Ablequest on 2RPH

Action Audio is a new language being created to transcend sport. It augments live radio broadcasts to change the way blind and low vision sports fans can participate in live sport and entertainment. Developed in partnership with Tennis Australia and Monash University, Action Audio uses data from a ball monitoring computer vision system to emphasise key moments of play with a 3D sound design system that has been developed with the blind and low vision community. Barbara Sullivan speaks to Machar Reid, Head of Innovation at Tennis Australia, about this new technology.Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine sitting in a wheelchair for hours, being unable to move your fingers or arm to do simple things like pick up a glass. Now there is a robot called Bateo which can help you and now available through the NDIS Australia. Konstanze Hager, owner and CEO of Exomove a German e-mobility company talks to Elaine Wziontek about the device which helps people become more independent and more confident in managing everyday tasks. She explains how they came up with the idea and being excited about its launch through The Brainary in Australia.Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mel Harrison has been in a wheelchair since she was 14, yet despite her health issues she has learned to successfully adapt to her physical challenges. In 2022, Mel was the first ever wheelchair participant in an Australian outback charity car rally. Using wired satellite accelerator hand controls she and her crew were one of 250 cars in the 3,500 km journey. Mel works as a motivational speaker, consultant and disability education. She has also founded her own company, Sitting Low Reaching High. Elaine Wziontek spoke to her about the car rally and how she helps people live their best lives and her work as a facilitator for disability expos around the country. Original air date: 02.05.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is hope for people with vision loss caused by damage of the retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age related macular degeneration. With an injection, it is possible that vision may be restored through genetic stem cell therapy. Associate Professor Raymond Wong from the Centre of Eye Research Australia talks to Barbara Sullivan about his team's exciting and ground-breaking research in stem cell regeneration. Original air date: 18.04.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freya Wolf is a champion of disability rights and a human rights advocate. She lives with severe vision impairment and her advocacy spans a broad spectrum from research reports to poetry, press releases and presentations. Elaine Wziontek spoke to her about her challenges and how she enjoyed the podcasting radio internship workshop held at 2RPH in association with Disability Media Australia. Original air date: 04.04.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denise West is a speech pathologist with expertise in working with adolescents with complex communication needs. She and her team at Scope have developed picture boards, spelling boards and a special Communication Access Symbol. This internationally recognized symbol shows the outline of two faces looking at each other which shows organisations meet high stands in customer service, signage and easy to understand information. Original air date: 21.03.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy Herschell is a former teacher who gave up primary teaching to run programs in schools, sporting clubs and corporate settings to 'build better blokes" He founded an organisation called Find Ya Feet which helps give people an opportunity to share stories, to speak up and ask for help and equips them to "own their feet". Original air date: 07.03.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deaf Connect is Australia's largest provider of Auslan, Australian Sign Language, and the largest employer of deaf Australians. Marni Roper spoke with the CEO of Deaf Connect, Brett Casey, with the assistance of his Auslan interpreter, Duke Moolenaar. Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alvie is a social platform uniquely designed for people with disabilities to match with other people, send direct messages and attend in person meetups and events. Elaine Wziontek talks to Steve Bear, the creator of Alvie who set out to remedy social issues like loneliness and isolation in the disability community. Original air date: 07.02.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This program focuses on stroke and the Royal Rehabilitation Hospital at Ryde which is at the forefront of advanced rehabilitation with its state of the art Advanced Tech Centre. Elaine Wziontek spoke to the centre's advanced technology and clinical lead and senior physio, Jason Redhead. She also interviewed stroke survivor, Graham Hooper about his treatment and progress. Original broadcast date: 10.01.25Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Part 2) David Woodbridge is a well known authority on assistive technology for people who have low, or no, vision and also a frequent guest on Ablequest. Today he talks to Barbara Sullivan about how AI is advancing assistive technology, in particular for people with vision impairment. Original broadcast date: 13.12.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Woodbridge is a well known authority on assistive technology for people who have low, or no, vision and also a frequent guest on Ablequest. Today he talks to Barbara Sullivan about how AI is advancing assistive technology, in particular for people with vision impairment. Original broadcast date: 29.11.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Rickards, along with help from his industrial designer son Rohan, invented a revolutionary, multi-directional white cane tip called Sensaball. This vastly improves mobility and safety for people with low or no vision. Marni Roper speaks to Peter to learn more. Original air date: 15.11.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real Life Social Enterprises provides a "real life" work and learning environment for NDIS participants in the Illawarra and South Coast with the purpose of helping people with disability learn the skills they need to live independently. Elaine Wziontek spoke to the Co-Founders Sam Hill and Maxine Martin. Original air date: 01.11.