This week on In Plain Sight we have a very pleasant conversation with Darryl Davenport; Principle of Ballroom Fit, & Chairperson of Para Ability Dance WA.
Darryl shares his passion and insights into these wonderful dance opportunities for people with disabilities, in both the social and competitive spaces.

Darryl has successfully transitioned his life-long participation and many years of being a dance coach to creating a supportive & thoughtful accessible, inclusive dance environment. Both the Ballroom Fit dance classes, predominately for vision impaired & other sensory disabilities, and social dance events and the Para & Ability competitive dance sport events are very popular with great participation levels.

The Para Ability Dance groups participate in several events and competitions throughout the year including
the 2026 Australian DanceSport Championship, which will be held in Melbourne on 3 December 2026.
A Bingo Night is being held to raise funds to assist our dancers with disability to attend this highly prestigious event. Both the Ballroom Fit & ParaDance participants are active members of the community who regularly support other major charity events as well as conducting fundraising events to help support their dancers, coaches and dance assistants or partners.

Dance is a fabulous way to get active, find a place to join in with a supportive group that is fun to commit your time to which helps give a sense of belonging which is fantastic for your mental health and well-being.

Contact Ballroom Fit to learn more.
Whether you’re interested in classes, DanceSport, NDIS support, or inclusive dance opportunities.
Contact -
Email”
info@ballroomfit.com.au

For further information about Para & Ability Dance WA
Website: -
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://padwa.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!D316uPoF6jOhKhcjRxuYJEkiQpS5WknlRSoY7AFHdiXYSgGJSeOJ4dLPJGj2pfpWqzAUoAhJapmM3FWUUFLExT21DGbOxjQu$
Email: Secretary@padwa.org.au
Chairperson
chairman@padwa.org.au

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we present a fabulous conversation with Sandee Facy,
the Head of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia and New Zealand.
The Sunflower and Hidden Disabilities are trying to increase awareness, & understanding of non-visible disabilities, and helping to create communities where people feel seen, supported and included.

We learn of what is a Hidden Disability and how the Sunflower campaign is helping to rase awareness with its subtle, and yet very effective approach.
A global initiative working in partnership with organisations such as airports and large companies to provide training and assistance to them so that they can provide customer service to people with a Hidden Disability in an accessible and inclusive manner.

Living with a Hidden Disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to staff, colleagues and health professionals that the wearer has a hidden disability and may need additional help or simply more time.


Hidden Disabilities
Website
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://hdsunflower.com/au/?_gl=1*j80eq5*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzE0NzI0Njk0LjE3OTExNzc3MTc.*_ga_QH2Q9GE934*czE3OTExNzc3MTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTExNzc3MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_9NBHMF5E90*czE3OTExNzc3MTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTExNzc3MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw__;KioqKioqKioq!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!G7JnTH00c-d65ruMBYpTmf715hIDen0VBRV1doPoz7oLMBSiXlyZqTChrp9nxMV4F-B03ftWf5HM-DmfuVi4HXGOsvfAFN6m$

Sandee Facy
Head of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Aus/NZ
sfacy@hdsunflower.com

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are talking with Colleen Ashby, who had a heart transplant in 2017, which due to complications left her also becoming blind.But, Colleen’s natural optimism, determination and generous spirit used this life changing event as a motivational force. She is also an example of someone who is driven by a strong sense of purpose linked to community and a desire to `Give Back`.

On Sunday 1st November 2026; Colleen wil join 19 other team leaders with heart or lung transplant recipients along with hundreds of riders on either a 34km or 60km route through South Perth.For the Breaths And Beats ride fundraising for Heart and lung research.Now in its third year the Capital Limited Breaths and Beats Ride for Research is a great way to help change the lives of West Australians with advanced heart and lung disease by funding dedicated research.
Colleen Ashby who never sits still and is always doing so much for other people and great causes is one of the many people who wil be participating in this bike ride to help raise essential funds to further research into heart and lung disease and research.

Local support for heart and lung transplant patients in Western Australia is provided by the Heart & Lung Transplant Foundation of WA, which offers equipment loans, patient advocacy, and community programs connected with Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital. And will be one of the main beneficiaries of this fundraising event in Perth in November.

To support the Breaths And Beats ride fundraising for Heart and lung research.go to the CAPITAL LIMITED BREATHS AND BEATS RIDE FOR RESEARCH, website.
Breaths and Beats Ride for Research 2026breathsandbeatsride.org.au
To support Colleen Ashby specifically go to
Colleen Ashby - Capital Limited Breaths and Beats Ride for Research 2026breathsandbeatsride.org.au

Join Colleen in changing the lives of West Australians with heart and lung disease by joining the ride or donating today.

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LeadAbility delivered by Leadership WA, aims to empower Western Australians with disability to become confident leaders and explore their full potential in a dynamic practical leadership program.
This week on In Plain sight we enjoyed the company of Meagan Shand who has just begun her role as the Leadership Development Manager at LeadAbility.

