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

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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 http://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 http://www.andrelouis.com

Podcast audio and transcript editor : Britta Offergeld

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I recently attended a Disability Support Services (DSS) workshop on personalised budgets for disabled people. The discussion largely revolved around eligibility and assessment. I also completed the accompanying DSS survey, which raised further concerns.

As many of you know, last year the New Zealand Government drastically restricted the kinds of equipment and services disabled people could purchase to achieve a good life. The flexibility that once allowed individuals to meet their specific needs was sacrificed in favour of a narrow range of mostly neurologically focused supports.

For example, a blind person receiving respite care funding can no longer purchase Braille or audiobooks, but can buy noise-cancelling headphones, despite the obvious safety risks of using these while crossing busy streets.

When disabled people and our allies objected to these changes, the Government insisted that funding hadnt been cut, only restricted. But these restrictions are arbitrary and, in some cases, harmful. The shrinking list of eligible purchases has left many unable to use their allocated budgets. Disabled New Zealanders recognise that this situation has been deliberately engineered, likely as a pretext for further cuts in Thursdays budget.

Turning to the current consultation on personalised budgets (a high-level term encompassing multiple funding streams with varying eligibility criteria), several concerning issues stand out:

1. Lack of Genuine Disabled Leadership

Discussions about disability services must be authentically led and managed by disabled people. While some disabled individuals are involved, far more meaningful leadership is needed. Having worked in the Public Service, I understand the constraints of the system, but these consultations must be genuinely inclusive, not just performative.

2. Moves Toward Means Testing

The DSS survey in particular, strongly suggests the Government is considering means testing personalised budgets. This would penalise disabled people for striving toward financial independence and undermine the idea that support is an entitlement, not a favour.

3. Absence of a Rights-Based Approach

Instead of framing support as charity, the Government must follow international examples where personalised budgets are treated as entitlements, just like New Zealands National Superannuation. Such an approach affirms dignity and autonomy.

4. A Flawed Consultation Process

Although the survey allowed individuals to share views, the public meetings grouped disabled people, families, and organisations together. This structure risks drowning out the voices of disabled people, particularly when service providers and related organisations are focused on retaining their own government funding.

It appears that the Government may be manoeuvring disabled New Zealanders into accepting further restrictions, including means testing. But if we recognise this manipulation, we can push back. That pushback would be even more powerful with solidarity from other marginalised groups, who regularly ask for support from within the community.

We must exert political pressure, through the media and by contacting our local MPs, to demand the full rollout of Enabling Good Lives (EGL), which promises a fairer system grounded in choice and control. We’ve been waiting for this roll-out since 2011.

We understand that eligibility must be fairly established. This should be based initially on clear impairment criteria. Disability identity is important, but it is understood that funding is finite. EGL has already proven successful in the Manawat so why the delay in expanding it nationwide?

Finally, any government ministers who believe a return to institutional models of provision for disabled people would be more cost-effective than providing individualised support, are simply deluded. Not only would such a move risk another costly Royal Commission into abuse, but it also ignores the long-term social and financial costs of exclusion. Just look at the staggering expenses associated with the penal system.

Disabled people can and do contribute to our various communities, we have no wish to be treated as unproductive charity cases, pushed to the margins of society.

Nikita ‘Nikki’ Van Dijk

Nikki has been involved in disability advocacy since intermediate, when she was advocating for autistic students in school due to the experiences of their brother within Aotearoa’s education system.
This continued as she transitioned into secondary school as a foundation student of Hobsonville Point Secondary School. Nikki sat on one of the school’s first student councils, and then sat on one of the first ‘Wellbeing Habitats’ (specialised councils), advocating for the needs of disabled and chronically ill students.

Following a diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in 2020 in their first year of university, Nikki’s passion for disability advocacy and disability rights skyrocketed. Alongside another disabled student, she founded the University of Waikato Disabled Students Association (WDSA) in June of 2021, and shortly after this, became a member of the National Disabled Students Association (NDSA).
Throughout their Bachelors degree and other diagnoses, she joined Ehlers Danlos Syndromes New Zealand as a committee member, continued as president of WDSA, conducted two research scholarship opportunities – one of which became part of the basis for the University of Waikato Disability Action Plan. Nikki also sat on the Disability Action Plan Steering Group at the University of Waikato to bring the voices of WDSA, spoke to UNESCO about the challenges of youth living with a rare disorder, helped to develop the Student Disability and Impairment Policy at the University of Waikato, and guest lectures at multiple institutions regarding the experiences of and support for the disabled community. All while maintaining high grades and a high quality of work.

