies for family education, and the importance of empowering children and families through collaborative care. Learn about real-world clinical experiences, from setting meaningful goals to navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of CP management. The panel also highlights evidence-based tools, continuing professional development opportunities, and the role of specialist CP services in NSW. Show Notes:  CPA  [https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/cerebral-palsy/ ] Classification scales MACS  [https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/cerebral-palsy/manual-ability-classification-system/ ] GMFCS and FMS [https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/cerebral-palsy/gross-motor-function-classification-system/] CPUP [https://cpup.se/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/FMSenglish.pdf ] Communication function classification system  cerebralpalsy.org.au [https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/cerebral-palsy/communication-function-classification-system ] Tobii - DAG (emerging to independent communication) [https://us.tobiidynavox.com/products/dagg-3 ] Resources Iona Novak (et al) - state of the evidence paper  [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32086598/ ] Monash Uni online courses (CP)  [https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/advancing-skills-in-paediatric-physiotherapy-cerebral-palsy-pdm1056 ] AGOSCI - workshops, research, frameworks, AAC [https://www.agosci.org.au/] Bryan Hall - CP teaching (UL Assessment and interventions) Children’s Hospital Network - liaison + learning opportunities  https://schneducation.com.au/ [https://schneducation.com.au/]  Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

Supporting Children with Restricted Eating, and doing a PHD with Rene Fraser

In this episode, Bec Sampson is joined by Rene Fraser, Occupational Therapist and long-time Disability SPOT Executive Committee member, to discuss her PhD research on parent interventions for children with disabilities who are restricted eaters. Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience, Rene shares how her work with families inspired her research and why traditional approaches to restricted eating often fall short. Instead of chasing “perfect” mealtimes, she highlights the importance of creating safe, responsive environments that nurture a child’s natural curiosity to explore food. Listeners will gain insights from Rene’s scoping review and parent interviews, including her decision-making framework for choosing interventions, the value of tailoring supports, and the power of collaboration across disciplines. She also explores how clinicians can reflect on their own practices, embrace family-centred strategies, and apply her findings directly in therapy to better support children and families. Show Notes:  Get Permission Institute - Meal Times [https://getpermissioninstitute.com/ ] Responsive Feeding Group [https://rfpro.teachable.com/l/products?sortKey=name&sortDirection=asc&page=1 ] Meg Farrell - learn play thrive, Podcasts  [https://learnplaythrive.com/podcast/] Deborah alvarez feeding therapy australia [https://feedingtherapyaustralia.com.au/ ] Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

Building Inclusive Foundations in Early Education Settings – A Conversation with Dr Amanda Niland - Part Two

In part two of our conversation with early childhood expert Dr Amanda Niland, we explore what best practice collaboration looks like between allied health professionals, parents, children, and early childhood educators. Amanda shares insights into building strong, respectful partnerships in early education settings and the tools that can support truly collaborative and child-centred approaches. The conversation then shifts to Amanda’s research on disability representation and inclusion in children’s literature. She speaks about her recent projects and the importance of children seeing themselves—and their diverse experiences—reflected in books. Amanda also shares how children’s perspectives on disability may differ from those of adults and highlights why meaningful inclusion matters in early childhood settings, schools, and community activities. This episode wraps up with valuable recommendations for books and resources that support understanding and inclusion, both for children with disabilities and their typically developing peers. Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.  Membership is cheap... at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities. Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources.  Such a great way to access your CPD hours.  Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is  for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.