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day. Professor Dale Williams, Professor and Chair Department of Communication Sciences Florida Atlantic University says there are many misconceptions about stuttering. Elaine Wziontek spoke to him via Zoom at his home in Florida.Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Things Australia, in partnership with Microsoft and Telstra has launched Digital Sisters A1 for Good Project to support refugeee and migrant women how to use AI effectively. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Jess Wilson about the AI project which will help build understanding and use of AI. Original air date: 04.10.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part two of an interview with Peter Ford from Control Bionics. https://www.controlbionics.com/control-bionics-company/Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part one of an interview with Peter Ford from Control Bionics. https://www.controlbionics.com/control-bionics-company/Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nonagenarian Teresa Plane joined Radio 2RPH in 2016 as a volunteer reader after a distinguished career in nursing, caring for the terminally ill and sharing her extensive knowledge nationally and internationally. Encroaching macular degeneration has not stopped Teresa from continuing her volunteer activities, and she still hosts her much-lauded radio programs on 2RPH. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Teresa about how she manages her busy life with her physical challenges. Original air date: 09.08.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Be Connected is a program which steps learners through cyber security basics through easy to understand courses on topics sucyh as online banking, shopping and connecting with others. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Jess Wilson CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia about the program which gives older Australians confidence to feel connected and really make the most of technology.  Original air date: 26.07.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LusioMate is a physical therapy gaming controller with wearable sensors which connect via Bluetooth. The device was awarded best assistive technology product in the 2023 Australian Disability Service awards. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Justin Keenan, CEO and Co-Founder of Lusio Rehab. Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of a conversation with Professor Sarah Wilson, well known as a pioneer of music neuroscience research in Australia. She talks to Barbara Sullivan about how music and singing can enhance brain function and facilitate recovery after a brain injury such as a stroke. Original broadcast date: 28.06.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 1 of a conversation with Professor Sarah Wilson, well known as a pioneer of music neuroscience research in Australia. She talks to Barbara Sullivan about how music and singing can enhance brain function and facilitate recovery after a brain injury such as a stroke.  Original broadcast date: 14.06.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lonestar Makoni, founder and CEO of Breaking Barriers Disability Service at Wyong on the Central Coast is the winner of Most Outstanding CEO/Director in the 2023 Australian Disability Awards. Elaine Wziontek asked him about his management style, his background and his philosophy of matching rather than allocating staff with clients.  Original broadcast date: 31.05.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Studio Artes is a not for profit organisation in Sydney delivering creative programs in visual arts, performing arts and life skills to adults living with a disability. Marni Roper discusses the programs with ChoppA Green, manager of the Studio Artes Hornsby studio. Original broadcast date: 17.05.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social Science Translated is a social enterprise which produces a computer-based program with a spy theme to help solve the mystery of social encounters. It prepares children with autism, ADHD and anxiety for life's social and emotional challenges. In this episode of Ablequest, Elaine Wziontek speaks with Kathleen Davey, CEO of Social Science Translated. Original broadcast date: 03.05.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elaine Wziontek discusses cutting edge robotics with guests Hugh Kingley and Rachel Dekar. The focus is on the Obi robotic dining assistant which gives people who are fed by others the ability to take control of their meals. Obi helps people living with any condition which limits upper arm function. Original air date: 19.04.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hotel Etico in the Blue Mountains offers a training program in hospitality for young people with disabilities. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Saraya O'Connell, hotel manager, about the program and the achievements of her trainees. Original broadcast date: 22.03.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elaine Wziontek reads a selection of tech articles relating to disability. Topics covered include fitness options for people with a disability, a new bus app trial and the world's first truly smart ear buds. Original broadcast date: 08.03.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This program discusses horticultural therapy with nurse and horticultural therapist Steven Wells. Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac and Mastercard have collaborated to produce Australia's first pictureless feature film, TOUCH, which premieres on 13 Feb at the Westpac Open Air Cinema. Majella Knobel, head of access and inclusion at Westpac, talks to Barbara Sullivan about the film and the bank's many other accessibility initiatives. Original air date: 09.02.