These Podcasts are produced by VALID, based in Melbourne, Australia. VALID provides a range of advocacy and information programs that knit together to support people with a disability on their journey towards empowerment, inclusion and a good life in the community. The VALID Podcast provides regular commentary and updates on VALID’s work, and chats with people who share their stories about disability.
To listen to the Airwaves Access podcast, click on the image below.
These are from our archive of interviews by John McKenna.
Episode 1: Interview with Robert Martin
Episode 2: Interview with Arthur Rogers
Episode 3: Interview with Professor Gerard Quinn
Episode 4: The Staying Safe Project
Episode 5: Interview with Olivia Petty, Disability, Priority Communities Division, Victoria Police
Episode 6: Interview with Miranda Bruyniks, Complaints Commissioner, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Episode 7: Interview with Christine Scott
Episode 1: Interview with Robert Martin
Robert, former Inclusion International Council member, was elected in 2016 to sit on the United Nations Committee (2017 – 2020) to monitor the Convention for Rights of People with Disabilities As one of 18 Committee members, he will monitor State Parties implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Robert’s election to the Committee acknowledges a lifetime of advocacy on behalf of disabled people and in particular people with learning disabilities, both in New Zealand and around the world.
You can read the transcript here
Episode 2: Interview with Arthur Rogers
Arthur Rogers was appointed as Victoria’s Disability Services Commissioner in August 2018. Arthur has held leadership roles in disability, social housing and service design.
During John’s interview with Arthur, he reflected on a personal level about what he’s seen and how the disability landscape has evolved. Arthur and John covered the National Disability Insurance Scheme; the impacts of institutions on people’s lives; and his thoughts on the importance of self-advocacy – looking back and looking forward.
You can read the transcript here
Episode 3: Interview with Professor Gerard Quinn
Professor Gerard Quinn, from the National University of Ireland, is acknowledged as a world leading authority on international disability law. Gerard was instrumental in developing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
He was recently invited to Australia in March 2019 by Deakin University to do a series of presentations.
John and Gerard discuss how other countries are looking at topics such as guardianship, supported decision making, and how other countries are also looking closely at the development of our National Disability Insurance Scheme.
You can read the transcript here
Episode 4: The Staying Safe Project
When we hear ‘Stay Safe’, many of us may remember hearing these words when we were young.
Of course, close friends and family will always give us the reminder, “Hey, stay safe!”
In this episode, John McKenna talks with Jon Slingsby from VALID, who is involved in a project that concentrates on the importance of people with intellectual disability feeling safe, with the key message: Abuse & Neglect is not okay!
During the interview, we look at the different types of abuse, such as financial abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse & sexual abuse.
We also discuss the powerful videos that have been developed by VALID as part of the Staying Safe project.
These videos cover what is abuse & neglect by showing examples, how to get help, and how to help others remain safe from abuse & neglect.
The videos can be found here Staying safe workshop
Episode 5: Interview with Olivia Petty, Disability, Priority Communities Division, Victoria Police
During John’s interview with Olivia Petty,they discussed:
- Why this role was developed by Victoria Police
- How Victoria Police differentiate between Mental Health Issues & Intellectual Disability (ID)
- Current relationship between Victoria Police and People with ID
- Issues currently for Victoria Police when working with People with ID
- The difference between criminal behaviour & people with behaviours of concern
Episode 6: Interview with Miranda Bruyniks, Complaints Commissioner, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
John met with Complaints Commissioner Miranda Bruyniks recently and talked about her role at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They covered a number of issues, such as:
- What is the role of the Commission?
- The Commissioners plans to meet with people to explain their role and how people can access the Commission
- The strategies the Commission has in place to help providers learn from the complaints they receive
You can read the transcript here