Every year on 3 December, people around the world take part in International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD); A day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in our community.  In this episode we talk to three successful business owners who are part of our International Day of People with Disability celebrations.

Every year on 3 December, people around the world take part in International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD); A day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in our community.  In this episode we talk to two experienced motivational speakers who are part of our International Day of People with Disability celebrations.

National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution Australia’s 2.65 million carers make to our nation.  Here at Carers Queensland we aim to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles. In this episode we chat to two carers - Richard from Brisbane and Nathaly from North Lakes. Both carers share their journey of supporting their loved one and the positive role the NDIS has played in their family’s life.

Every year we get to shine a light on mental health for Qld Mental Health week - a time to raise awareness, find belonging and stay connected.  At Carers Queensland, we support people with disability, their carers and family to connect with local community groups and support, promoting greater access to social and recreational community activities. In this episode, we hear from two NDIS participants who have kindly shared their experience of living with mental health and how the NDIS has changed their lives for the better.

Well spring has sprung and here at Carers Qld we recognise the wonderful opportunities that Community gardens can offer people with disability. Whether it’s meeting like-minded people, participating in social activities, or building practical gardening skills, Carers Qld is working with Community Garden representatives to increase their understanding of inclusion. In this episode we hear from two local gardeners from Beelarung Community Farm in Morningside, Brisbane.

Our School to Adult Life Transition project aims to identify positive pathways for young people with disability as they move from school to adult life. In this episode, we chat to two young adults who are exercising choice and control at home, study, work and in their communities. First up we talk to 22 year old Emily, who is well on her way to becoming a successful artist and cartoonist, followed by 20-year-old clothing designer Isaiah from Ipswich, who is Deaf and nonverbal and communicates via an AUSLAN interpreter.

In this episode, we hear from 21 year old Sunshine Coast local, Breanna, who was recently appointed to the Carers Qld,  ‘Amplifying Young Voices Reference Group’. Breanna is a highly accomplished young woman who is a passionate advocate for people with disability, is studying law at university and has dreams to ride in equestrian at the Paralympics.

On a fresh winter’s evening on the Sunshine Coast, the LGBTIQA+ community brought Aussie World to life for the annual Mardi Gras Festival. The night featured performances by a range of talented performers and DJs, show rides and of course, the information tent where a variety of Rainbow organisations sold their wares and spread their news of support and inclusion. The staff of Carers Qld were there, sharing information and chatting to festival goers about our role as a Partner in the Community for the NDIS. In this episode I chat to one of our Carer’s QLD Rainbow Responders and Local Area Coordinator in the community, Jessie, as he recaps the significance of the night for the LGBTIQA+ community. But first up,  a live interview from Mardi Gras with mother of two and NDIS participant Rachel as she shares her rainbow family story. Email [email protected] for safe contact with one of our many LGBTQIA+ team members. Carers Queensland   https://carersqld.com.au/about-us/lgbtqia/  Carers Queensland upcoming events and workshops: www.carersqld.com.au/events Carers Queensland NDIS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CarersQueenslandNDIS Register for LAC Connect: https://carersqld.com.au/lac-connect-signup/  Interviews: Tracy Burton Production: Tracy Burton

Michelle Young is a talented wildlife photographer who has created her own photography business through the assistance of the Carers Queensland Be Your Own Boss Program. In this episode, Michelle tells her story of how she came to receive her late diagnosis of autism in her 40s and how she's worked with her NDIS supports to set up her own online photography business, exhibit her work in galleries and grow her success in the market. Michelle shares her love of photography and the exciting plans she has for traveling overseas for the first time. Useful links: More about Michelle Young on the Carers Queensland website Be Your Own Boss program on the Carers Queensland website Visit Michelle's website at Australian Nature Photography Carers Queensland upcoming events and workshops: www.carersqld.com.au/events Carers Queensland NDIS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CarersQueenslandNDIS Register for LAC Connect: https://carersqld.com.au/lac-connect-signup/  Interview: Emily Smith Production: Tracy Burton

Sport is for everybody, of all abilities. That’s why we have a project called Inclusive Sport and Active Recreation Communities. It’s all about building better access to opportunities to get active and increasing the representation of people with disabilities in sports of all kinds, at all levels. Beyond the Sidelines Reference Group is a team of people across Queensland, all with lived experience who help us identify what’s already working, make plans for improvement, and prioritise our efforts. In this episode we will meet three members, Gladstone’s Ruby Lawler, Lauren Killen from Warwick, and Amy Tobin from the Gold Coast.   Inclusive Sport and Recreation Communities: https://carersqld.com.au/ndis/inclusion-projects/inclusive-sport-and-recreation-communities/ More about Amy Tobin on the Carers Queensland website: https://carersqld.com.au/amy-empowers-people-with-complex-disabilities-to-achieve-their-running-goals/ Now I Can Run on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nowicanrun More about Lauren Killen on the Carers Queensland website: https://carersqld.com.au/laurens-love-for-her-children-fuels-desire-to-drive-inclusive-change-in-rural-areas/ More about Ruby Lawler on the Carers Queensland website:  https://carersqld.com.au/ruby-uses-ndis-supports-to-drive-inclusion-revolution-in-gladstone-community/ Hear more from Ruby on Choice and Control: https://carersqld.com.au/choice-and-control-podcast/podcast/episode-4-4-special-olympics/   Interview: Emily SmithProduction: Jodie Van De Wetering