Ablequest

29 May 2026 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: 29.05.26

15 May 2026 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: 15.05.26

1 May 2026 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: 01.05.2026

17 Apr 2026 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.

3 Apr 2026 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: 03.04.26

20 Mar 2026 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: 20.03.26

6 Mar 2026 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: 06.03.26

20 Feb 2026 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: 20.02.26

6 Feb 2026 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: 06.02.26

23 Jan 2026 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: 23.01.26

9 Jan 2026 Assistive Technology Survey 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: 09.01.26

12 Dec 2025 Si Tew – CMPSR 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. Original air date: 12.12.25

28 Nov 2025 Emma Hardaker – MetaDog 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 coming soon to Australia. Original air date: 28.11.25

14 Nov 2025 Rima Ramezani – Art Therapy 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

31 Oct 2025 Pete Horsley – Remarkable Disability Tech Summit 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 Remarkable and which will be showcased on the 11th of November at the Sydney Town Hall. The Disability Summit 2025 will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to connect, collaborate ad discuss AI and inclusive design. Original air date: 31.10.25

18 Oct 2025 David Woodbridge 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

3 Oct 2025 Head High (Update) 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

5 Sep 2025 Maggie O'Connell – AFP 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.

22 Aug 2025 Laura Boccanfuso – Van Robotics 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 creation and how technology can help young children learn. Original air date: 22.08.25

8 Aug 2025 Zara Thompson – Music Therapy 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 through her words and songs, it can be easier to find words during 'music time.'

25 Jul 2025 Kayte Kitchen – Admirari Nature Therapy 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 Melbourne. She spoke to Elaine Wziontek about the program and how horticultural therapy can complement other medical disciplines. Original air date: 25.07.25

18 Jul 2025 Deb Roach Deb Roach is a three-time pole dancing world champion yet she has only one arm. Performing at a high level was always about celebrating her body and what the pole dancing community made her feel. Deb has performed all over the world including the UK and is one of the performers at the upcoming Disability Pride Festival at the Sydney Town Hall on Saturday July 26. She talks to Elaine Wziontek about pole dancing being her own 'fast track to happiness'. Original air date: 18.07.25

11 Jul 2025 Hannah Solomons – Sydney Disability Pride Disability Pride Month in July promotes awareness about people with disability and also celebrates individuals with disability. A special day will be the Sydney Disability Pride Festival on Saturday 26th of July at Sydney Town Hall. There will be performers and speakers, including rock princess Elly-May Barnes and pole dancing champion Deb Roach and films by Emily Dash. Festival Director and disability activist Hannah Solomons talks to Elaine Wziontek about heading up the team running the festival, its fun activities and workshops as well as the theme "No Shame, No Apologies." Original air date: 10.07.25

27 Jun 2025 Julie Ross-Edwards – Head High What a difference one person with experience, passion and energy can make to many lives. Julie Ross-Edwards, Ablequest's guest today is one such person. She founded Head High Disability Services, which specialises in helping young adults with intellectual and other disabilities achieve their potential in society and the workplace. Julie spoke with Barbara Sullivan about Head High's holistic approach to building life skills, self esteem and confidence. Original air date: 27.06.25

13 Jun 2025 Machar Reid – Action Audio Action Audio is a new language being created to transcend sport. It augments live radio broadcasts to change the way blind and low vision sports fans can participate in live sport and entertainment. Developed in partnership with Tennis Australia and Monash University, Action Audio uses data from a ball monitoring computer vision system to emphasise key moments of play with a 3D sound design system that has been developed with the blind and low vision community. Barbara Sullivan speaks to Machar Reid, Head of Innovation at Tennis Australia, about this new technology.

30 May 2025 Konstanze Hager – Bateo Imagine sitting in a wheelchair for hours, being unable to move your fingers or arm to do simple things like pick up a glass. Now there is a robot called Bateo which can help you and now available through the NDIS Australia. Konstanze Hager, owner and CEO of Exomove a German e-mobility company talks to Elaine Wziontek about the device which helps people become more independent and more confident in managing everyday tasks. She explains how they came up with the idea and being excited about its launch through The Brainary in Australia.

