Épisodes

  • S1E18 - Interview with Mark Williams - Entrepreneur and National Sales Manager - NZ for HT Systems

    S1E18 - Interview with Mark Williams - Entrepreneur and National Sales Manager - NZ for HT Systems
    Nov 30 2025
    Mark Williams

    Mark is a successful entrepreneur, and National Sales manager - NZ for HT Systems (Kera sit2sit & Kera Travel hoists). Their first product, the Kera sit2sit hoist, has already made a huge difference in the lives of people living with disability.

    Mark has first hand experience as a User of the Kera Travel hoist and can help guide New Zealanders with NZ funding.

    Information on NZ funding can be found on the HT systems website here, and this is where Mark's contact details, such as email address and phone number are available.https://www.htsystems.co.nz

    Mark previously ran a lighting business for over two decades, and this business is now based in Auckland, NZ. Check out Flexilight New Zealand

    Mark has two short videos of his house/property lighting setup available to be viewed on youtube.

    Outside Christmas Lights - Napier NZ

    My house -Christmas 2024 Napier NEW ZEALAND

    Mark is also involved with custom made wheelchair spoke protector designs at Bazaa Wheels

    On a personal note, Mark is in the middle of writing a book about his work and life, so watch out for that announcement coming up.

    Emma Bennison

    This month Emma is reading us her blog article "Stop Mining our Ideas. Start Appointing Disabled Leaders"

    Audio Chapters

    00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast

    00:21 Introduction to Podcast

    00:51 Interview with Mark WIlliams

    13:20 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

    14:17 Stop Mining Our Ideas. Start Appointing Disabled Leaders

    21:32 Advert - fast braille translation service

    22:34 Goodbye from Dr Pam

    Footnotes

    Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future!

    Available on amazon here

    Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops

    Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

    Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

    Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

    Read transcript
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    23 min
  • S1E17 - Interview with Stephanie Birkhead - Author of Behind the Shutters (Memoir)

    S1E17 - Interview with Stephanie Birkhead - Author of Behind the Shutters (Memoir)
    Oct 31 2025
    Stephanie Birkhead

    Behind the Shutters is a deeply personal and moving memoir that lifts the lid on life behind closed doors. Stephanie Birkhead shares her powerful journey of survival, resilience, and hope after enduring experiences that shaped her life in unexpected ways. With raw honesty and courage, she invites readers to step inside her story — not just of struggle, but of strength, healing, and finding light after the darkest of times.

    Discover her memoir: Behind The Shutters Amazon link: https://mybook.to/jMM8

    Connect with Stephie on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephie-birkhead-931762388

    00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:32 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 01:51 Interview with Stephie Birkhead 24:57 Advert - Fast braille translation service 25:58 Goodbye from Dr Pam 26:14 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

    Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

    Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

    Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

    Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

    Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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    27 min
  • S1E16 - Interview with Gemma O'Donnell - Barrister and Solicitor - Founder of Chronically Legal

    S1E16 - Interview with Gemma O'Donnell - Barrister and Solicitor - Founder of Chronically Legal
    Oct 1 2025
    Gemma O'Donnell

    Gemma O’Donnell is an experienced Barrister and Solicitor. She is passionate about advocating for those with disabilities and older people. Gemma loves dark chocolate, books, and making food to share.

    About Gemma’s business - Chronically Legal Chronically Legal makes it easy to get your legal ducks in a row.

    Chronically Legal can help with: • Enduring Powers of Attorney, • Orders under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (PPPR Act), • Residential Care Subsidies and • Trusts/ Incorporated Societies.

    We offer fixed fees (for everything but litigation) and bespoke instalment payment plans

    Email: gemma@chronicallylegal.co.nz Website: www.chronicallylegal.co.nz

    00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:44 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 02:07 Interview with Gemma O'Donnell 44:30 Denied right to learn Braille - Radio New Zealand 47:53 Employment Matters - part 4 52:00 Advert - Fast braille translation service 53:02 Goodbye from Dr Pam 53:19 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

    Dr Pam and Kylee Maloney's Interview sourced with permission from RNZ (Radio New Zealand) website: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/573515/denied-right-to-learn-braille-woman-shares-historical-experience-at-royal-new-zealand-foundation-of-the-blind-s-apology

    Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

    Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

    Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

    Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

    Read transcript
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    54 min
  • S1E15 - DARUMA movie - Best Actor Winners Tobias Forrest and John W. Lawson

    S1E15 - DARUMA movie - Best Actor Winners Tobias Forrest and John W. Lawson
    Aug 31 2025
    DARUMA (the Movie)

    On 1st September, DARUMA finally comes to Australia and New Zealand! From Oscar-winning executive producer Peter Farrelly comes the first film in US cinematic history to star two leads with disabilities in a narrative not about overcoming disability.

