A podcast putting people with disability behind the microphone has been downloaded millions of times. The ‘Listenable Podcast’ is hosted by two mates, who are bringing their stories to life, while breaking down the barriers to accessibility.
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00:00It's a golden touch on traditional podcasting.
00:08Fresh from the Paris Games, Paralympic medalist Rowan Crothers is the special guest on the
00:13Listen Able podcast.
00:20It's recorded at the disability-friendly podcast studio Session in Progress, featuring adjustable
00:25microphone stands and level flooring for better navigation.
00:28And we're trying to create spaces that make people not have to think about their access
00:33needs.
00:34It's challenging common misconceptions about what life is like with a disability.
00:38So many people with disability across multiple industries have so much wisdom to share, but
00:43they just have never had that opportunity.
00:44I said to Dil, what is it like for someone who's blind?
00:47And he said, you should go ask them.
00:49And I was like, oh, he's like, I'm in a wheelchair.
00:51I don't know.
00:52He says, my favourite line is, I'm not the Dalai Lama of disability.
00:56And that really resonated with me.
00:57And I said, well, let's go find out.
00:58And that's how the podcast started.
01:00The show has over two million downloads and has featured people with all types of disabilities.
01:05I have a disability called cerebral palsy.
01:09And it is a kind of brain damage that impairs my motor control and coordination and like
01:16fine motor skills.
01:17Rowan says accessible spaces have come a long way since he took an interest in paraswimming
01:22as a boy.
01:23I didn't think I had the opportunities to be successful in life.
01:27Over five and a half million Australians said they had a disability at the last Australian
01:31census.
01:32And spaces like Session in Progress are helping to set a new benchmark when it comes to accessibility.
01:37It's a podcast for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
01:39It's a simple yet powerful move in the right direction.