2 May 2025 Mel Harrison – Sitting Low Reaching High Mel Harrison has been in a wheelchair since she was 14, yet despite her health issues she has learned to successfully adapt to her physical challenges. In 2022, Mel was the first ever wheelchair participant in an Australian outback charity car rally. Using wired satellite accelerator hand controls she and her crew were one of 250 cars in the 3,500 km journey. Mel works as a motivational speaker, consultant and disability education. She has also founded her own company, Sitting Low Reaching High. Elaine Wziontek spoke to her about the car rally and how she helps people live their best lives and her work as a facilitator for disability expos around the country. Original air date: 02.05.25

18 Apr 2025 Raymond Wong – Centre For Eye Research Australia There is hope for people with vision loss caused by damage of the retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age related macular degeneration. With an injection, it is possible that vision may be restored through genetic stem cell therapy. Associate Professor Raymond Wong from the Centre of Eye Research Australia talks to Barbara Sullivan about his team's exciting and ground-breaking research in stem cell regeneration. Original air date: 18.04.25

4 Apr 2025 Freya Wolf Freya Wolf is a champion of disability rights and a human rights advocate. She lives with severe vision impairment and her advocacy spans a broad spectrum from research reports to poetry, press releases and presentations. Elaine Wziontek spoke to her about her challenges and how she enjoyed the podcasting radio internship workshop held at 2RPH in association with Disability Media Australia. Original air date: 04.04.25

21 Mar 2025 Denise West – Scope Denise West is a speech pathologist with expertise in working with adolescents with complex communication needs. She and her team at Scope have developed picture boards, spelling boards and a special Communication Access Symbol. This internationally recognized symbol shows the outline of two faces looking at each other which shows organisations meet high stands in customer service, signage and easy to understand information. Original air date: 21.03.25

7 Mar 2025 Tommy Herschell – Find Ya Feet Tommy Herschell is a former teacher who gave up primary teaching to run programs in schools, sporting clubs and corporate settings to 'build better blokes" He founded an organisation called Find Ya Feet which helps give people an opportunity to share stories, to speak up and ask for help and equips them to "own their feet". Original air date: 07.03.25

21 Feb 2025 Brett Casey – Deaf Connect Deaf Connect is Australia's largest provider of Auslan, Australian Sign Language, and the largest employer of deaf Australians. Marni Roper spoke with the CEO of Deaf Connect, Brett Casey, with the assistance of his Auslan interpreter, Duke Moolenaar. 

7 Feb 2025 Steve Bear – Alvie Alvie is a social platform uniquely designed for people with disabilities to match with other people, send direct messages and attend in person meetups and events. Elaine Wziontek talks to Steve Bear, the creator of Alvie who set out to remedy social issues like loneliness and isolation in the disability community.  Original air date: 07.02.25

10 Jan 2025 Jason Redhead and Graham Hooper of Royal Rehab Ryde This program focuses on stroke and the Royal Rehabilitation Hospital at Ryde which is at the forefront of advanced rehabilitation with its state of the art Advanced Tech Centre. Elaine Wziontek spoke to the centre's advanced technology and clinical lead and senior physio, Jason Redhead. She also interviewed stroke survivor, Graham Hooper about his treatment and progress. Original broadcast date: 10.01.25

13 Dec 2024 David Woodbridge (Part 2) (Part 2) David Woodbridge is a well known authority on assistive technology for people who have low, or no, vision and also a frequent guest on Ablequest. Today he talks to Barbara Sullivan about how AI is advancing assistive technology, in particular for people with vision impairment. Original broadcast date: 13.12.24

29 Nov 2024 David Woodbridge (Part 1) David Woodbridge is a well known authority on assistive technology for people who have low, or no, vision and also a frequent guest on Ablequest. Today he talks to Barbara Sullivan about how AI is advancing assistive technology, in particular for people with vision impairment. Original broadcast date: 29.11.24

15 Nov 2024 Peter Rickards – Sensaball Peter Rickards, along with help from his industrial designer son Rohan, invented a revolutionary, multi-directional white cane tip called Sensaball. This vastly improves mobility and safety for people with low or no vision. Marni Roper speaks to Peter to learn more. Original air date: 15.11.24

