Episode Playlist
Books to promote disability inclusion for kids( 0:23:1)
Episode Information
“Stories That Include Us” explores children’s books that celebrate disability with honesty and joy. From Deaf awareness in Freddie and the Fairy to the limb-difference story What Happened to You? The show highlights books that challenge stereotypes and show disability as a natural, empowering part of childhood.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 2/01/2026 1:30:00 p.m.
Dunedin Pride: The intersection between the rainbow and disabled community( 0:24:24)
Episode Information
Explore how pride is made accessible
In this episode, we speak with Evelyn Robertson from Dunedin Pride about the powerful intersection of queerness and disability. The conversation explores why these communities so often overlap, the unique barriers faced by people who are both queer and disabled, and how systemic discrimination shows up in healthcare, accessibility, and everyday life.
We also highlight the importance of affirmation, inclusive events, and allyship, and look ahead to what Dunedin Pride is doing to create a more accessible, welcoming city for all.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 19/12/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Leisa De Klerk: thriving with brain injury ( 0:25:32)
Episode Information
Resilience, Community, and Thriving with Brain Injury. Host Amy Taylor speaks with Ōtepoti community leader Leisa de Klerk about resilience, disability, and giving back. A mum, teacher, and environmental advocate, Leisa shares her journey living with two brain injuries and ongoing physical conditions, and how she’s continued to thrive through community work, leadership, and volunteering. The conversation explores recovery, inclusion, invisible disability, and redefining success — showing that living with disability is about adapting, purpose, and finding new ways to shine.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 5/12/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
In memory of Alice Wong( 0:19:36)
Episode Information
This episode honours disability advocate Alice Wong, reflecting on her life, activism, and philosophy of joy, autonomy, and interdependence. It explores her founding of the Disability Visibility Project, her influential writing, and her national impact on disability justice. Through her own words and those of her community, the program celebrates her legacy as a powerful storyteller, organiser, and visionary whose work continues to shape a more inclusive world.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 21/11/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Late Diagnosis of Autism & ADHD in Women( 0:25:13)
Episode Information
This episode of DPA's Notable Radio features host Amy Taylor in conversation with special guest Helen Gibbs, who received a late diagnosis of autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an adult. Helen discusses her experience growing up in a high-achieving family where being different was accepted, contrasting with the challenges of the outside world that led to multiple burnout episodes. She shares her journey of progressive diagnoses, starting with dyslexia as a teen, dyspraxia in her 20s, and finally, her co-morbid autism and ADHD in adulthood.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 7/11/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
The Making of Me - A journey through MS diagnosis and mental health struggles( 0:24:4)
Episode Information
Rebecca shares her lived experience of MS diagnosis
In this heartfelt interview, Rebecca Tupu shares her journey through MS, divorce, miscarriage, and job loss. Drawing social work background, and passion for suicide prevention, she opens up about finding hope after calling Lifeline in her darkest moment—and her dream to reprint her book in New Zealand to inspire others
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 24/10/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Disabled Youth Representation and Sport( 0:22:28)
Episode Information
Why disabled student representation and disability sport matters.
This week, we’re joined by Liam Melvin — a Deaf student with cerebral palsy — who shares his fight for better disabled student representation at OUSA. Liam talks about student life at Otago, the challenges facing disabled learners, and how his work with the Halberg Foundation shows the power of sport to build confidence and connection.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 10/10/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
ADHD: A Childs Perspective( 0:22:30)
Episode Information
Hear directly from a child what having ADHD is like
In this episode, we hear directly from Caroline, an 11-year-old about life with ADHD. Too often the discussion is led by adults, but children’s voices matter too. Caroline shares how ADHD feels, the challenges it brings at school and with friends, and the strengths it can also offer. We explore what helps, what doesn’t, and what they wish teachers and adults understood better. This honest and thoughtful conversation gives listeners a chance to see ADHD through a child’s eyes—full of energy, insight, and resilience.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 26/09/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Disability Funding Cuts Reset( 0:23:0)
Episode Information
This episode explores the recent disability funding cuts in New Zealand and the government’s reversal after strong backlash. We cover the impact on disabled people, the Disabled Persons Assembly’s initial response, and September’s reinstatement of flexible funding and fairer assessments. Some advocates welcome the change, but warn lasting fairness and accountability are essential. Various views of disabled people are shared in their own words. This show does not include DPAs official statement on the reset.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 12/09/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Fidget toys for neurodiversity and anybody( 0:25:33)
Episode Information
Discover the world of fidget toys in this engaging radio show segment designed for all listeners, including those who are blind or low vision. Through vivid audio description, we explore the textures, shapes, and sounds of popular fidget toys — from smooth spinners and clicking cubes to stretchy bands and squishy stress balls. Hear how each toy feels in the hand, the unique ways they move, and the calming or stimulating effects they provide. Listeners will learn how fidget toys can support focus, ease stress, and bring moments of sensory comfort to people of all ages.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 29/08/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Education on Epilepsy( 0:23:4)
Episode Information
Today we are joined by Leanne Stuff from Epilepsy New Zealand. She is the Otago Educator. We chat to leanne about all things epilepsy. What it is, how people with epilepsy control their seizures, what a seizures looks like, how to help and the mental health struggles some experience living with epilepsy. Leanne is super knowledgeable and there is heaps to learn so if you live with epilepsy, know someone who does or are simply interested in being a supportive member of the community, have a listen!
