Building Inclusion

Health & Wellbeing

Building Inclusion

Show Notes

This episode explores Health & Wellbeing, highlighting how accessible systems, inclusive healthcare, and appropriate supports can improve outcomes for people with disability. Sam Drummond speaks with Dr Dinesh Palipana, reflects on overcoming scepticism within the medical profession and the value of employing disabled professionals in healthcare. He discusses how inclusion can lead to practical benefits such as reduced absenteeism and stronger patient trust, while also drawing attention to ongoing physical and logistical barriers in the health system, including inaccessible hospital environments and transport challenges. He also speaks with Dr Margaret Spencer and her goddaughter Amanda White, who share insights into the lived experience of parenting with disability. They discuss the importance of tailored supports for families, the barriers parents can face, and the strengths and possibilities of co-parenting models when the right structures are in place. Also joining the conversation is Vera Ciavarella, who is the Disability Liaison Officer from the Royal Women’s Hospital, who outlines initiatives aimed at improving disability awareness and patient care. Host – Sam Drummond Produced by Eliza Hull for Powerd Media Audio Edited by – Honor Marino for Print Radio Tasmania Audio Record – Ascent Media This podcast by Powerd Media is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Inclusion and Accessibility Fund: Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) – Community Attitudes grant program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from Building Inclusion

May 5, 2026

This episode explores ‘Education and Learning’, highlighting how the right supports and environments can enable people with disability to learn, connect, and thrive alongside their peers.

Apr 20, 2026

This episode explores Personal and Community Support for people with disability in Australia, highlighting how the right supports can empower people to lead meaningful, connected, and fulfilling lives.

Apr 6, 2026

The podcast episode explores safety, rights, and justice for people with disability in Australia, and the urgent need for systems that truly protect and uphold human rights. Sam Drummond speaks with Rosie Putland, an Autistic advocate, who shares her experiences navigating discrimination and the justice system. Rosie reflects on how some supports designed for victim survivors were, at times, more accessible and inclusive for her - highlighting how thoughtful approaches can better serve diverse needs.

Mar 24, 2026

The podcast episode explores Inclusive Housing and Communities in Australia, and the real impact that accessible design and policy can have on people’s lives. Sam Drummond spoke with Paul Nunnari, a respected Paralympian and long-time disability advocate, about the power of speaking up for change. Paul shared how he once wrote directly to the NSW Premier to advocate for the Sydney Opera House to become more accessible for people with disability — a reminder that advocacy from individuals can influence some of the country’s most iconic places.

Mar 10, 2026

In this episode, Sam Drummond travels across the country, amplifying the voices shaping the future of disability inclusion in Australia.

See all episodes →