1 Nov 2024 Samantha Hill and Justine Leonard – Real Life Social Enterprises Real Life Social Enterprises provides a "real life" work and learning environment for NDIS participants in the Illawarra and South Coast with the purpose of helping people with disability learn the skills they need to live independently. Elaine Wziontek spoke to the Co-Founders Sam Hill and Maxine Martin. Original air date: 01.11.24

18 Oct 2024 Dale Williams – Stuttering Awareness Day October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day. Professor Dale Williams, Professor and Chair Department of Communication Sciences Florida Atlantic University says there are many misconceptions about stuttering. Elaine Wziontek spoke to him via Zoom at his home in Florida.

4 Oct 2024 Good Things – Jess Wilson Good Things Australia, in partnership with Microsoft and Telstra has launched Digital Sisters A1 for Good Project to support refugeee and migrant women how to use AI effectively. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Jess Wilson about the AI project which will help build understanding and use of AI. Original air date: 04.10.24

20 Sep 2024 Peter Ford – Control Bionics (Part 2) Part two of an interview with Peter Ford from Control Bionics. https://www.controlbionics.com/control-bionics-company/

6 Sep 2024 Peter Ford – Control Bionics (Part 1) Part one of an interview with Peter Ford from Control Bionics. https://www.controlbionics.com/control-bionics-company/

9 Aug 2024 Teresa Plane – 2RPH Nonagenarian Teresa Plane joined Radio 2RPH in 2016 as a volunteer reader after a distinguished career in nursing, caring for the terminally ill and sharing her extensive knowledge nationally and internationally. Encroaching macular degeneration has not stopped Teresa from continuing her volunteer activities, and she still hosts her much-lauded radio programs on 2RPH. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Teresa about how she manages her busy life with her physical challenges. Original air date: 09.08.24

26 Jul 2024 Jess Wilson – Be Connected Be Connected is a program which steps learners through cyber security basics through easy to understand courses on topics such as online banking, shopping and connecting with others. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Jess Wilson CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia about the program which gives older Australians confidence to feel connected and really make the most of technology.  Original air date: 26.07.24

12 Jul 2024 Justin Keenan – LusioMate LusioMate is a physical therapy gaming controller with wearable sensors which connect via Bluetooth. The device was awarded best assistive technology product in the 2023 Australian Disability Service awards. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Justin Keenan, CEO and Co-Founder of Lusio Rehab. 

28 Jun 2024 Professor Sarah Wilson (Part 2) Part 2 of a conversation with Professor Sarah Wilson, well known as a pioneer of music neuroscience research in Australia. She talks to Barbara Sullivan about how music and singing can enhance brain function and facilitate recovery after a brain injury such as a stroke. Original broadcast date: 28.06.24

14 Jun 2024 Professor Sarah Wilson (Part 1) Part 1 of a conversation with Professor Sarah Wilson, well known as a pioneer of music neuroscience research in Australia. She talks to Barbara Sullivan about how music and singing can enhance brain function and facilitate recovery after a brain injury such as a stroke.  Original broadcast date: 14.06.24

31 May 2024 Lonestar Makoni – Breaking Barriers Disability Services Lonestar Makoni, founder and CEO of Breaking Barriers Disability Service at Wyong on the Central Coast is the winner of Most Outstanding CEO/Director in the 2023 Australian Disability Awards. Elaine Wziontek asked him about his management style, his background and his philosophy of matching rather than allocating staff with clients.  Original broadcast date: 31.05.24

17 May 2024 ChoppA Green – Studio Artes Studio Artes is a not for profit organisation in Sydney delivering creative programs in visual arts, performing arts and life skills to adults living with a disability. Marni Roper discusses the programs with ChoppA Green, manager of the Studio Artes Hornsby studio. Original broadcast date: 17.05.24

3 May 2024 Kathleen Davey – Social Science Translated Social Science Translated is a social enterprise which produces a computer-based program with a spy theme to help solve the mystery of social encounters. It prepares children with autism, ADHD and anxiety for life's social and emotional challenges. In this episode of Ablequest, Elaine Wziontek speaks with Kathleen Davey, CEO of Social Science Translated. Original broadcast date: 03.05.24