Meagan shared many interesting aspects about this fabulous inclusive program, including that she is the first person in this role who has a disability.
She is an experienced Disability Leader with a rich and diverse experience working across the disability, higher education and social sector across Australia.

To find out more or to apply, or share this opportunity with someone in your community who may be interested in LeadAbility:
leadershipwa.org.au/leadability
Meagan’s email:
Meagan.shand@leadershipwa.org.au

Disability led solutions are the solution

It was a great pleasure to meet and talk with Meagan, and we hope you enjoy this very informative conversation.

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyra Cullton is a recent participant of the CPActive Changemakers leadership program conducted by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia. The 12 week CPActive program aims to bring people together to make Australia more inclusive, whilst developing young leaders advocating for change.

This dynamic & impressive young person who lives in the town of Australind, 2 hours South of Perth, made quite an impact on us during our conversation. Kyra has already demonstrated her determination and skill as an advocate with a strong voice and has produced two short films as part of the Focus on Ability Film Festival. Keep a look out for her latest film project “You’ve Got This!” (2026). This documentary was inspired by the mental health challenges Kyra has faced alongside her Cerebral Palsy.

Kyra who has just turned 19 is a fabulous example of leadership in action who is highly motivated to make our Community more inclusive while encouraging others to participate and get involved in their community and beyond.

The CPActive course is an online program offered Australia wide.
We learnt from out time with Kyra Leadership programs such as this participants gain much more than formal skills & training, they can also gain valuable insights into their personal development and growth.
And, small actions can bake a big difference


CPActive website
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://cpactive.org.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!DDIE7utTVW2-19iI3ZLVYZ6KTP0WWMCs3iE2x4EitcBNB1Lz7ymX27s6Cn68FVnyinkQbu29Kc9WayFweDSIISfIWInDUGCb$

Kyra’s film - “Dear Cerebral Palsy’. (2003).
Kyra Culloton - Dear Cerebral Palsy
Focus on Ability Film Festival
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/PABybvPR2RM?si=zluymuPanTIZ2pAM__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!DDIE7utTVW2-19iI3ZLVYZ6KTP0WWMCs3iE2x4EitcBNB1Lz7ymX27s6Cn68FVnyinkQbu29Kc9WayFweDSIISfIWBGn9df7$

2023 Australian Open Documentary - Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. Full details at
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.focusonability.com.au__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2QvQ!DDIE7utTVW2-19iI3ZLVYZ6KTP0WWMCs3iE2x4EitcBNB1Lz7ymX27s6Cn68FVnyinkQbu29Kc9WayFweDSIISfIWFtXDpnt$

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show join Simon and Andrew as they chat to Joe Teakle about his career as a filmmaker and host of Film Talk on radio DADAA. He recounts his experience making the documentary 'Theatricality' (2024) for SBS and future plans for acting and film making.

His love of movies has expanded to hosting the show Film Talk on the newly launched Radio DADAA every Wednesday from 11am to 12pm (Perth Time). You can find the accessible website here to see program rosters and learn more. Joe's show discusses films, old and new, diving into stories, the production process and the state of the industry.

We also discuss how Joe's Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) affects his life currently and his goals for the future.

We hope you enjoy this episode and check out Rad Joe's new show.

THIS IS A PROGRAM ENCORE, initially published Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lilly is a super impressive young person, who has already written her first book “Blossom, and is now

preparing for an upcoming documentary and her entry into the Focus on Ability Film Festival.

As a WA Youth Awards finalist 2024 & 2025 lily proudly, & boldly uses her voice to create change.

This week at In Plain Sight we are delighted to replay a wonderful conversation wee had with Lily to highlight her great work. Lily wants to make a difference in this world and she will and we are proud to shine a light upon it.

- Also bring attention to her documentary launch event.

This project has brought together a lot of individuals and sectors - an incredible achievement for someone of Lily's age.

Event details and registration:

Date: Sunday 26 July

Time: 2pm-4pm

Venue: Kolbe Catholic College

25 Dowling St, Rockingham

RSVP: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1608729

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’d like to introduce you to a new online platform & app called “Connect Up”.ConnectUp is a free Australian app launched in June 2026 to help people with disability, unpaid carers, and families reduce social isolation and find physical activities. It lets users build online connections, arrange in-person meetups, and discover accessible venues using an interactive map and many other useful functions that makes it easier for people with a disability to connect with others with a similar interest.
We had a very interesting & informative conversation with Craig Thompson, one of the leading researchers & developers from Curtin University; & Nina Butler one of the active Co-Design team.We also enjoyed discovering some of the fabulous interests and pursuits of Nina Butler who is Deafblind and has a physical disability. Nina’s enthusiasm & positive energy was captivating and fun to talk with.
Some of Nina’s interests include; writer, speaker, and advocate. Nina uses her writing as a form of education and advocacy and she also enjoys producing a blog. - You can check out Nina’s blog , “Inner Musings Of A Funny Looking Kid” at www.ninimeany.wordpress.com or like it on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/Inner-Musings-Of-A-Funny-Looking-Kid-151852385305430/
Connect Up - can be found online at; -https://www.connectup.org.au

Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.