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Ablequest

Ablequest

Hosted by 2RPH

Episodes

90

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Ablequest is a series of 15 minute programs which examines developments in assistive technology and initiatives for those people living with a wide range of disabilities. Presented by Barbara Sullivan, Marni Roper and Elaine Wziontek. Produced in the studios of 2RPH in Sydney.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
May 29, 202614 min

Matt Bowtell - Free 3D Hands

Matt Bowtell is Founder and CEO of Free 3D Hands. Formerly a Toyota engineer Matt visited Japan as a young engineering student and was excited to see a $1 million bionic arm but sad that most people Original air date: 29.05.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 202614 min

Sam Penny - Ocean Heroes

Paramedic Sam Penny from the northern beaches of Sydney loves all kinds of sports and starts everyday with a swim. Sam is passionate about the benefits of being in the water and for the past decade he has been part of Ocean Heroes which allows neurodivergent or autistic individuals getting fun and inclusive access to the ocean for free. Elaine Wziontek talks to him about the benefits of the Ocean Heroes experience which builds confidence and connection, whether the children are getting into the surf for the first time or keen to catch a wave. Original air date: 15.05.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1, 202614 min

Storm Menzies - Storm Beauty

In todays episode we hear Kate Walker interview Storm Menzies, from Storm Beauty. During the interview we hear how the company came to be, how the products help people apply makeup, and other ways the company is being inclusive. Afterwards, you can listen to Kate reading an article from the ABC about a group of artists living with disability, and their reaction to feedback. Original air date: 01.05.2026Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 17, 202614 min

Alexandra Morse - Music Therapy

Music therapy is a recognised support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and will continue to remain so for many vulnerable children who are autistic and non-verbal. Our guest is Aexandra Morse, Director and Registered Music Therapist based in Tasmania who describes herself as a "choir nerd" explains how music therapy and singing can help children express themselves, engage with others and experience joy. In this interview, Alex explains how music engages different parts of the brain simultaneously and how rhythm and melody can suport speech development and help with non-verbal expression.Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 3, 202614 min

Disability news update

In this episode of Ablequest, Elaine Wziontek reads two online articles relating to technology and disability. The first was originally published on the BCA website and discusses accessible communications in Australila and the second (on the news.com.au website) focuses on incredible inventions emerging in Australia to improve the lives of those living with disability and how young people lare leading the way. Original air date: 03.04.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 20, 202614 min

Tarsha Saint - Brookvale's Spirit

Tarsha Saint is manager of Day Services at Brookvale's Spirit powered by Catholic Care. At Spirit, Tarsha channels her passion for helping others into creating vibrant meaningful programs for people with disability. From dog walking and creative arts to visual storytelling through film and photography she has helped participants discover new skills confidence and joy. Original air date: 20.03.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 6, 202614 min

Saraya O'Connell - Hotel Etico

Saraya O'Connell is the Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Etico, Australia. This is a social enterprise business offering life skills and hospitality training for young people with disabiities. Elaine Wziontek spoke to her about the business and the success with 82 percent of graduates securing employment. They also talked about a fund-raising campaign involving a 400 kilometre run from the Etico Hotel in the Blue Mountains reaching Parliament House in Canberra on World Down Syndrome Day March 21. Original broadcast date: 06.03.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 20, 202613 min

Jim Boyle - Camp Manyung

YMCA's Camp Manyung in Victoria is a pioneer in developing universally designed outdoor activities to make the camp adventure experience as inclusive as possible for people with physical disabilities. It has collaborated with Standards Australia in establishing recently published standards for some adventure activities. Jim Boyle, Manager of Y Camps' Camp Manyung, joins Barbara Sullivan to explain the positive impact of inclusive design in the outdoor sector. Original air date: 20.02.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 6, 202614 min

John Baxter - Australian Museum

"Uncle' John Baxter grew up with spina bifida, was fostered out to non-Aboriginal family and attended a three-storey high school in Box Hill, Victoria which was challenging for a boy on crutches. He completed an apprenticeship as a printer and graphic artist. Throughout his life he has been a fearless champion for improving the lives of First Nations peoples living with disabilities. He is the creator of a dedicated installation, "Not Fit for Purpose" now on display at the Australian Museum. He talks to Elaine Wziontek about the systemic inequities within Australia's disability support systems. And these challenges are especially acute in regional and remote communities. Original air date: 06.02.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 23, 202614 min

Bec Baines - Accessible Churches

Reverend Bec Baines has grown up with experience of disability, including hearing loss and adoptive and foster brothers with disability. She is passionate about churches making everyone feel welcome and being encouraged to participate in church life. Bec explains to Elaine Wziontek that for many people with disability, and for their families, whether a place is truly accessible is not just about the building. It's about communication, attitudes and whether people feel they belong. In the past two years Bec has visited hundreds of churches in her role as Accessibility Ministry Advisor for the Sydney Anglican Church. Original broadcast date: 23.01.26Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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