Paula Jessop is an autistic woman and autistic rights advocate. She lives in Tauranga with her cat.
Paula has been involved with autism self-advocacy for many years in New Zealand. She was an integral part of guiding Altogether Autism to become a more inclusive organisation as their first Autistic advisor. She has played a role in shifting the language in the autism sector, along with promoting the importance of knowledge gained from lived experience.
In systemic advocacy Paula tends to be the ‘disrupter’ who shakes up the status quo and at times she has acted as a ‘weaver’, connecting and supporting other autistic people embarking on self advocacy, in the belief that empowering others in our communities to have a ‘voice’, benefits us all. Paula continues to shift between social change roles and has an attitude that it’s worth trying anything, big or small, to see if it creates change.

Mark Cook
Hello, my name is Mark I am 38-years old, I live in Bramhall, which is a suburb of Stockport in Greater Manchester. I live with my parents, Ann and Keith and I have an older brother called Peter who is a teacher in London.
I went to mainstream school in Bramhall and then I went to college. After college I had a job with a training company as an administration assistant. I was there for eleven years until 2020 when I was made redundant due to the pandemic. I now have another job at a recruitment company in Manchester and I work there one day a week. I have been there for nearly a year and I am really enjoying it.
On two other days I go to an animation workshop where I can create short cartoon style films and to a radio station where we research topics and discuss them. The recordings are then posted on the internet. Both of these activities are with an organisation called Pure Innovations.
My hobbies are films, reading and listening to music and I love eating out.
I have Down’s Syndrome and I am deaf in my right ear, but those things do not get in the way of me doing anything.
During lockdown I began writing a film blog and I have carried on since then! The link to the blog is given below in case you are interested.
https://mdcreviews.blog/

Podcast Chapters
[00:00] Introduction – Disability Disrupters Podcast
[00:20] Introduction to Podcast Guests – Paula and Mark
[00:57] Advert – Disability Responsiveness New Zealand (DRNZ)
[01:21] Interview with Paula Jessop
[31:00] Dr Pam discussing goals
[34:14] Podcast seeking contributions from Listeners
[34:45] Dr Pam introduces Mark Cook
[35:09] Interview with Mark Cook
[46:27] Podcast Donations request – Tipjar
[47:29] Goodbye from Dr Pam

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

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Episode Notes

Dr Peter Wheeler worked in the UK nuclear engineering field until loosing his sight at the age of 38. After going blind he went to university and gained a first class honours degree in business and management. He then went on to undertake a Ph.D. at Warwick university. Peter then undertook research projects at both Warwick and Salford universities before finally taking a full time role as senior lecturer at Edge Hill university.

“When first approached to be interviewed for the disability disrupters podcast, my initial instinct was to decline the offer. The reason is that I do not engage in social media which appears particularly toxic and a generally unpleasant environment to be involved with. I held similar views on podcasts not really believing most served any useful purpose other than to provide a boost to the ego of people who really don’t need or deserve their ego’s to be enhanced. However, on reflection I decided to rethink my beliefs. This is because I began to relive the feelings and emotions I went through when I first became blind, and the hopelessness coupled with feelings of uselessness which accompanied my loss of sight. The future appeared bleak with little hope of ever working again. At that time, I did not know of any other blind people or how anybody else had managed the transition between being sighted and blind. Having another person’s description of how they managed to live with and overcome many of the fears and anxieties which accompany sudden loss of sight would have been a significant help in understanding my own situation. Hence, I have agreed to join the disability disrupters podcast in the simple hope that if only one person listens to the episode and it provides them with even a thought of the slightest prospect for a brighter future, then participation would have been worthwhile."
Dr Peter Wheeler

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

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Episode Notes for the Interview with Liel Bridgford

