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: http://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 http://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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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 http://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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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 http://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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Nick 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
http://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 http://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

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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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

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

Read transcript

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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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

Read transcript

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Graeme Innes

Graeme Innes AM is a lawyer, author, and company director. He is the Chancellor of Central Queensland University, a member of the board of the National Disability Insurance Agency, and a member of the board of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority of NSW.

Graeme’s autobiography Finding a Way achieved popular acclaim in 2016.

He has been a human rights practitioner for more than forty years, and is a conference presenter and facilitator. Graeme was a Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission for nine years, responsible for issues relating to disability, race and human rights. On the international stage, he was a member of the Australian delegation that participated in negotiating the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Since 2014, Graeme has received four Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his human rights advocacy. Graeme is married with two children, loves cricket as a spectator and sailing as a participant, and relaxes by enjoying fine Australian white wine.

Jonathan Mosen

Jonathan Mosen is a well-known advocate for accessibility features in computer and other technology for people who are blind, deaf-blind, or have low vision. Over the years, Jonathan has remained actively committed to his advocacy work, often speaking at conferences, participating in forums, and contributing to relevant discussions.

Before recently joining the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) in the United States https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/jonathan-mosen-brings-his-expertise-national-federation-blind Jonathan held the position of Workbridge Chief Executive Officer for five years. Workbridge is the largest employment agency for disabled people in New Zealand, and works to locate paid work for people with a variety of physical, sensory, and learning impairments, including people experiencing mental distress.

Jonathan has made significant contributions to accessibility as a writer, speaker, and advocate. He has been involved in efforts to improve the usability of various technologies, including software, hardware, and websites. His work has often involved collaborating with tech companies to ensure their products are inclusive and accessible for all. He has also authored several books and articles on accessibility and technology. His writings focus on provision of practical advice to users who are blind, deaf-blind, or have low vision. Jonathan is well known internationally for his work on two podcasts: "Mosen At Large" and “Living Blindfully”. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics focusing on technology and other matters affecting blind and deaf-blind people, and the vision impaired community. These podcasts have been highly praised world-wide for their in-depth content, such as discussions and insights into a range of accessibility issues.

Jonathan currently produces a technology podcast called “Access On”, for the NFB. Jonathan Mosen’s contributions to the field of accessibility continue to have a significant impact on improving the lives of individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or vision impaired; his ongoing work continues to shape the way technology is designed, developed and used worldwide.

Podcast chapters
[00:00] Introduction – Disability Disrupters Podcast
[00:21] Introduction to Podcast Guests
[01:07] Interview with Podcast guests
[55:12] Dr Pam discussing what’s on her mind
[59:28] Ask Dr Pam
[01:00:53] Goodbye from Dr Pam
[01:01:13] 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

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