The allabilityhour’s Podcast

This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Focal Community Services welcome Bree from Soul Support Services for a thoughtful conversation about supporting children, teens and young adults in the disability space.
Bree shares her journey from support work into building Soul Support Services, inspired by both lived experience and a passion for doing things the right way for participants and families. The discussion explores the unique challenges and rewards of working with young people, particularly those who are autistic or neurodivergent, and why strong collaboration between families, schools, allied health professionals and support teams is so important.
The episode also touches on the value of diagnosis, identity and self-understanding, with an honest conversation about late autism diagnosis and how the right support can build confidence, connection and better outcomes for children and families.
It’s an insightful and heartfelt episode focused on neuroaffirming care, family-centred support, and helping young people thrive through every stage of life.
https://soul-support.com.au/
 
 
 

This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Focal Community Services dive into the world of allied health with expert guests sharing how therapy and physiotherapy are changing lives.
First, Julian from Back2You Therapy talks about his journey from traditional physiotherapy into neurological rehabilitation, where every client’s story and goals are different. He shares inspiring examples of the progress people can make with the right therapy and support, including helping someone move from being wheelchair-bound to standing and walking again. Julian also explains the philosophy behind his practice — supporting therapists so they can deliver the best outcomes for participants.
Later in the episode, Andrew and Jordan from Bertram Physiotherapy unpack the science behind vertigo, dizziness and balance issues. They explain what causes vertigo, how the inner ear affects balance, and how physiotherapy techniques can treat certain forms of vertigo by repositioning tiny crystals in the ear.
Packed with fascinating insights and practical information, this episode highlights how allied health professionals help people improve mobility, independence and quality of life.
https://back2youtherapy.com.au/
https://www.bertramphysiotherapy.com.au/
 
 

This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Focal Community Services welcome two passionate guests making a difference in the disability sector.
First, Raquel from ACME Support Services shares her personal journey into the industry, driven by lived experience and a deep passion for supporting vulnerable people in the community. She outlines the wide range of services ACME provides across Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan, including SIL, SDA, MTA, respite, nursing support and community access, all grounded in their core values of respect, empathy and dignity.
The conversation then shifts to Tiana from My Solace, an innovative online platform designed to connect NDIS participants, families and providers in one accessible ecosystem. Tiana explains how the free platform helps users find services, events, careers and supports, bridging gaps for those with limited or no support coordination funding.
It’s an informative and inspiring episode highlighting collaboration, new resources, and the growing network of supports available to people of all abilities in the local community.
 
https://acmesupportservices.com.au/
https://www.mysolas.com.au/
 

On this week’s episode of the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Focal Community Services sit down with Mick Neal from Footsteps to explore his journey through the disability sector and what inspired him to become a provider.
Mick shares how he transitioned from high-pressure corporate roles into support work, discovering a passion for helping people achieve their goals. He reflects on starting as a frontline support worker, moving into support coordination, and now leading business development and growth at Footsteps — a family-run organisation delivering behaviour support, therapy, counselling, SIL support programs, and more.
The conversation also dives into the importance of collaboration between providers, families, and participants, plus the evolving nature of the NDIS and the need for clearer communication and sustainability moving forward.
It’s an insightful discussion about career pathways in the sector, innovative support models, and the value of staying focused on people-first outcomes in disability services.
 
https://footstepscs.com.au/
 

This week on the AllAbility Hour, DJ Sparky and Patty from Focal Community Services break down important updates affecting the disability community, with a focus on upcoming NDIS planning changes expected from mid-2026.
They explore the proposed new person-centred and strength-based planning approach, including the introduction of support needs assessments and the ICAN v6 tool, designed to create fairer and more consistent budgets while reducing the need for costly reports. Patti explains what participants can expect from the new process and why meeting with an assessor will be a key step in shaping future plans.
The episode also highlights the Disability Gateway — a valuable one-stop online resource to help people find supports, services, employment options, and local providers tailored to their needs.
https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
Packed with practical guidance and easy-to-understand insights, this episode helps listeners stay informed, prepared, and confident as the NDIS landscape continues to evolve.

The All Ability Hour kicks off 2026 with heart, hope, and big dreams as the team returns to the studios at Focal Community Services.
In this feel-good first episode of the year, we catch up with Darelle and Tom, who share their personal goals for 2026 — from building creative skills and performing on stage to joining new programs and even planning a cruise to Hawaii.
Host and regular guest Patty also joins us to explain important updates around short-term respite under the NDIS, including how Focal’s respite house helps people build independence while giving carers a well-earned break.
It’s a warm, inspiring start to the year, celebrating inclusion, ambition, and community — and setting the tone for another great season of the AllAbility Hour.