    DARUMA is a story about fatherhood, found family and forgiveness. Rent the film on Amazon Prime or Apple TV+

    Starring: Christopher Reeve Best Actor Winner, Tobias Forrest Slamdance Best Actor Winner, John W. Lawson CBS Blue Bloods' Abigail Hawk And Golden Globe winner Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show)

    DARUMA is available with open captions and has audio descriptions for free via All4Access. Download the app at https://all4access.com/ for audio descriptions of DARUMA.

    IndieFilm DisabilityRepresentation Movies AuthenticCasting Disability

    If you want to tag us the socials are here: INSTAGRAM: @darumamovie https://www.instagram.com/darumamovie

    Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W12KK9poUV0

    00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:30 Advert - Disability Responsiveness new Zealand (DRNZ) 00:53 Interview with John Lawson and Tobias Forrest 47:39 Goodbye from Dr Pam 47:55 Podcast Donations request

    Disability Self-empowerment Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

    Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

    Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

    Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

    Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

    Read transcript
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    49 min
  • S1E14 - Interview with Neelu Jennings - Politician, Disability Advocate and Adventure athlete

    S1E14 - Interview with Neelu Jennings - Politician, Disability Advocate and Adventure athlete
    Aug 26 2025
    Neelu Jennings

    Neelu Jennings is a politician, disability advocate, and adventure athlete from Lower Hutt, New Zealand. A member of the Green Party, she has stood for both local and national office while raising two children as a full-time parent. Neelu brings deep expertise to her advocacy, holding a master’s degree in disability policy and a postgraduate diploma in public health, alongside professional experience with the Office for Disability Issues.

    As the founder of Integrated Sport NZ and a decorated para-athlete, she has broken barriers in sport—becoming the first blind person to complete the Coast to Coast and the Crazyman multisport races, as well as climbing Mt Aspiring and paddling across Cook Strait. Her leadership has been recognised with an Attitude Award and a Woman of Influence Award. In April 2025, Neelu and Optimed’s Craig Norman teamed up to race the Porirua Grand Traverse - the multisport event involved legs in a double kayak (12k), a tandem mountain bike (28k) and a supported trail run (18k).

    00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest 00:40 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 01:58 Interview with Neelu Jennings 30:59 Employment Matters - part 3 35:04 Advert - Fast braille translation service 36:04 Goodbye from Dr Pam 36:20 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast

    Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-self-empowerment-Module-charge-future-ebook/dp/B0FJLKGLTV

    Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

    Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

    Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

    Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

    Read transcript
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    37 min
  • S1E13 - Interview with Nick Ruane - Disability advocate and leader

