Ablequest

To highlight World Glaucoma Week (March 6 to 12), Barbara Sullivan talks with Dr. Jennifer Fan Gaskin, clinician-scientist glaucoma specialist with the Centre for Eye Research Australia. Dr. Fan Gaskin discusses CERA's role in global eye research and the many glaucoma projects being undertaken at the Centre.

Professor Jim Patrick is a world authority on cochlear implants and one of its original engineers. Elaine Wziontek interviewed Professor Patrick and asked him about his Cochlear journey, explain how implants work and how they benefit so many thousands of people, including very young children.

Enjoying the beach is an important part of the Australian way of life. Marni Roper explores how accessible Australian beaches are to people with limited mobility and what is being done to improve access, in this discussion with Shane Hryhorec, Chair of Accessible Beaches Australia.

Nicola Slack is a qualified art therapist and registered NDIS provider. Her experience includes teaching, working in film and TV, and hospitals. She discusses how art therapy helps heal the mind and spirit. 

Elaine Wziontek speaks to Anne Marie Jonas, who designs adaptive clothing to help people with various disabilities dress with dignity. Learn more about Flex-A-Tee at https://www.flexatee.com/.

Katie Brookes has a severe visual impairment and lives with a rare genetic bone condition. She is a radio production volunteer with 2RPH and an overnight producer with ABC Radio. She talked to Elaine Wziontek about how technology can be easily adapted to magnify print for research and work in the media.

David Woodbridge, Adaptive Technology Consultant at Vision Australia and regular guest on Ablequest, joins Barbara Sullivan to discuss the latest in accessibility features on Apple devices. He also talks about After Shockz, the bone conduction headphones, and Versa Slate, the paperless Braille slate.

Following the success of the 2020 Paralympics we thought we would find out more about the history of the Games and the possibilities open to athletes with a disability. Marni Roper spoke to Tim Matthews, a five-time Paralympic medallist who now runs the pathway and opportunity programs at Paralympics Australia.

Children living with autism often find it difficult to communicate and understand non-verbal cues. Most love computer games which may lead to future careers.

Elaine Wziontek spoke to Dean Fawcett, a final year engineering student who is part of a project team developing robotic technology and interactive games to help children on the autism spectrum.

Original broadcast date: 22.10.21

This week we introduce the new General Manager of 2RPH, Barry Melville, to Ablequest listeners. In conversation with Barbara Sullivan, Barry talks about the opportunities and challenges for 2RPH and the importance of understanding the information needs of the community 2RPH serves, particularly in the disability sector.