February 4, 2025 • 27 mins
Clear and engaging communication isn’t just Vanessa’s profession - it’s her passion. With boundless enthusiasm and a deep commitment to advocating for people with disabilities, Vanessa Jessett is the perfect person for her role.
Join Simon and Abby this week for an insightful conversation with Vanessa Jessett, Organisational Development, Culture, and Engagement Manager at People With disabilities WA (PWdWA), as she shares exciting details about an upcoming event you won’t want to miss!
PWdWA’s State Conference
Thursday, 19 June 2025
Theme: “Participate and Contribute”, one of the pillars of the State Disability Strategy
PWdWA contacts
Website: pwdwa.org
Email Vanessa Jessett: vanessa@pwdwa.org
Support Vision Australia Radio: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S1 (00:09):
Hi, I'm Simon and.
S2 (00:10):
I'm Abby, and you're listening to In Plain Sight, a
program where we talk to people making a positive impact
in the community and disability sector, shining a light on
those who might otherwise be hidden in plain.
S1 (00:23):
Sight. And it's our pleasure to bring these really fabulous
stories to you on a weekly basis here on Vision
Australia Radio. Hi, this is Simon. Welcome to the show, folks,
and I'm here with my co-host Abby. Hi, Abby.
S2 (00:42):
Hello, everyone. Welcome.
S1 (00:44):
And what's happening this week, Abby. So I want.
S2 (00:46):
To start by looking back at someone that we spoke
to last year, a wonderful and talented para dancer by
the name of Heidi Prendeville. Now Heidi is going to
Hong Kong at the end of March to qualify for
the World Para Dance Championships, which will be held in November,
and she is one of five couples from Perth making
(01:07):
up the Australian team. Now this team is hosted by
the Para and Ability Dance West Australia. Padwa and they
plan to send an Australian team of five para dance couples,
the team coach and the team manager and all of
these Australian team members live in Perth, so they need
all the donations and sponsorship that they can get. So
(01:30):
if you would like to donate and you're able to help,
you can look up their website padwa.org and search, donate
and it'll have all the details there for how you
can sponsor their trip.
S1 (01:41):
That's right. And it was fabulous to talk with Heidi
when we did. And I really enjoy and appreciate the
para dancing and really want to get behind this team
and these people doing this wonderful sport and dance.
S2 (01:56):
So please, if you're able to whatever you can give
or donate or help out, it's really, really good cause.
S1 (02:03):
So we will give the details of that information about
where to find Padwa and the Peridance Association on the
podcast details, notes as well. So look out for that.
S2 (02:14):
Now who's our guest today? Simon.
S1 (02:16):
Our guest today is Vanessa Jessop. Vanessa is the communications
manager at people with disabilities. Western Australia, PWD, WA. And
she'll be telling us all about what's happening at PWA.
There's been a lot going on and there's a lot ahead,
and we're really looking forward to finding out what's happening there.
(02:37):
And I'd like to also help support these organisations that
help support us in the community. And it's good to
also instill a sense of community amongst people with disabilities
and everybody as well. As we just mentioned previously about
the community of para dancers, in this case, there's a
community of people who are interested in advancing the rights
(03:00):
and dignity of people who have a disability by getting
involved with an organization that provides advocacy for all people
with a disability in Western Australia. And we look forward
to a really fabulous and engaging conversation from the wonderful
Vanessa Jessop.
S2 (03:16):
Yeah, so Pwwa is a really great organisation and it
makes a huge impact on the community. And because of
this reason, Vanessa Jessop, who we have spoken to before,
will be a regular guest on our show, just to
keep us updated with what's happening with the organisation and
even in the community and the differences that she's helping
(03:36):
to make.
S1 (03:37):
Yep. So keep your eye on that. And because the
Pwwa have lots of events, workshops and seminars and the
like that keeps the community informed and engaged. So thanks.
I hope you enjoy. Today. Our special guest is Vanessa Jessop.
Vanessa is the communications officer at people with disabilities, Western Australia,
(04:01):
PWA and we'd like to welcome Vanessa here today. Hi, Vanessa.
S3 (04:06):
Hi, Simon. Thank you for having me back.