Their work in disability advocacy continued as she started a Masters degree in Disability and Inclusion Studies. Alongside continuing to be president of WDSA until 2024, she became the Relations Officer for NDSA and represents students with disabilities across NZ, became a member of the Te Mahau Advisory for Young Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Education, and spoke at conferences such as Student Voices Australasia in Brisbane, Australia in October of 2023, Learnfest in November of 2023 and 2024, and Brightstar 2024, amongst several others.

Currently, Nikki is one of the Co-Presidents of NDSA for 2025.
Nikki aspires to continue their work in advocacy wherever that work takes them, whether it is in the education sector, health sector, the public sector or politically. Whatever makes the biggest difference for those who live with a disability within Aotearoa.

[00:00] Introduction – Disability Disrupters Podcast
[00:21] Introduction to Podcast Guest
[01:14] Advert – Disability Responsiveness new Zealand (DRNZ)
[01:37] Interview with Nikita Van Dijk
[31:08] Ask Dr Pam
[36:42] Dr Pam’s farewell
[37:02] Podcast Donations request

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Audio Shorts, background music provided by http://www.andrelouis.com

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Grant Cleland ONZM

Grant has worked in the health. disability and education sectors for over 30 years at governance, senior leadership and practitioner levels.  With lived experience of disability from birth, Grant uses a wheelchair for mobility and has faced many barriers that disabled people face in health, education and employment. He therefore brings both lived and professional experience to his work.

For 9.5 years Grant was the Chief Executive of Workbridge. He was also a member of the Ministerial Group that developed the Enabling Good Lives principles.

His governance appointments have included: The NZ Qualifications Authority, the Workforce Development Council for Community, Health, Education and Social Services, and chair of various disability-related boards and advisory groups including Spectrum Care, SkillWise, Ara, Health NZ.  

In 1997 Grant established Creative Solutions. He provides disability-related strategic advice, coaching and training for organizations, and the disability community. Grant has worked extensively in tertiary/vocational education and employment supporting whaikaha (disabled people).

Grant grew up in Taranaki and lives in Christchurch. He has been married to Nicky for 31 years and proud dad to Tim and Jack.

Episode Chapters

[00:00] Introduction – Disability Disrupters Podcast
[00:21] Interview with Grant Cleland ONZM
[27:38] Ask Dr Pam
[33:10] Dr Pam’s farewell
[33:25] Podcast Donations request

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Cyndi Brec is a YA (Young Adult) fantasy author, speaker, and co-host of the P English Literature podcast, who turned a lifelong challenge — dyslexia – into the heart of her writing journey.
Growing up, words seemed like walls she would never climb, but she refused to let dyslexia define her. Cyndi shows us the power of perseverance and how she has channeled her struggle into writing epic, history-inspired fantasy stories and how twisting legends have made her a legend sleuth.

Cyndi has completed three prequels and three novels in The Therans Series, with two different worlds within the same series, where she twists legends into captivating mysteries and exciting narratives. To create an even more relatable main character, Callie has dyslexia, too.

If secrets, forgotten legends, and lost treasures spark your imagination, please check out her books at https://cyndibrecauthor.wordpress.com/

And her books can also be found on Amazon:
Scarred Legends prequel was released on November 19, 2024
Scarred Secrets prequel was released on December 17, 2024
Scarred Lies prequel was released on January 14, 2025
Novel one in the series, The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars, was released February 18, 2025

[00:00] Introduction – Disability Disrupters Podcast
[00:21] Introduction to Podcast Guest
[00:40] Interview with Podcast Guests
[29:57] Ask Dr Pam Intro
[30:15] Dr Pam discussing disclosure
[34:11] Ask Dr Pam Outro
[35:03] Dr Pam’s farewell
[35:33] Podcast Donations request

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

Audio Shorts, background music provided by http://www.andrelouis.com

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As many of you know, I have completed PhD level research which focused on leadership and management of the disability sector by disabled people ourselves.

