The Purple Orange Podcast

Nice, but not really.

In this episode of the Purple Orange Podcast Jae Marie Jaensch explains some of the ways language is regularly used that's harmful to the disability community. But she's not talking about disability slurs or victimising language. Instead, she guides us through something much trickier; Things people think are nice, but actually aren't.

If you are an ally, or want to be an ally, to the disability community, this episode is for you.

 

For a transcript of this episode visit: https://purpleorange.org.au/stories/nice-not

 

Why does Drakes Supermarket in Hallett Cove recruit people living with disability?

What do you think might motivate employers to hire people living with disability?

It's well known that diversity strengthens creativity. It's also good for the employer's reputation. There are even some programs to subsidise an employee's wage for a period of time to encourage more employers to give people living with disability a go. But, when I went to check out one workplace that regularly hires people living with disability, Drakes Supermarket in Hallett Cove, I discovered the manager had another motivation. It's very simple, totally practical- something that makes his life easier.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://purpleorange.org.au/stories/drakes-hallett-cove-whats-motivation-hiring-people-living-disability

 

The Elephant In The Interview

After graduating from her accounting degree, Daniella Biagi really struggled to get a job. She had no problem getting to the interview stage. But she said there was always an elephant in the room that no one wanted to talk about. 

 

For a transcript and photo of Daniella, visit: https://purpleorange.org.au/stories/elephant-interview

 

***This episode mentions Job Access (www.jobaccess.gov.au), a government funded program aimed at increasing employment opportunities for people living with disability. 

Job Access provides free workplace assessments and funding for workplace modifications and equipment through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)

This episode states that it takes 5 days to assess an EAF application. However, the time to assess an EAF application and refer for workplace assessment may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the application. Generally, it takes from 5-10 working days to assess and refer for assessment.***

Covid-19: It feels very odd to say this is the upside of this terrible horrific thing that's happening

Many people living with disability feel well equipped to handle the social upheaval caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Some even feel they have better access to their community now. 

To read a transcript of this podcast, visit our webpage. 

 

Covid-19 Testing: "I was made to feel like I’m nothing."

When Maria Cantanzariti, who lives with complex disability, needed to get a Covid-19 test, it was a horrible experience. But, there's a solution. 

You can find a transcript of this story here: https://www.purpleorange.org.au/stories/covid-19-testing-made-to-feel-like-I-m-nothing

 

More than a man's best friend

We’ve all heard that dogs are man’s best friend. But for Mark, and many people all over the world, they are so much more. They are independence, support and safety.

Producer April Dwyer, brings us the story of a man who rebuilds his life after an acquired brain injury with the help of two unlikely friends.

 

You can find a copy of the transcript for this episode here: https://purpleorange.org.au/stories/more-mans-best-friend

Men: Let's Talk About Connection

Everyone needs to feel connected, but a lot of men - disability or not - just aren’t connected enough. A study by Beyond Blue and The Movember Foundation, found that a quarter of men reported having no one outside of their immediate family that they can rely on. A lack of social connection is almost doubled in men who live with disability.

It’s well documented that social isolation can have impacts on both your mental and physical health. But how can men who are feeling disconnected, build connection?

To access a transcript of this podcast, please click here.

We Need To Talk About Sex

Christine Priest knew she wanted to experience sex, but didn't think she ever would.

She didn't even know if she even could, but she also couldn't bring herself to discuss any of this with anyone, because no one in her 35 years of life had ever raised the subject of sex.

Christine had to reach her own breaking point, before breaking through the stigma and assumptions that prevented her as seeing herself as a sexual being.

Now she's sharing her story, with that hope that others will feel empowered to discuss their needs. 

To read the transcript, or for a written version of this story, please visit our webpage at https://www.purpleorange.org.au/news-resources/we-need-talk-about-sex

Claiming your right to risk when you live with disability

When Ellen Fraser-Barbour was 19, she decided to travel on her own to India. Everyone told her it was a bad idea.

"You are crazy," they said.  "It's too risky!" "You are deaf! You are blind! You can't travel on your own!" But Ellen decided that was their anxiety. It wasn't her anxiety. So she persevered with her plan.

Let's Talk About Straws

We know we as a society produce way too much plastic waste and something needs to be done about it, and quick. Single use plastic bags have been banned, and now campaigns to ban the plastic straw are gaining momentum. But could banning the straw create another problem with dire consequences for many? 

 

For a transcript of this podcast, or to read an article version, go to https://www.purpleorange.org.au/news-resources/lets-talk-about-straws