S1 (04:09):
Thanks for joining us. Now lot's happened in PWD, WA recently.
And one of the things that's changed is you've got
a new role and a fancy new title. What's your
fancy new title.
S3 (04:18):
Vanessa. It's a very fancy. It's very long. More than
anything it's the organisational development and engagement manager. So, uh, yes,
it's just saying, basically that I still get to, um,
engage with all our members and get to do all that,
but I'm going to be doing a lot more engagement
out in the public space as well.
S1 (04:38):
Give us some examples of some of the engagement that
you do personally for the organisation and that PWA does
in the area of, um, people with disabilities to engage them.
S3 (04:52):
Well thank you. Um, so at the moment, the big
one is obviously we can announce that we have been
given some funding and the conference 2025 is going to
go ahead. So that's going to be on June the
19th and 20th.
S1 (05:05):
We'll talk about that in detail a bit later on.
S3 (05:06):
We will. And the other one we're doing is funding diversification.
So it's getting really, really hard to get funding. So
I've actually started going out now and I'm running workshops
and training sessions in the community for businesses to teach
them about disability awareness or to help them with their
disability access and inclusion plans. A social stories, you know,
(05:28):
talk about neurodiversity in the workplace and co-design, of course,
as you know, Simon, I'm really big on co-design, making
sure that the environment is designed with the voice of
people with disability in mind and then also offering tailor
made ones. So if there's something that a business thinks
they need to be trained on, I'm going to co-design
a programme and deliver that for them. And then I've
(05:51):
got my just member engagement. I love the members at PWA.
They are some of the best people in the world.
I have some great relationships with them, and what I'm
trying to do is I would like to go more
regional and remote and start getting out there and listening
to the voice of people with disabilities and having to
hear what they have to say. Now, you.
S1 (06:11):
Just mentioned co-design. I'll just pick up on that point
for a starter. Can you just explain what you mean
in this context? What co-design is?
S3 (06:19):
Sure. So co-design in from PWAs point of view is
when people with disability get to sit in on a project,
on a building, on on how a new park is
going to be designed, on how documents are made, you know,
what documents have to say, and they actually give their voice.
So they explain why it might be necessary for something
(06:41):
to be designed in a certain way, to make it
accessible and inclusive for people with disability and allow them
to participate in the community.
S1 (06:49):
Now, one of the things I've always appreciated and enjoyed
about PWA Is that the whole organization is co-designed, in
effect from the members. From who the members are all
people with a disability and associated members with lived experience
as well. So I like that fact. You know that
(07:12):
the board members who own cents, own the organization, are
all designing the organization from the ground up because they
are people with a disability themselves. Yep.
S3 (07:23):
Yeah. So PWAs are Catchcry obviously is for people with
disability by people with disability. Many of our staff have
disability or like myself, are the parents of somebody with disability.
And also to be a full member in our organisation
and membership is free. But to be a full member,
you must be a person with disability and the only
(07:47):
people that can serve on our board are people are
full members. So we're ensuring that the voice of Disability
actually is heard, and it's actually a very integral part
of who we are. It's fundamental to PWAs makeup. We've
got a great new board that came was voted in
in October. They're very active, um, really engaging. And so
(08:09):
I'm looking forward to the next 12 months because I
think there's going to be some great things coming out
of PWA.
S1 (08:15):
Yes, yes. And just a reminder. So the board gets
voted in and the AGM, which is a yearly thing
of course. And but you know connect with Vanessa and
we'll give you the details on how to do that
later on in the program and in the podcast details also.
But uh, do get involved and, and see if you
(08:38):
want to become a board member later on down the track. Now, Vanessa,
tell us, um, you you mentioned the conference and we
will talk about that in detail a bit later on.
But you just mentioned you've got a new board, but
there are also other staffing changes since we've last spoke,
can you tell us about where we're at with with
all that?
