Navigating Disability

Mark Toomey leading the RoboNDIS Campaign - This man means business!

The NDIS has a lot to answer for as far as Mark is concerned when you listen to this show, I wonder if you'll agree?

Sharing his own battles with the NDIS when his son became disabled, Mark discovered a system that seriously failed him and his family. Not willing to stand by and have others impacted, this degree qualified, world renowned governance and leadership expert took to matters into his own hands. Created a class action and decided to throw his hat into the ring as an Independent Candidate with the intention of holding the Government to account for it' actions, or inactions, which ever is more appropriate.  

Marks Story:
Mark became a surprised disability advocate in May 2015, when his adult son suffered a massive brain hemorrhage.  With no knowledge of the system at all, he was soon battling a hospital that wanted to free up a bed, a state disability support system that was winding down, and a NDIS that was, even at the start, in utter chaos.  

 Mark’s past career as a recognised global leader and educator in governance of information technology and digital transformation was gone well before Covid hit.  But a thread remained.  His extensive thought leadership on business change in the 21st century, branded "Governing Digital", could have been of immense advantage to the NDIS as the essential business systems were developed.  But the government was not listening, and the NDIS became a bigger mess.

 By late 2022, Mark had connected with thousands of others who were struggling with an uncaring, incompetent NDIS system, and was leading a campaign for a Class Action focused on harm caused by the NDIA.  A year later, the campaign was demanding a Royal Commission.  Now, with an election looming, Mark is encouraging independent politicians to take up the cause and develop real policy that focuses on fixing the dreadful problems that the NDIS creates for our most vulnerable.

To follow Mark and support his campaign, find him on LinkedIn at   / marktoomey  

Bob Buckley is an autism advocate, known for his contributions to the autism community through leadership, policy development, systemic and individual advocacy. 

With support from his partner and as Co-convenor of Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) since 2003, he spearheads national efforts to represent and support individuals across the whole autistic spectrum and their families & associates.

Bob's advocacy began in 1997, catalysed by his experience as father to a severely autistic son (who still lives at home). His commitment to improving autistic lives led him to serve as the ACT representative and Director of the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders. He also held the position of vice-president of Autism Asperger ACT Inc. and longtime Chair of Speaking Out for Autism Spectrum Disorder in the ACT. He wrote an Annex on advocating for your child in the Australian Autism Handbook.
In 2014, Bob was recognised as a state finalist for ACT Senior Australian of the Year, highlighting his significant impact on the autism community.
Professionally, Bob enjoyed a diverse career. He worked in, taught and consulted in areas including computing/ICT, computer science, software engineering, computer systems engineering, data analytics, academic curriculum design, automation, and bioinformatics. He owned and was technical director of INFuse Pty Ltd, a top ten consultancy for the Defence Department in the 1990s. He also consulted in industrial relations, workforce planning, intellectual capital, and change management. He retired early in 2021 from John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University from his position as a Computational Genomic Specialist.
Bob is also a semi-professional musician, playing bass, fiddle, guitar, flute & whistle, vocals, etc. … most recently playing and calling bush dances with Paverty Bush Band, Canberra’s oldest bush band, and other groups in the region.
Bob's own neurodivergence enhanced his diverse life experience.

Bob Buckley
Co-convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website:⁠http://a4.org.au/⁠

Sue Grier is the Founder and Managing Director of Lets Connect Support Services which is an Independent Registered Support Coordination Company based in SE Qld providing supports to people through out Australia. 

Sue has over 25 years experience in the disability sector in Queensland and Tasmania with 8 of those years as a Support Coordinator. Sue has lived experience with her son William promoting self directed support and her son achieving the ultimate goal of living in his own unit on the Redcliffe Peninsula utilising Independent workers which has seen William have maximum choice and control of his life with assistance from his family and his network of dedicated people.

Sue is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and families and believes in education and awareness as the key factor in the sector. Sue regularly speaks with people about her NDIS knowledge and is the founding member of “NDIS Queensland Planning for Change forum “ which is an online forum she started at the beginning of the original Disability Care Australia , which is now known as the NDIS.

Todays guest, Ellen Bereza lost both her parents to illness when she was 24 years old. Not long afterwards, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease that claimed her dad's life.

