Disability Spotlight Podcast

In this episode of the Disability SPOT Spotlight podcast, host Clare Batkin sits down with seasoned occupational therapist and business owner Stacey Manfield to discuss why running group therapy can be just as valuable as one-to-one interventions. Stacey shares insights from her 25-year career across public health and private practice, highlighting how group work can foster social connection, increase motivation, and provide a cost-effective solution for participants facing restricted NDIS plans. Together, they break down the logistics of launching a successful group, covering everything from pre-screening and accessibility to NDIS billing and managing group dynamics, leaving clinicians with actionable steps to start their own therapy groups. 

Key Topics Covered

• The Value of Group Work: How groups offer unique functional gains, shared experiences, and motivation for participants, while helping private practices manage waitlists and deliver cost-effective care. 
• Designing the Right Group: Deciding between open versus closed groups, maintenance versus skill development, and the benefits of co-facilitating with other disciplines like physiotherapy. 
• Screening and Outcomes: Why establishing clear selection criteria and conducting pre-assessments are essential for matching participants safely and measuring group effectiveness. 
• Managing Group Dynamics: Practical facilitation techniques, such as establishing clear "business rules" at the start of a session, to handle dysregulation or participants who dominate conversations. 
• Creative Environments: Rethinking clinical spaces by utilising accessible community environments, such as outdoor farms for equine therapy or community halls, to enhance functional learning. 
• Billing and Logistics: Crucial NDIS billing principles, including calculating session costs based on minimum participant numbers, building in set-up/pack-up time, and handling closed-group cancellation policies. 

Resources Mentioned

• Cooking Up Independence: Stacey's book designed for participants, support workers, and therapists, featuring session plans adapted from her "Patch, Plate and Pals" cooking group. Done-for-you resources to get started with your own cooking group: https://www.manfieldconsulting.com/store 

Connect and work with Stacey Manfield here:

• Website: https://www.manfieldconsulting.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-manfield-manfield-consulting-370a5b101/ 
• Email: [email protected]

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

In this episode of the Disability SPOT podcast, host Clare Batkin sits down with seating and mobility guru Lois Brown to discuss why a thorough pre-assessment is the most critical step in assistive technology (AT) prescription. Lois shares insights from her 35-year career spanning clinical, supplier, and manufacturing perspectives, highlighting how rushing straight to showroom trials can lead to equipment abandonment, client overwhelm, and ill-fitting solutions. 

Together, they break down a structured multi-step assessment approach and introduce a practical problem-solving framework that streamlines documentation, respects clinical reasoning, and ensures successful long-term outcomes for clients. 

Resources Mentioned

• AT Problem-Solving Framework: Download a copy of the framework developed by Lois Brown and Kim Vien. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_yU37lUnwANE5kXOXbY8Wppj0sU7oe5y/view?usp=sharing 
• Wheelchair Outcome Measure (WhOM): https://scireproject.com/outcome/wheelchair-outcome-measure/ 

Connect and work with Lois Brown here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loisbrown-rehabwarrior/ 
• ATSA: https://atsa.org.au/educational-courses/ 
• ElevATe-AT Consulting: Enquire by contacting Lois on LinkedIn

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by a multidisciplinary panel, Kate Coleman (Occupational Therapist), Ellen Dubber (Physiotherapist) and Rachel Horton (Speech Pathologist) for an insightful discussion on supporting children with rare diagnoses and their families.

Together, they explore the unique challenges families often face following a rare diagnosis, including navigating uncertainty, accessing appropriate services, and understanding their child's individual needs.The conversation also explores what it means to provide evidence-informed, family-centred care when working with rare conditions, including how clinicians can approach unfamiliar diagnoses, continue building their knowledge, and collaborate across disciplines to achieve the best outcomes. 

Resources:

CEAP - data base

Belongside 

NORD

https://rarediseases.org/understanding-rare-disease/rare-disease-facts-and-statistics/ 

Rare Chromo

https://rarechromo.org/disorder-guides/ 

Rare voices australia 

https://rarevoices.org.au/what-is-a-rare-disease/

SWAN (syndromes without a name)

https://swanaus.org.au/ 

National recommendations for rare diseases document 

https://rarevoices.org.au/national-recommendations/ 

ICF model 

https://canchild.ca/research-in-practice/f-words-in-childhood-disability/icf-resources/ 

F words life wheel 

https://canchild.ca/research-in-practice/f-words-in-childhood-disability/f-words-life-wheel/ 

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

Starting your first role as an allied health therapist can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging all at once. 

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by Sara-Jane Arns (speech pathologist), Taylor Hayward (occupational therapist) and Mohammed El-Ali (physiotherapist).

From choosing the right workplace and making the most of placements, to nailing interviews, building confidence as a clinician, and embracing reflective practice, Sara-Jane, Taylor and Mohammed unpack what it really takes to navigate the transition from student to professional. They also explore the importance of workplace support, professional growth, and setting meaningful goals for the years ahead. 

Whether you're preparing to graduate, starting your first role, or supporting new graduates in your team, this episode offers practical advice, reflections and insights to help navigate the new graduate year.

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

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
• 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

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, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

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, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

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 

Classification scales

MACS 

GMFCS and FMS

CPUP

Communication function classification system 

cerebralpalsy.org.au

Tobii - DAG (emerging to independent communication)

Resources

Iona Novak (et al) - state of the evidence paper 

Monash Uni online courses (CP) 

AGOSCI - workshops, research, frameworks, AAC

Bryan Hall - CP teaching (UL Assessment and interventions)

Children’s Hospital Network - liaison + learning opportunities 

https://schneducation.com.au/ 

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

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

Responsive Feeding Group

Meg Farrell - learn play thrive, Podcasts 

Deborah alvarez feeding therapy australia

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

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, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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. 

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by early childhood educator and researcher Dr Amanda Niland to explore the topic of praise and how we use it with children. Drawing on her recent article, Amanda discusses why phrases like “good boy” or “good girl” may not always offer the positive reinforcement we assume, and how our language can influence a child’s developing sense of self.

We discuss what led Amanda to write the article, how shifting the way we give feedback can promote long-term wellbeing and success, and how allied health professionals can reframe praise to focus on effort and process rather than outcomes. Amanda also shares helpful examples and offers recommendations for those looking to learn more about the research and practice guidelines behind her insights.

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists 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.