Listen to conversations about culturally and linguistically diverse people living well with a disability. People with disabilities and other guest speakers share stories, advice and resources about accessible and inclusive places and activities around Australia, through podcasts and multicultural radio.
Speak My Language (Disability) is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services. The program is being led by the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW and is proudly delivered via an historic partnership between all State and Territory Ethnic and Multicultural Communities’ Councils across Australia. 8CCC has been pleased to partner with the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory to support the broadcast of Speak My Language.
Visit www.speakmylanguage.com.au to find out more about the project and listen.
8CCC has broadcast the following stories in Vietnamese, Turkish, Arabic and Spanish – you can also listen On Demand below:
Vietnamese
6 Sep 2023, 11:09am Unlocking Professional Goals For many people with disabilities, unlocking personal and professional goals provides satisfaction in life and independence. Ly talks about what it was like to transition back to work after losing his eyesight. Jenny shares resources available for employers, employees, and people seeking employment.
6 Sep 2023, 11:09am Practicing Gratitude and Mindfulness In the final episode, we take a moment to reflect and have gratitude for the people who have shared their stories. Without their courage, this program would not be possible. Gratitude is a powerful tool and is a key part of this episode. Ly and Nhon discuss their life philosophies and how disability offered them a new perspective on the world and a different source of strength.
6 Sep 2023, 11:09am Building a Strong Social Network One of the most important elements of living well is to have social bonds with others. The more connected we are to our community, the more joy and support we have in our lives. In this discussion, Thi highlights the advantages of peer support groups, while Jenny emphasizes the significance of building connections among people with common interests. They encourage everyone to help create inclusive environments that welcome people with and without disabilities.
6 Sep 2023, 11:09am Creative Outlets Create Wellbeing Exploring the creative spirit each of us has inside is a powerful way to improve our wellbeing. Catherine discusses her love for composing music, while Ly shares how painting became a way to relieve stress and express himself. They also talk about music festivals, concerts, art galleries, choirs, art workshops and theatre groups.
Arabic
6 Sep 2023, 10:42am The Outdoors is for Everyone In this episode, we will talk about access and inclusion in outdoor settings. Our first guest speaker, Kinda, a landscape architect, discusses how she volunteered to redesign a local nature reserve so that people with and without disabilities can enjoy this space together. Our second speaker Ikram, an enthusiastic storyteller who loves going out and enjoying nature, discusses the importance of an accessible outdoor experience. Her message to the community is to never let anything stop you from living your best life. Places mentioned are Pine Gully Reserve in Seacliff in South Adelaide, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sidney, Wollongong Botanic Garden, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart, Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra, Adelaide's Botanic Garden, Western Australia's Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens.
6 Sep 2023, 10:41am The Power of Creativity This episode is about the inclusive arts programs we can get involved in. Hussain talks about Adelaide's art scene and his exhibition called "Visible Invisible", which captures the experiences and challenges faced by people with disabilities. Yuhana talks about his ceramic workshops which he tailors to all people's abilities, needs and interests. For those who are more comfortable being spectators, most major art galleries in Australia offer accessible exhibitions. If you are a music lover, there are many inclusive ways to enjoy live music. For instance, the Australian Chamber Orchestra hold many accessible events all around the country.
6 Sep 2023, 10:40am Stay Active In this episode, we will discuss the importance of staying physically and mentally active. Engaging in sports can also help foster relationships and create stronger bonds. Our first speaker Nader shares how his organisation has been offering inclusive football training to people from CALD backgrounds. Our second speaker Ikram discusses how going to the gym and swimming has become a way to manage the pain and keep her strong in mind and body.
6 Sep 2023, 10:39am Libraries, a place of inclusion and curiosity A library is more than just a place to borrow a book. It is a place to learn, connect and grow. All states and territories have libraries offering services, tools and resources for people with different kinds of disabilities. What's more, not only do these libraries cater to people with disabilities, but they also accommodate people from CALD backgrounds. Reaching out to your local library is a great way to learn what they can offer you. In this episode, Nazim explains why he enjoys visiting the State Library of Queensland. Another place mentioned is Liverpool City Library in NSW.