S3 (08:56):
Sure. So our CEO, Brendan Cullinan, semi-retired, I guess, and
resigned from PWA. And we currently have an interim CEO
in Kat Jones. Now, Kat actually was a board member
for a for a long time, about six years. And
Kat has now moved into the interim CEO position. Absolutely
(09:18):
amazing job. Very, very dedicated and passionate about PWA and
has started to make some changes. So actually brought in
some short term staff contracts to try and address the
waitlist that we have for advocacy at the moment, because
we do realize a couple of other advocacy organizations did close,
(09:39):
and so we needed to pick that up. Yes, obviously,
we also took over explore ability. So we've kind of
had to branch out into the wheat belt and things
like that. So Kat's addressing those issues, and Katz also
brought on a systemic advocate to try and get out
there a bit more so that we can hear that voice. Obviously,
it's an election year, so we really want to get
(10:01):
the word of and and the feelings of people with disability,
and we want to be able to take those to
the government and say, this is what the disability community
in WA needs.
S1 (10:13):
Some of the other initiatives happening in PWA at the moment. Vanessa.
S3 (10:18):
Oh, we're just at the moment, we're just working really
hard on focusing on making sure that people are getting advocacy.
You know, obviously individual advocacy is really, really important at
the moment. There are a lot of people being left behind.
And so making sure, um, we've got lots of advocates
having to go to the state tribunal, unfortunately, or doing
(10:39):
the appeals through the appeals for people. Um, and then
we're doing some other ones that I can't really talk about. But,
you know, they're working really, really hard. We've got the
most amazing bunch of people advocates at PWA, and it
takes my breath away when I see how hard and
how dedicated they are and how passionate. Yes, to make
(10:59):
sure the voice of people with disabilities is not ignored.
And it's one of the reasons I love to go
to my my job every day is to engage with
these amazing people.
S1 (11:09):
And now when you go to your job, are you
actually going to a building and an office yet? You know,
it's a bugbear of mine, don't you?
S3 (11:15):
I know it is, Simon. I am actually looking really,
really hard. I've been to lots and lots of buildings.
I've been walking all around and engaging with different, um,
real estate agents. It's about accessibility and it's once again,
it's our bugbear. We want, you know, we want to
show people PWA wants to be a leader when it
(11:37):
comes to accessibility. We want to be the gold standard. Yes.
And so if I go in I'm looking at um,
a building I want to make sure that the toilets,
not just an And an accessible toilet. It's an accessible
toilet that has the right buttons on it that it
has left and right. Um, you know, um, opening mechanisms.
(11:58):
I want to make sure that it it suits everybody.
It's got everything that needs to, uh, to make a
really accessible building. And unfortunately, because the standards aren't there
within the government, it's really, really hard to find those things.
It is um, and I've been to some buildings where
I've thought, oh, that's really great. And they've turned around
and said, oh, but if you want, you know, I
(12:18):
just need to do a few things. I need to
make the toilet more accessible. They're like, well, that will
be on you. That that cost is on you, which
I just think is wrong for any building owner to expect, um,
people to actually make the environment accessible. That building should
already be accessible.
S1 (12:34):
Indeed.
S2 (12:35):
You're currently listening to In Plain Sight on Vision Australia
Radio with Simon and Abby, and this week we are
speaking to Vanessa Jessett, Communications Officer for people with disabilities, WA.
S1 (12:50):
Now off air. You mentioned a friend of the show
and you said, don't know if we can talk about that,
that she's now working, doing some work with you guys.
S3 (13:01):
Uh, Taylor.
S1 (13:02):
Taylor. Taylor.
S3 (13:03):
Yes. So PWA has recently taken on a few new people. We've, um,
taken on some people for very. Six month short term contract.
And that's to address, as we said earlier, the backlog of, um,
people on the wait list of people wanting to have advocacy.
(13:23):
So Taylor is one of the people that we actually
took on.
S1 (13:26):
Taylor, who's been on our programme a few times on
one of our lovely guests.
S3 (13:31):
Yes.
S1 (13:31):
So we appreciate.
S3 (13:32):
Yes. And Taylor's come on as an information officer. So
when you call PWA looking for some information or looking
to actually speak with a, um, an advocate. Taylor's going
to be there taking your information.
S1 (13:48):
Now, that leads me nicely into the conference, because that's
where I met Taylor in the first place many years ago.