    S1E13 - Interview with Nick Ruane - Disability advocate and leader
    Jul 31 2025
    Read transcriptNick Ruane Nick Ruane has a long history of community involvement, advocacy, leadership, and disability activism. Nick has a Master of the Arts (with Honors) in Political Science and Government from Victoria University. He is a board member for New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and was co-chair of the Wellington Accessibility Advisory Group for 5 years, giving advice to Council on Accessibility. He is currently the Workbridge Group Foundation Advisor, advising on establishing a Philanthropic giving program, establishing a small grant program, and re-launching the Foundation website. He also posts about disability politics topics at https://nicholasruane.substack.com/ Dr Pam's Disability Self-empowerment module one is now available ! Disability Self-empowerment: Module One: Take charge of your future! Available to purchase on amazon 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guests 00:56 Advert - Disability Self-empowerment: Module one: Take charge of your future! 02:26 Interview with Nick Ruane 19:24 Employment Matters - part 2 25:14 Advert - Fast braille translation service 26:12 Introduction to United Blind Leaders Webinar segments 27:28 United Blind Leaders Webinar segments 47:15 Goodbye from Dr Pam 47:32 Advert - Tipjar support for the podcast United Blind Leaders Webinar recap How Leadership Changes the Way We Advocate United Blind Leaders recently hosted a powerful and deeply personal webinar exploring how stepping into leadership changes the way we advocate—and how advocacy, in turn, shapes leadership. Facilitated by UBL Co-founder, Emma Bennison, the session brought together three distinguished speakers with decades of lived experience, activism, and leadership: Susan Thompson, Martin Stewart, and Dr Pam MacNeill. Together, they unpacked the shifts required when moving from independent advocacy to organisational leadership, shifts that call for strategic thinking, political savviness, and an unshakable commitment to the communities we serve. Each speaker reflected on the delicate balance between working within systems to create change whilst staying true to grassroots advocacy. Dr Pam McNeill shared candidly about her 18 years working within the New Zealand government, navigating complex relationships with ministers while staying loyal to disabled communities. Her approach? Find strategic alignment without compromising values—and don’t be afraid to stir the pot when necessary. Susan Thompson spoke of earning respect through active participation across all parts of an organisation—from client committees to internal operations—while never losing sight of her identity and responsibility as a blind person. She emphasised the importance of choosing battles carefully, maintaining emotional discipline, and being “part of the blind community, not above it.” For Martin Stewart, the shift from activist to advocate was also a deeply personal journey. He described moving from anger-fuelled protest to organisational leadership, crediting his role at Blind Citizens Australia as a transformative turning point. “I wanted to be a reputable person,” he said. “And now I’m happy to be swimming in the mainstream.” About United Blind Leaders United Blind Leaders (UBL) is an international movement of blind and vision-impaired people advocating for authentic representation in decision-making roles, particularly in organisations that provide services to blind people. We believe leadership by people with lived experience is essential—not optional—when it comes to shaping the future of our communities and the organisations that serve us. Learn more and sign up to our mailing list at www.unitedblindleaders.org to stay updated on upcoming events, campaigns, and opportunities to get involved. Want to join the conversation? UBL-Chat is our community discussion list where blind and vision-impaired people can connect, share ideas, and debate issues that matter. To join, send a blank email to: ubl-chat+subscribe@groups.io Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters
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    48 min
  • S1E12 - Historical Disability Disrupter - The Life and Times of Ben Purse

    S1E12 - Historical Disability Disrupter - The Life and Times of Ben Purse
    Jun 30 2025

    This special Historical Disability Disrupter episode of the Podcast features a presentation by Dr. Peter Wheeler on the remarkable life and times of Ben Purse, a pivotal figure in disability history. Purse famously articulated that while physical impairment "matters," the greater problem was "the social sins of the community" — attitudes, barriers, and obstacles that prevented blind people from achieving social and economic fairness alongside sighted workers. This perspective predates modern social models of disability. Ben Purse orchestrated a historic march to London in 1920, where 250 blind men and their supporters marched from three different starting points to Trafalgar Square, greeted by an estimated 10,000 supporters. The march, titled "Justice Not Charity," aimed to influence the 1920 Blind Persons Bill.

    00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:42 The Life and Times of Ben Purse 40:42 Dr Pam introducing the Q&A with Dr Peter Wheeler 40:49 Question and Answers on the Life and Times of Ben Purse 01:07:14 Podcast seeking contributions from Listeners 01:07:41 Goodbye from Dr Pam 01:07:57 Advert - Fast braille translation service

    Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

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    1 h et 9 min
  • S1E11 - Interview with Emma Bennison

    S1E11 - Interview with Emma Bennison
    May 31 2025
    Emma Bennison

    Emma Bennison is a bold disability advocate, consultant, Non-Executive Director and systems leader committed to equity, lived experience leadership and community transformation.

    As Principal of Emma Bennison and Associates and Chief Advisor, Equity and Lived Experience at Life Without Barriers, (one of Australia’s largest human services organisations), she drives inclusive change across government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

    A former President and CEO of Blind Citizens Australia and co-founder of United Blind Leaders, Emma is passionate about elevating blind leadership and challenging systemic barriers.

    She’s also a TEDx speaker, MBA graduate and recipient of the 2024 Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability Leadership.

    To learn more about Emma, visit www.emmabennison.com

    The song excerpts featured in this episode are from Emma’s Album Fine Line, which is available on Spotify and Apple Music The songs are Changing Mindsand Winds of Change. To check out more of Emma’s music, head to https://emmabennisonmusic.com/

    Episode Chapters

    00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast
    00:21 Introduction to Podcast Guest
    37:19 Employment Matters
    46:24 Dr Pam goodbye
    46:42 Advert - Fast braille translation service

    Disability Responsiveness New Zealand offers personalised mentoring and workshops - view the content of these at https://drnz.co.nz/about-our-workshops-and-programmes/

    Audio Shorts, background music provided by www.andrelouis.com

    Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

    Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disrupters

    Read transcript
    Voir plus Voir moins
    48 min