Forced to face the challenges of change, Ellen had to reinvent herself while coming to terms with a new 'normal' she didn't sign up for.
Ellen is an incredible inspiration as she shares her journey and expectations of life as she navigated MS. Tune in as her desire to help others has fueled her purpose on the planet and her down to earth approach to life, love, happiness, money and more will leave you feeling enlivened and empowered.

To work with Ellen visit her website at www.ellenbereza.com or email [email protected]

Wow, this week, we are in the presence of someone who has played a pivotal role in the Disability Community and his story, passion and purpose drives everything he has achieved in his career. Here is a quick snapshot.....:

Graeme Innes AM is a lawyer, author, and company director and in 2016 he published his first book, Finding a Way.

Graeme led the merger of four blindness agencies to form Vision Australia, and went on to chair the board.

He is also a Director of:
The National Disability Insurance Agency; The State Insurance Regulatory Authority, regulating workers’ compensation and motor vehicle accident insurance in NSW.

He is the Chancellor of Central Queensland University.
He has been a human rights practitioner for more than 30 years and is a conference presenter and facilitator.
Graeme was a Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission for nine years, responsible for issues relating to disability, race and human rights.

Graeme was awarded an AM for his work on the development of the Disability Discrimination Act, was a finalist for Australian of the Year, and, on the international stage, he was a member of the Australian delegation that participated in negotiating the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. He was awarded Honorary Doctorates by the University of Canberra in 2014, RMIT University in 2016, UNSW in 2017 and Edith Cowan University in 2018, in recognition of his work as a human rights activist........ Wow!!
Graeme's knowledge, insight and advice is profound!! This is an incredible show if you're looking for information, education and the mindset that finds solutions to the problems faced by those with disabilities in the workforce and the community.

To follow Graeme, go to his website at⁠https://graemeinnes.com/

Welcome to what we can only suggest is one of the most inspiring stories to come from such a tragic event, September 11.

Today, we are introducing you to Michael Hingson, blind since birth, born in Chicago to sighted parents who believed in raising their son with a can-do attitude.

Treated like all other children in his family, Michael rode a bike, did advanced math in his head and learn to read and write – Braille that is! Michael’s family relocated to the warm Palmdale area of California when he was five years old. It is here that Michael had his first adventure with Guide Dogs for the Blind and received his first guide dog.

He later went to college receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Physics along with a secondary teaching credential from the University of California at Irvine. Wow! This an epic achievement to say the least!

Michael then enjoyed a nearly-30-year career working for high tech companies spending most of his time in management roles until his life took a dramatic turn on September 11 as he sat at his desk on the 78th floor in Tower One, of the Twin Towers with his Guide Dog, Rozelle.

This is a remarkable podcast that will have you aghast at the human spirit and our inner courage!

Michael has since been thrust into the spotlight with multiple media appearances, he's worked with President Bush and is engaged by major organisations world wide to share his message of trust, courage and heroism and teamwork!

As an author of two New York Best Sellers, Thunder Dog and Running with Rozelle, you're sure to be even more inspired by this incredible mans journey!
To follow Michael's journey and share his world, go to his website⁠ michaelhingson.com

Andrew started his professional music career as an Oboist in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 15. He travelled the world playing music and on completion of his 9 years’ service he relocated to Western Australia with his wife and 2 children.

"Life should revolve around opportunities" ... Andrew Fairbairn

Andrew and his wife Kaye, a classically trained vocalist, opened a music school and were teaching on average 40 lessons a week. Andrew went back to University and was awarded a BA Jazz from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University in 2002. Andrew went on to teach at schools in the Perth metropolitan area before a change of career in 2010 Andrew is a trained saxophonist, an avid jazz lover, and currently plays in two bands: 2 or More with his wife and is the music director of Café Jazz, a seven piece ensemble.

Andrew has worked in the disability sector in Western Australia for the past 15 years. Andrew brings with him years of experience from Government positions to NGO roles and running his own business around building the capacity of People with Disabilities (PWD) in his local community.