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christo Sarantakis has been totally blind since birth. He talks to Elaine Wziontek about his early years learning braille, then finding work as a switchboard operator and volunteering for 2RPH as well as working for Vision Australia helping others who are visually impaired. He discusses how technology has changed in the past 50 years. Original broadcast date: 26.01.24Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ronak Shah, General Manager of Onroad Driving Education and an expert in disability driving instruction explains what is required for people with disabilities to obtain a drivers licence. Original broadcast date: 12.01.24See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Dimity Williams is a family GP who tells her patients to spend more time in nature and to aim for a green hour each day. This interview with Elaine Wziontek explores how to spend more time outside and encourage their children to do the same. Original broadcast date: 05.12.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikki Hind, Australia's first legally blind fashion designer and the subject of a children's book with braille alongside text. Her label is called Blind Grit, a brand built around those who live with a disability. Original broadcast date: 1.12.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bec Baines talks to Elaine Wziontek about accessibility and belonging at church for people with disabilities.  Original air date: 16.11.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One in two people suffering from a stroke experience a loss of touch sense. Professor Leeanne Carey talks to Marni Roper about the SENSe program, a world-first therapy she and her team have developed to help stroke survivors regain their sense of touch and improve their mobile rehabilitation. Original broadcast date: 02.11.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This program discusses We Are Studios, a fully disability led, inclusive studio and its first exhibition by a community of artists. The guest is Ebony Wightman who lives with autism and an autoimmune disease which affects her respiratory system. The artists have physical and mental health challenges but share a passion for art.  Original broadcast date: 20.10.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Part 2 of Dr Anna Wright explaining how Bindi Maps works. Dr Wright is Co-Founder and CEO of Bindi Maps, short for Be Independent, a voice activated app to help vision impaired users navigate large indoor spaces such as hospitals, universities and universities.  Original air date: 06.10.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This interview is a repeat of a program originally recorded in 2019 when Bindi Maps, a voice activated app for public indoor spaces, first began. The following fortnight Ablequest interviews the Co-Founder of Bindi Maps Dr Anna Wright about the progress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode contains an interview with Serena Ovens, the new CEO of Assistive Technology Supplies Australia, known as ATSA. Elaine Wziontek talks to her about her role and what she hopes to achieve.   Original broadcast date: 07.09.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Kim Marriott, Director of the newly-established, innovative Monash Assistive Technology and Society Centre, explains the purpose of the Centre and its activities in helping people living with disabilities lead self-directed lives. Original broadcast date: 25.08.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Clayton, CEO of Blind Sports Australia and Chef de Mission for the Australian team, discusses the upcoming World Blind Games being held in Birmingham, UK in August. Original broadcast date: 11.08.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Woodbridge, an expert in assistive technology for people with low or no vision who draws on his own lived experience, is a regular guest on Ablequest. In conversation with Barbara Sullivan, David gives an update on the latest in a wide range of technologies designed to make everyday life easier and more interesting. Original broadcast date: 28.07.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elaine Wziontek interviews Robert Duff-Silsby, the Co-founder and Project Manager of Luddi, a Perth based company revolutionizing assistive devices for all people and bodies. The topic of sexual wellbeing and sexual health is discussed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Woodbridge, an expert in assistive technology for people with low or no vision who draws on his own lived experience, is a regular guest on Ablequest. In conversation with Barbara Sullivan, David gives an update on the latest in a wide range of technologies designed to make everyday life easier and more interesting. Original broadcast date: 30.06.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian television is a long way behind other developed countries in providing audio description as an assistive tool for blind and vision impaired people. Lauren Henley, who is Senior Systemic Advocate at the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and who has been a tireless advocate for audio description on Australian TV, talks to Barbara Sullivan about the challenges in achieving this.  Original broadcast date: 16.06.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This program discusses dance movement therapy and how it works with Cecilia King of Bardwell Park, Sydney. Cecilia works with art and music therapists as well as occupational and speech therapists. Cecilia, a professional member of the Dance Therapy Association of Australasia spoke to Elaine Wziontek about the history of dance therapy and her work with people of all ages and abilities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology which transforms Sydney from 26th May to 17th June. Barbara Sullivan spoke with Gill Minervini, Festival Director of Vivid, who covers the program from all aspects, particularly how people with special access needs can enjoy the festival. Original broadcast date: 19.05.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blind Sports Australia is a national sporting organisation for blind and vision impaired athletes covering 21 sports. Marni Roper spoke with Matt Clayton, CEO of Blind Sports Australia, about the organisation, an exhibition tennis match played at the 2023 Australian Open, and also what BSA offers in AFL and Archery. Original air date: 05.05.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Ablequest presents a round-up of articles on assistive technology and initiatives helping people with disabilities: from Western Weekender, Tech Bullion and Link Disability Magazine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.