Spanish
6 Sep 2023, 11:04am Let’s Dance! Without a doubt, music, dance, and rhythm are at the very heart of Latin American culture. It's what they are known for around the world! In this episode, Vicky, Jorge and Rocca discuss the value of connecting to others through music and culture. They also explore how music and dancing can uplift our spirits, build confidence, and helps us to live healthier lives.
6 Sep 2023, 11:04am The Outdoors is for Everyone This episode is about access and inclusion in the outdoor settings. Rocca and Oswaldo, adventurous spirits who love the outdoors, talk about mainstream places that can be enjoyed by all. Places mentioned are Williamstown Beach in Melbourne and Adelaide Botanical Gardens.
6 Sep 2023, 11:04am Discover More at Accessible Museums There is no better playground for curiosity than a museum, especially when they offer free, accessible, fun activities that engage us at every age. In this episode, Piero, Rocca, and Santiago discuss their experience visiting museums around Australia. Places mentioned are: Queensland Museum (Spark Lab), the Australian Museum in the NSW, Melbourne Museum and WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth's Cultural Centre.
6 Sep 2023, 11:04am Keeping Active with a Disability Not everyone can be a Paralympian, but all of us can benefit from playing a sport or doing physical activity. In this episode, Santiago and Sahily discuss the value of staying active to maintain good mental and physical health. Santiago participates in wheelchair hockey, while Sahily enjoys playing soccer. Other sports mentioned are wheelchair tennis, archery, blind cricket, blind golf, and swimming.
6 Sep 2023, 11:04am Maintaining independence Physiotherapy makes us stronger, more independent and gives us greater control. It is a valuable tool that can be tailored to everyone's needs. Physiotherapists Dr William Cuellar and Lucrecia Sergi discuss different forms of activities and exercises that can be done to enhance independence.
Turkish
6 Sep 2023, 11:08am Creative Outlets Create Wellbeing There are so many ways we can enjoy our creativity, whether on our own or in a group with others. Joining a choir, an art workshop, or a theatre group can not only offer a creative outlet but also strengthen our social connections. In this episode, Filiz reflects on how her experience of being a woman with a disability, a migrant, and a mother inspired her to form Women of World Stage. She also talks about the societal benefits of culture, art, and music. Our second guest Sevinc discusses the positive effects art has on young people living with disabilities.
6 Sep 2023, 11:08am Creating Inclusive Communities During our on-air Speak My Language program, we have heard the stories of many people living well with disabilities, whether it be sport, the arts, or pursuing their professional goals. In the final on-air episode, we will discuss the importance of inclusion so that everyone can participate in society and enjoy what it has to offer without facing barriers or discrimination. Inclusion affects all of us as we are all ageing, and as we age, we are prone to develop disabilities. Our first guest speaker Zeliha, a successful businesswoman and a leading disability advocate, discusses how blindness is not a barrier for her to live well. Our second speaker, Mr Feyyaz Tolun Savut shares his thoughts about his work with CALD people living with disabilities in Australia.
6 Sep 2023, 11:08am Get Active This episode is about the importance of staying active. Practising adaptive sports can not only give us strength and increase mobility but can also be a lot of fun. Nazim talks about his journey with wheelchair rugby, his debut in Paralympic Games and winning his first gold medal.
6 Sep 2023, 11:08am Realising Professional Goals Unlocking personal and professional goals provides life satisfaction and grants independence. In this episode, Turkan tells us how her lived experience of having dyslexia became an asset in her workplace by giving her the right skills and attitude to create an inclusive environment for others. Our second speaker Evren, a migrant with an exceptional talent for numbers, shares her life story and journey to finding fulfilling work.