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 15/08/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Community organisations that benefit the disabled community( 0:23:20)
Episode Information
In todays episode we chat about a number of local, community focused organisations which benefit our disabled community. Not all of these are directly disability focused but they have a positive impact on our community. These include: Riding for the Disabled, The Fern Collective, The Bowling Club, Enabling Love and Friendship, The South Dunedin Community Network, The Taieri Network and the Greater Green Island Community Network. Getting out into our community to participate in activities or volunteer your time can be hugely beneficial to disabled people.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 1/08/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Increasing the Accessibility of Arts( 0:29:36)
Episode Information
In todays show we speak to Kate Schrader, Co-Director and Creative Producer at the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust. Kate tells us all about the commitment of the Trust to increasing accessibility for Theatre in Dunedin. This initiative has been largely spear headed by own very own Julie Woods "that Blind Woman" and we are greatly indebted to her work in this space.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 18/07/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Able Abodes housing with Cyndee Elder( 0:19:43)
Episode Information
Today we chat to Cyndee Elder, founder of Able Abodes, which offers accessible small, portable houses. Able Abodes houses are affordable not just to purchase but to live in.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 4/07/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
People First Dunedin with David, Julia, Tegan and Lee-Ann( 0:25:11)
Episode Information
People First members David King, Julia Young, Tegan Howard and Regional Coordinator Lee-ann Wightman join us to chat about People First Dunedin. People First is an organisation for people with learning disabilities, run by people with learning disabilities. David, Julia and Tegan talk to us about the skills they have learnt at People First, their involvement in the community and the activities that they get up to as People First members.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 20/06/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Young Women and Chronic illness with Bethany Elder( 0:25:34)
Episode Information
Bethany Elder, a 19 year old living with ME/CFS and POTs, joins us to discuss how chronic illness affects her life. Young women with chronic illness are limited in their quality of life and often unable to participate fully in work, social activities and study. Bethany reflects on the aspects of her life that are different as a chronically ill person and how she copes and thrives in a different way to most women of her age.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 5/06/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
DPA's Disabled Women's Network with Nikita van Dijk( 0:24:16)
Episode Information
DPA has a revived its Disabled Women's Network
Today we chat with Nikita Van Dijk DPA's brand new Disabled Women's Network Coordinator. We chat about the Disabled Women's Network and why it is important to for all disabled women in Aotearoa to have a safe forum to discuss issues facing by disabled women. we discuss the upcoming Disabled Women's hui. Contact Nikita on nikita.vandijk@dpa.org.nz
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 23/05/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Access for All with John Marrable( 0:25:19)
Episode Information
John Marrable, Access Consultant and Educator at Living Well Disability Resource Centre, joins us to tell us about Access for All. These meetings allow disabled people and providers of disability services a direct line to DCC and ORC staff to share their concerns and provide feedback into issues that affect the disabled community. The meetings also invite other community stakeholders to talk to members of the disabled community about how their services affect disabled people. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 10 am at the Living Well Disability Resource Centre.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 9/05/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
A Chat With Juanita Willems( 0:24:15)
Episode Information
In this episode we chat to Juanita Willems: Foster Hope Otago/Southland Coordinator, Blind Citizens Otago Coordinator and member of the Your Way| Kia Roha Otago Local Disability Leadership Group.
She shares her 14 year journey running Foster Hope Otago/Southland and all the amazing work she does assisting kids in foster care locally. She also shares some details about the work of Blind Citizens Otago, running coffee groups and raising awareness for the blind community.
If you wish to donate to Foster Hope please see the website for details: Fosterhope.org.nz
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 25/04/2025 1:30:00 p.m.
Homelessness and Disability with Dunedin Bedding Bank( 0:21:10)
Episode Information
Today we host Janine Walker from the Dunedin Bedding Bank. Janine talks about the intersection between disability and homelessness. She tells us about how around half the homeless community in Dunedin experience disability and the additional challenges disabled people face when homeless. We learn about the amazing work that the Dunedin Bedding Bank does and how we as community members can help.
This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
Published: 11/04/2025 1:30:00 p.m.