The NDIS support that helps a Paralympian live independently, on and off the sporting field.

“To have such a high level of support that I need when I travel overseas … then to be able to go home at the end of the day and have my own independence but still have someone I can call if I need them in my alone time is something that I really treasure,” shares Paralympian, Jamieson Leeson.

Jamieson is joined by Laura Cowell, CEO of Australian Operations at TLC Disability Services; and Dr. Louise Gosbell, disability researcher and advocate, to explore the topic of disability and support.

In 2024, disability support funded by the NDIS enabled Jamieson to train for and reach one of her biggest life goals yet; to compete at the Paris Olympics in the sport of Boccia. With several medals to her name from this and other domestic and international tournaments, NDIS support and the high level of care it provides to Jamieson is enabling her to accomplish many of the same life goals as those who don’t live with a disability.

At an organisational level, the purpose of the NDIS is to do exactly that, agrees Laura Cowell.

“The NDIS is a government initiative … (It) is really about empowering people to reach their goals to live their best life. It provides the ability for people to access the support and services they need to do that.”

However, despite NDIS support, many barriers still exist for those living with a disability, explains Louise, which prevent them from being able to participate in life’s activities on an equal basis with others.

These barriers, she says, tend to fall into one of three categories;

1. Obvious – E.g. failure to include disability-appropriate accessibility such as wheelchair ramps or accessible toilets
2. Communication barriers – E.g. no captioning on social media videos
3. Attitudinal barriers – resulting from poor understanding of disability and limited experience

Considering the extensive barriers people living with disability face, Louise asserts that it’s not enough to only support disability at an institutional level. All of us have the ability – and the responsibility – to learn more about the difference we can make in our own spheres of influence and put those good intentions into action.

“I always like to think about hearing the voices of people with disability … hearing from them (about) what we can do to make this better … where I have influence on a personal level as a mother, as someone in a workplace, as a researcher – using the tools and the experiences that I have to the best of my advantage to be able to make a difference.”

We must also not forget, encourages Laura, to care for the carers – for those who come alongside people living with a disability to support their needs in every capacity. Their important roles are vital to the challenge of enabling those with disability to live their best life, and we must ensure that their physical, emotional and mental health is also adequately monitored and cared for.

Jamieson, who has the support of a one-to-one carer every day, completely agrees.

“I wouldn’t be leaving my house if it wasn’t for my carers every day, so to ensure that they’re just as healthy as I am … they play a pivotal role in making sure that I am succeeding in life, it’s crucial for them to be healthy and fit.”

Article supplied with thanks to Helping Hands TV.

About the Author: Helping Hands is an Australian produced TV program that airs on 9GEM, Channel 9 and 9NOW, and showcases people and organisations who make the world a better place.

Feature image: Canva

The 2025 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Red Carpet Awards was hosted in Sydney recently and it shone a spotlight on short films and documentaries created by or featuring 286 finalists from 26 countries, each with disability, celebrating talent, creativity and inclusion from around the world.

“Congratulations to all the wonderful filmmakers involved in this year’s Focus on Ability Film Festival,” said Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS of the event. 

“This event is an excellent opportunity to showcase and celebrate the creative talents of Australians with disability.

“This recognition is crucial to creating a more inclusive, diverse society.”

An Event To Remember

Far from a standard awards ceremony, alongside screenings and prizes, enjoy live entertainment by MC Wheels plus a set from the iconic duo Rogue Traders. 

Judging is in expert hands, featuring the likes of Travis Jeffery, Cinzia Coassin, Nick Hardcastle, Tsu Shan Chambers, David Cameron, Lisa Duff, Yiana Pandelis and Isaac Elliott.

The presenters included Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Ada Nicodemou, James Stewart and Craig Bennett OAM.

Why This Event Matters For Inclusion and Opportunity

This festival is about much more than red-carpet glamour; it aligns with key goals around disability inclusion, meaningful participation and community contribution. 

According to Disability Gateway, employment and work opportunities are vital for people with disability to live with independence and purpose. 

Similarly, NOVA Employment emphasises the fact that people with disability are capable of award-wage employment and long-term careers. 

