"Don't give people a hand-out, give them a hand up."

A motto that this week's guest, Dr Rita Kleinfeld-Fowell, lives by every day.

Legally Deaf and blind, Rita has faced - and overcome - immense challenges. Through resilience, strength and determination, she has transformed adversity into advocacy, using her lived experience to support and uplift others.

Now Head of Disability Law Practice at Sussex Street Community Legal Centre, Rita is passionate about empowering people with disability through knowledge, rights and representation.

Her journey and her conversation with Simon on the show this week is not just inspiring - it's a reminder that true leadership is built on empathy, experience and a commitment to making a difference.

For more information about Rita's work and the legal services available at Sussex Street Community Law Service, go to their website: sscls.asn.au

To find out more about the People with disabilities WA State Conference that Rita will be speaking at, please go to the PWdWA website: pwdwa.org/whats-happening/events/state-conference-2025/

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

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This week Simon and Abby chat with two guests. First up, Vanessa Jessett from People with disabilities Western Australia (PWdWA) about their upcoming State Conference; what’s planned, and why it matters.

Also joining us is the fabulous Mallika Macleod from Empowered Connections (a role linked with Valued Lives), sharing her work in peer support and her conference session on supporting homeschooled young people entering adulthood.

A lively and inspiring conversation with two passionate advocates!

People With disabilities WA State Conference
Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June 2025
The Esplanade Fremantle - by Rydges
For more information about the PWdWA conference and to register, head to their website: pwdwa.org/whats-happening/events/state-conference-2025

To find out more about Valued Lives, where Mallika works as Peer Groups Network Coordinator, head to their website: valuedlives.org.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ritchell Lim is a musician, singer, producer and sound engineer, devoted to her art and a natural at her craft. Ritchell is an extremely talented, highly intelligent, bright woman who is just launching herself into to a career as a sound engineer. And, she also happens to be blind.

Ritchell grew up playing the piano, and wrote songs every chance she got. She describes the studio as her second home and has experienced playing in parts of Asia and Australia. We shared a fascinating and educational conversation - hope you enjoy.

Listen to some of Richell's music on her Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/user-540746094

And connect with Ritchell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritchelllimmusic/

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.