Ablequest
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.
Episodes
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 conf...
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: 01.05.2026
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...
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: 0...
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: 20.03.26
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...
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 d...
"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, "...
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 communicati...
Intopia, a leading digital accessibility consultancy in Australia, is currently undertaking an Assistive Technology Survey. They are seeking participation from Australians and New Zealanders over the age of 18 and the survey is open from 3 December 2025 to 6 February 2026. Jacinta Gregory who is leading the survey talks to Barbara Sullivan about the format and aims of the survey and how people can take part.
Original broadcast date...
Si Tew is the creator of CMPSR, an innovative and accessible music controller designed to make music easier for everyone. Elaie Wziontek talks to Si who explains how the device can be used to compose, play a variety of instrumental sounds with just one finger. Si and his team including musicians living with disability have been able to bring inclusive design and musical innovation together. CMPSR is now available in Australia.
Orig...
Robotic pets can offer the elderly a source of companionship with studies showing they can improve mood and enhance social interaction. They are especially helpful for those who have lost a spouse or real pet. In this episode Elaine talks to Emma Hardaker about the MetaDog which has soft fur, expressive eyes and is able to mimic the gestures of real dogs without the mess. They also discuss the MetaCat and the MetaPanda which is com...
In this episode of Ablequest, Elaine speaks to Rima Ramezani about the benefits of art therapy, and how it provides a sense of comfort and expression for people living with disability.
Original broadcast date: 14.11.25
Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pete Horsley is the Founder of Remarkable, a global start up and initiative of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Pete is passionate about harnessing technology to build better products for a better world. His sister Jo was born blind, autistic and with an intellectual disability. That experience shaped the way he sees the world. In this interview with Elaine Wziontek he discusses some of the latest start ups which are supported by Remar...
David Woodbridge, an expert in assistive technology for people with no or low vision, is a regular guest on Ablequest. He is now Braille Product Specialist for tech company Humanware and joins Barbara Sullivan to talk about the significant advances in braille technology at Humanware and also on the various iOS devices from Apple.
Original air date: 17.10.25
Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for...
Julie Ross-Edwards, founder of Head High Disability Services, returns to Ablequest to speak more about Head High's philosophy and special approach. She explains to Barbara Sullivan how she works with her young adult clients with intellectual and other disabilities to develop socially and achieve their potential in the workplace.
Original air date: 03.10.25
Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for ...
Two years ago Maggie O'Connell, in her mid 20's never had a full time job. Now, Maggie who lives with autism, is working as a full time data analyst with the Australian Federal Police and mentoring the next generation of cyber security experts.
Maggie explains to Elaine Wziontek, autistic individuals can have exceptional abilities in pattern recognition, attention to detail and intense focus - all useful skills in cybersecurity.
Laura Boccanfuso is founder and CEO of Van Robotics, a social robotics company based in South Carolina in the United States. She is also inventor of ABii, a smart robot tutor which is being trialled for pre-schoolers in Australia. The initiative is with the Australian Catholic University, Cincinnati University, the Brainary Association in Australia and Parramatta Libraries in Sydney. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Laura about her creatio...
Music can evoke emotions that bring back memories and the same is true for people living with dementia. Music therapy and singing helps people with dementia according to Dr Zara Thompson, a classically trained musician and music therapist at The University of Melbourne.
Zara spoke to Elaine Wziontek about how listening to familiar songs brings back memories, even when they have trouble speaking or remembering. As she explains throu...
Being in nature is good for you whether it is being in the garden or walking along the beach. Today's guest also believes that Nature can be a great healer. Kayte Kitchen is a counsellor, teacher and horticulturalist. She has her own private practice, Admirari Nature Therapy where she helps people find wholeness and healing outdoors. She also is employed running the therapeutic garden program at the Royal Children's Hostpial in Mel...
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