These messages tie directly into what the festival champions: ability, creativity and belonging.

Local Support and Community Impact

Backed by the local city government, there is a strong emphasis on the fact that inclusion can’t just happen in isolated pockets, but happens when community, business and government work together. 

“The Focus on Ability Red Carpet Awards shine a spotlight on stories that inspire, empower, and break down barriers,” said Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor.

“At Willoughby City Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for every member of our community to thrive.

“I’m so proud that Willoughby is home to this incredible event, which brings people together in such a powerful way.” 

Anything Is Possible!

“Every year, the Focus on Ability Film Festival reminds us just how powerful storytelling can be,” said Ambassador Paula Duncan. 

“These films don’t just entertain — they move us, challenge perceptions, and open hearts.

“I’m continually inspired by the creativity, courage, and determination of our filmmakers. 

“The Red Carpet Awards are a celebration of talent and inclusion — an event that proves when we focus on ability, anything is possible.”

A Celebration of Ability and A Call To Action

This red-carpet event is a celebration of what has been achieved, but it’s also a call to keep moving. 

When people with disability see their stories told well, when they see their creativity recognised, when they see roles of value and contribution, inclusion becomes real.

Ask yourself: how can I support inclusion in my circle? How can I lift up ability today? Because when passion meets purpose, community is stronger, and everyone belongs.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and carefully reviewed by the Hope 103.2 Digital team.

Feature image: Supplied

In a move toward greater inclusion, Guide Dogs Australia and Hallmark Australia have unveiled a new card range designed so people living with low vision or blindness can participate fully in the tradition of giving and receiving greeting cards.

The card range has been designed by people living with low vision or blindness, ensuring those directly impacted are the ones helping shape the outcome.

It features high contrast colours, braille, and clear, easy-to-read fonts—designed to make greetings accessible to more Australians.

“For Australians living with low vision or blindness, being included in this tradition is incredibly powerful,” Lee Kumutat of Guide Dogs Australia said.

For Hallmark, the partnership “reflects our commitment to ensuring all Australians have the opportunity to connect with their family, friends and loved ones,” according to Lyndal Matthews, Hallmark’s Product & Marketing Director.

How the Cards Work

The collection includes twelve distinct card designs—birthdays, thank yous, thinking-of-you messages, and more. 

Standout features include high contrast colours, making text and design elements more visible, braille messaging and tactile embossing, allowing those using touch to read them and clear, easy-to-read typefaces to help people with residual vision read comfortably.

The new cards are now available for purchase from all major retailers.

“These small moments of inaccessibility make the world become so small.”

23-year-old Karlee Symonds who lives in Sydney with her Guide Dog Isla said, “Opening a card might seem like a small and unimportant thing to most, but for someone with blindness, it can highlight just how often the world isn’t designed for us.

“I’ve celebrated milestones where I couldn’t read the card in my hands in front of friends with everyone waiting for my reaction, it makes me feel invisible and awkward. 

“These small moments of inaccessibility build up and can make the world become so small.

“Accessible greeting cards mean my community can share in life’s simple but special joys just like anyone else, it means we feel included and that our milestones are just as important as everyone else’s.”

Inclusive Design In Australian Products

The approach taken to creating this range reflects a growing movement in Australia toward inclusive product design.

One standout example is Mr Hux, an Australian fragrance brand that introduced braille labels on its packaging, enabling allows people living with vision impairment to read product information themselves rather than relying on memory or external assistance. 

Their choice to include braille demonstrates how brands in everyday sectors—like beauty—can extend accessibility to more people.

Why Accessibility Matters

Accessibility is more than compliance—it’s about inclusion. Many people living with low vision or blindness are left out of everyday joys because standard design overlooks their needs.

By involving those with lived experience in the design process, Hallmark and Guide Dogs have modelled what true inclusion looks like. 

Features like high contrast, tactile details, and legible fonts are not just “extras”—they are essential components that allow people to belong.

Let’s hope this card range encourages more brands to think inclusively—to ask, “Who is left out?”—and to design products that bring more people in.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.

Feature image: Supplied