Through my involvement in United Blind Leaders, I recently became aware of a blog highlighting not only disability leadership, but also interdependence, which is of far greater value than ‘so called’ independence.

The following blog is reproduced with the permission of the Author: Dr. Conchita Hernández Legorreta, Educational Consultant

https://www.conchitaconsulting.com/blog/navigating-together-empowering-blind-leaders-to-lead-the-way

"Navigating Together: Empowering Blind Leaders to Lead the Way"

Jan 28

Can the blind really lead the blind? One of my recent experiences confirmed that not only should we, but it is the only way!

I was asked by the Institute of International Education if I would serve as a support to a blind participant that was taking part in a program they were running. She would be pursuing a masters program at a university, which would be holding an orientation week in DC. Many organizations and government agencies run programs inviting international participants for cultural exchanges and experiences in the United States. While some programs are focused on individuals with disabilities, many are not, and people with disabilities should be able to participate in any and all programs.

The Institute of International Education explained that the blind participant was coming from abroad and it would be their first time in the United States. I don’t think they initially realized that I was also blind. I wrote to them that I would actually be a great fit because of my blindness. The point I made to them was that as a blind person living in DC, I could do a great job of showing another blind person how to navigate the city, share tips and pointers, as well as networks and resources. I was not sure if this was going to fly with them, as oftentimes organizations prefer “sighted professionals” who will keep the blind person “safe”. (I once interviewed virtually for a teaching job that told me I was the perfect fit. When I mentioned that I would be the perfect fit as I am blind, just like the students, I was immediately told that they do not hire blind people. Yes, it was against the law. And, yes, it still happens.)

To my excitement (and surprise), The Institute of International Education agreed that I would be great for this role and we moved forward with our DC day visit.

I met the participant, whom we will call Mia, at her hotel. She had planned where she wanted to go and what she wanted to do. However, she did not know the area at all or how to navigate it. The reality of blindness is that there is so much learning of blindness skills that is required to do basic things, such as navigating and finding new places, and it is difficult to come by such training. Likewise, many infrastructural and accessibility components may not exist in other countries, such as Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), whereas they do in the United States. You may have seen these around, they are the buttons that you press to cross the street and they make a sound for blind people.

One of the things we worked on was how to cross streets as we walked from her hotel to the metro station to get to all of our destinations. We talked about how the buttons work to cross the street, the different types of canes that exist, and how to cross using parallel traffic when no button is available. Our first stop was Target! There were several things that she needed in order to start her masters program. I asked her if she had ever asked for assistance in a store. She had not, she had always relied on others to do shopping for her. I explained to her that in the United States, you can go to the Customer Service section in a store and ask for a person working there to assist you in shopping. I told her I would be with her but would not speak at all. After some guidance from me on how to approach Customer Service and how it worked, she asked for assistance and learned to ask follow-up questions. In the beginning, Mia was not getting the exact item she wanted, but once we practiced how to ask more precise questions, she found exactly what worked for her. For Mia, it was a huge milestone to do this task for the first time ever and it will continue to serve her as she completes her program. We celebrated her achievement with a large lemonade!

We also talked about how to access books, what people she might want to connect with while in D.C., and what resources are available to her. We visited the White House, did touristy things, and shared with each other how we do things as blind people. By the end of the day, we were exhausted and decided to take a cab back to the hotel, as we had been using the metro all day!

This experience reaffirmed my belief that the best people to support blind people are other blind people. That is not to take away from sighted professionals who serve a purpose and can be amazing. But nothing will ever surpass the experience of seeing yourself reflected in someone else and to learn from each other. This reminds me of interdependence.

One of the tenets of Disability Justice is interdependence. The idea that we are not independent isolated beings, but rather, rely on each other to be a part of a community. People with disabilities have needs, as does everyone else, and we all give and take. For many blindness professionals, independence tends to be the main goal, and sometimes to the detriment of the individual. By being interdependent, we build community, trust, and strong social networks. What does interdependence look like in the real world? Interdependence in the real world looks like spending a day in D.C. hanging out, taking the metro, trying new things, and exchanging ideas!