19 Apr 2024 Hugh Kingley and Rachel Dekar – Obi Elaine Wziontek discusses cutting edge robotics with guests Hugh Kingley and Rachel Dekar. The focus is on the Obi robotic dining assistant which gives people who are fed by others the ability to take control of their meals. Obi helps people living with any condition which limits upper arm function. Original air date: 19.04.24

22 Mar 2024 Saraya O'Connell – Hotel Etico Independence Program Hotel Etico in the Blue Mountains offers a training program in hospitality for young people with disabilities. Elaine Wziontek spoke to Saraya O'Connell, hotel manager, about the program and the achievements of her trainees. Original broadcast date: 22.03.24

8 Mar 2024 Assistive Tech News Catchup Elaine Wziontek reads a selection of tech articles relating to disability. Topics covered include fitness options for people with a disability, a new bus app trial and the world's first truly smart ear buds. Original broadcast date: 08.03.24

23 Feb 2024 Steven Wells – Horticultural Therapy This program discusses horticultural therapy with nurse and horticultural therapist Steven Wells. 

9 Feb 2024 Majella Knobel – TOUCH (Westpac Open Air Cinema) Westpac and Mastercard have collaborated to produce Australia's first pictureless feature film, TOUCH, which premieres on 13 Feb at the Westpac Open Air Cinema. Majella Knobel, head of access and inclusion at Westpac, talks to Barbara Sullivan about the film and the bank's many other accessibility initiatives. Original air date: 09.02.24

26 Jan 2024 Christo Sarantakis – Vision Australia Christo Sarantakis has been totally blind since birth. He talks to Elaine Wziontek about his early years learning braille, then finding work as a switchboard operator and volunteering for 2RPH as well as working for Vision Australia helping others who are visually impaired. He discusses how technology has changed in the past 50 years. Original broadcast date: 26.01.24

12 Jan 2024 Ronak Shah – Onroad Driving Education Ronak Shah, General Manager of Onroad Driving Education and an expert in disability driving instruction explains what is required for people with disabilities to obtain a drivers licence. Original broadcast date: 12.01.24

15 Dec 2023 Dr Dimity Williams – Green Hour Dr Dimity Williams is a family GP who tells her patients to spend more time in nature and to aim for a green hour each day. This interview with Elaine Wziontek explores how to spend more time outside and encourage their children to do the same. Original broadcast date: 05.12.23

1 Dec 2023 Nikki Hind – Blind Grit Nikki Hind, Australia's first legally blind fashion designer and the subject of a children's book with braille alongside text. Her label is called Blind Grit, a brand built around those who live with a disability. Original broadcast date: 1.12.23

17 Nov 2023 Bec Baines – Youthworks Accessibility Ministry Advisor Bec Baines talks to Elaine Wziontek about accessibility and belonging at church for people with disabilities.  Original air date: 16.11.23

3 Nov 2023 Professor Leeanne Carey – SENSe Therapy One in two people suffering from a stroke experience a loss of touch sense. Professor Leeanne Carey talks to Marni Roper about the SENSe program, a world-first therapy she and her team have developed to help stroke survivors regain their sense of touch and improve their mobile rehabilitation. Original broadcast date: 02.11.23

20 Oct 2023 Ebony Wightman – We Are Studios This program discusses We Are Studios, a fully disability led, inclusive studio and its first exhibition by a community of artists. The guest is Ebony Wightman who lives with autism and an autoimmune disease which affects her respiratory system. The artists have physical and mental health challenges but share a passion for art.  Original broadcast date: 20.10.23

6 Oct 2023 Anna Wright – Bindi Maps (Part 2) This is Part 2 of Dr Anna Wright explaining how Bindi Maps works. Dr Wright is Co-Founder and CEO of Bindi Maps, short for Be Independent, a voice activated app to help vision impaired users navigate large indoor spaces such as hospitals, universities and universities.  Original air date: 06.10.23

22 Sep 2023 Anna Wright – Bindi Maps (Part 1) This interview is a repeat of a program originally recorded in 2019 when Bindi Maps, a voice activated app for public indoor spaces, first began. The following fortnight Ablequest interviews the Co-Founder of Bindi Maps Dr Anna Wright about the progress.