I am a Psychologist, writer, educator, and podcaster based in Naarm and who uses she/they pronouns. I am a proud disabled, immigrant, gender fluid femme, and my work is centered on inclusive, accessible and holistic support and education. I have been recognised as an ABC TOP 5 Arts resident, served as the 2022 Editor of Writing Place Magazine, and was a 2023 Melbourne Access and Inclusion Award finalist. I have facilitated presentations and workshops across Australia and internationally, and was published and featured widely.
In the past year, I founded Kultivate to advance wellbeing, equity, inclusion, and disability justice. Kultivate provides a space where disabled individuals can access mental health support and education delivered by professionals with lived experiences. By educating professionals, Kultivate improves the lives of disabled people globally. Kultivate’s mission is rooted in equity, community, mindfulness, and empowerment. My vision through Kultivate is to create an equitable and inclusive society where all disabled and multiply marginalised people thrive.
In the little free time I get, I enjoy singing along to the Frozen soundtrack with my kids and try to keep up with social media at @LielKBridgford.

Find the podcast here: https://www.kultivate.au/podcast or any major podcast platforms.

To connect with me, find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lielkbridgford/

Find my writing, interviews and more here: https://linktr.ee/lielkbridgford

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

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Episode Notes

Barry De Geest is a dedicated advocate and activist within the New Zealand disability community. He has worked throughout his life to further the aims of disabled citizens to achieve self-determination, choice and control. Barry is an active supporter of the Enabling Good Lives Approach.
Barry’s commitment to the sector is evident through his numerous initiatives, particularly through his establishment of the Renaissance Group, which aims to promote accessibility and inclusivity. His insights and dedication have not only raised awareness of the barriers faced by disabled New Zealanders in areas such as housing and employment, but has also assisted to foster a more inclusive society where all people can thrive.
Barry’s work extends beyond organisational involvement. He has been a vocal advocate in public forums, using his platform to educate and motivate others. His passion and persistence have garnered respect from many in the disability sector, making him a pivotal figure in the New Zealand disability rights movement. His efforts serve as a testament to the power of advocacy, and the importance of disabled leadership.

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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, credit and thanks to http://www.andrelouis.com

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Amos Miller, the Founder and CEO of Glidance, is a trailblazer in the field of assistive technology. After losing his sight in his 20s due to a genetic eye condition, Amos embarked on a mission to revolutionize mobility for the blind and vision impaired. With over 25 years of experience, most notably at Microsoft Research, Amos has been at the forefront of developing ground-breaking assistive products using augmented reality and robotics. He is the founder of Microsoft Soundscape, an innovative audio augmented reality navigation app that has empowered countless individuals with sight loss. Amos’s dedication to accessibility and innovation drives Glidance’s mission to provide safe, independent navigation solutions, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Amos says: “We are building Glide out in the open with the community and encourage anyone who is interested to engage with us to register on our website http://glidance.io. We hold regular virtual demos for new gliders where you can meet the team, learn about the product and our plans, and get your questions answered live by our team. You can write to us with your questions and thoughts, and in addition we hold a monthly zoom call on the last Wednesday of every month where we have more advanced in-depth conversations.”

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Welcome to Disability Disrupters, the podcast about disabled people disrupting the ways in which others view us and our lives, which is often very far from the reality. The podcast is published on the first of each month, and features disability news, views, and interviews with disabled people from around the world, who have used their initiative to carve out successful lives for themselves, despite the often relentless negativity expressed about us by others, perpetuated by social and mainstream media. The podcast illustrates that it is possible to live a rich life with disability, and features information and advice from a range of disabled people who have done just that.

Transcription – S1E1-Interview with Valerie Smith (25 kb txt file)

Valerie Smith is a distinguished New Zealand disability activist.

As a senior figure in the disability community, she has been a pivotal force in numerous landmark achievements which have shaped the landscape of awareness, responsiveness, and support to disabled people.

Her dedication to championing our rights has earned her a respected place in New Zealand’s history of social justice and equality.

Throughout her career, Valerie has actively participated in the development and implementation of policies aimed at improving the quality of life for disabled people. She has been instrumental in advocating for accessibility in public spaces, inclusive education, and equitable employment opportunities.

Valerie’s unwavering commitment to disability equity has inspired many, and continues to drive progress towards a more inclusive and just society for disabled New Zealanders.

FreakyFwoof Shorts audio, copyright Andre Louis.

Web: http://www.andrelouis.com

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