As a below knee amputee, Andrew brings a unique perspective, having both Disability Sector, and lived experience of disabilities. He is active in face to face and online community Peer Support, working with organisations such as Advocacy and Peer Support for WA Amputees and is the WA representative of the National Amputee Advisory Council with Limbs 4 Life. He is a Director of the Western Australian Jazz Orchestra – WAYJO, as well as current member of the City of Wanneroo Disability Access and Inclusion Group.

He has a passion to see PWD achieve their goals and dreams however big or small, and says “life should revolve around opportunities”.

To follow Andrew, head to www.pda.org.au

To follow, comment, ask us a question or suggest a guest for a show go toww.facebook.com/navigatingdisability

We can't wait to hear from you!

From fitting in to truly standing out, Paula Gowland's journey has been one of profound learning, healing and self-discovery coupled with an unwavering appreciation for the preciousness of life.
After a simple accident turned into a life-threatening challenge that saw Paula lose the bottom half of her left leg and very nearly her life, undergoing 32 surgeries and spending 756 long days and nights in hospital over 1,000 kilometres away from her husband and children - Paula's understanding of trauma and overcoming challenges against the odds is powerful. 
Being forced into the darkest places left no alternatives for Paula. She knew she had to rise above it all, no matter how incredibly difficult and painful. She refused to surrender or to give up her sense of self or her sanity! While others would have had this experience lessen them, Paula believes instead this experience has made her into much more.
Her struggle for a new normal has led her to become a beacon of inspiration and ... hope. 
Hope for anyone who is facing challenges that no matter how small they may seem to others, feel insurmountable right now; or for those who have been through their own traumas in life whether that be physical or emotional, personal or business. 
Paula Gowland is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, transformational coach and leader.  She opens our eyes to the strength of human resilience, giving us the courage to leap towards the life we are destined to live ... She will do the same for you, when you're lucky enough to read her book, participate in one of her retreats or work with her one-on-one giving you the support you need to transform any adversity into strength, and in the process become MORE, not less. To connect with Paula, follow her on Socials as well as email at [email protected]


To follow, comment or suggest a guest for Navigating Disability, go to⁠ www.facebook.com/navigatingdisability

When children are growing up with siblings that have disabilities, it can create challenges in the home and family dynamic and todays guest, Kate Strohm answers the burning questions about how to create harmony and healing for everyone!! 

Here is a snapshot of Kate's background....

After various careers as a hospital scientist, health educator and counsellor, and radio/print journalist, Kate Strohm established Siblings Australia in 1999. Since that time she developed resources, provided educationand training to parents and professionals around Australia and overseas while contributing to research and policy development.

Kates' own experience (growing up with an older sister with cerebral palsy), and that of other siblings, was included in her book, Siblings: Brothers and
Sisters of Children with Disability (Wakefield Press 2002, revised edition in 2014) which was also published in the UK, US and translated into Korean.


In 2023 Kate moved into semi-retirement but continues to contribute to sibling support, through various writings and presentations via 

Be sure to grab a copy of Kate's book if your family is juggling disability.

Danielle Campo McLeod, OOnt, is a world-renowned Paralympian, motivational speaker, and resilience expert with over 20 years of experience inspiring individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. A three-time Paralympic gold medalist and holder of eight world records, Danielle’s remarkable journey from a childhood diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA-LED) to international athletic success embodies the power of determination, resilience, and grit.


As a dynamic keynote speaker and coach, Danielle blends deep personal insight with humor and actionable strategies, motivating audiences to overcome challenges, embrace their strengths, and find their own “gold medal moments.” She has captivated corporate leaders, educators, and community organizations with her message of empowerment, inclusion, and the transformative impact of resilience.


Beyond her athletic achievements, Danielle is a passionate advocate for disability rights and mental health. Danielle is also a National Ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, where her leadership has raised millions of dollars for those impacted by neuromuscular disorders.


Named Canada’s Walk of Fame National Hero and recipient of numerous honors, including the Order of Ontario and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Danielle is a living example of overcoming adversity and inspiring others to do the same.


Her memoir, Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian, offers an intimate look at her journey and further solidifies her as a leading voice in the conversation around resilience, leadership, and empowerment.


Be sure to follow Danielle and grab a copy of her book if today's interview has inspired you to reach further, follow more of your own light and trust your inner voice!


http://daniellecampo.com


Facebook - Danielle Campo


Instagram @thedaniellecampo