And she she came across as this lively, energetic, passionate,
dedicated person, full of full of beans and really keen
to participate in what was going on. So we might
go into what's what's happening with the conference this year. Vanessa,
(14:11):
where are we up to and what's the plans and
where is it being held and all that.
S3 (14:14):
So firstly, I agree about Taylor. There was a great
photo from that conference, which actually ended up a couple
of years later on our annual report. So that was fabulous.
So the conference this year is going to be at
the Esplanade, Fremantle. And the reason we've chosen that is
because I have been around to, I think, every single
place in, in Perth to try and find an accessible, um,
(14:35):
building for us. Obviously our last ones were at the
Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre and Pwwa made a misstep
and we apologize for that misstep. And that was we
actually offended some people in the deaf community due to
a the belief that Auslan should not be used and
that perhaps, you know, learning how to speak and wearing
(14:58):
a cochlear implant is a better way to go. And
PWA acknowledged that misstep. We didn't know about that. There
were some other issues with the building as well. There
was a fire alarm, and we had about eight people
on the first floor who were wheelchair users, and then
obviously it was quite a noisy building. So people with
sensory issues, um, didn't enjoy the all the, all the
(15:20):
feedback and stuff like that. So we've chosen the Esplanade
down in Fremantle. It's going to be on June 19th
and 20th. What I can say at this stage, I
can't give you ticket prices or anything, but if you
are a member or a full member of PWA, there
will be a discounted price. Um, membership is free. So
if you're not a member and you're thinking, well, I
might like to go to this conference, then get on
(15:42):
the website. Join us.
S1 (15:43):
Tell us now how to get on to the website
and what your details are.
S3 (15:47):
PWA. Org. That's our website and it's a it's a
great new website. We actually had Doctor Scott Hollier go
through it, um, from the center of accessibility. So it
is quite accessible. But I think as I said last
time on your show, if anybody ever finds any information
of ours that's not accessible, please let me know. I
want to address that situation and fix it straight away. Um,
(16:10):
so you can become a member through there. Um, this
year the conference is going to be on participate and contribute,
which is one of the pillars of the state strategy. Um,
and that covers education and training, employment leadership and high
complex needs. Um, and actually, to address that, one of
the things and one of the reasons I've decided that
(16:31):
the Esplanade would be a great place to go is
because they actually have accessible hotel rooms. And one of
the things that we've noticed is a lack of adult
change facilities. So people who might need adult change facilities
are often left to get changed on the toilet floor
of of a accessible bathroom, and we don't think that's
(16:53):
good enough. That takes away from someone's dignity. So we're
going to actually be hiring out these bedrooms or the
hotel room and using that as an adult change facility.
So anybody with high complex needs can feel that they
can come along and participate in in the conference. At
the moment where we're at is we've got a call
(17:16):
for content out. So if you think you have something
that you want, the people with disability or the disability
community of Western Australia to know about, then if you
go onto our website, go under. I think I've put
it under events or news and you can actually find
out how to get in and register your submission to
(17:37):
for the call to conference.
S1 (17:39):
Notice on the website. It's on the home page.
S3 (17:41):
Our home page as well. Oh that's great. Simon knows
the website page better than me today and that needs
to be in by the 14th of February. Obviously, when
it comes to what type of content we want, we
want it. Things that are actually going to, um, give
people with disability a um, knowledge and, and build on,
(18:02):
on their skills. And we're also looking for things that
are co-designed by people with disability and delivered by or
alongside of a person with disability. Because I think it's
really important to understand that, that from our point of view,
this is what makes our conference unique. Um, here in
Australia is we're one of the few in the world
(18:22):
that is designed by people with disability, for people with disability.
And as you know, Simon, you have been on the
conference reference group in previous years. You're a lot busier nowadays,
so you're not on it this time. Um, it is
led completely by people with disability. I just run around
and do what they want me to do. They tell
me what they want to, to hear and what to see,
(18:43):
and I go and make sure that that is, is, um, done.
So that's what's happening so far.
S1 (18:48):
So remind us again what this year's theme is and
when the closing date is for the call of content. Okay.
S3 (18:53):
So this year's day this year is participate and contribute.
So we're talking about education and training, employment leadership and
high complex needs. And the core to complex content will
close on the 14th of February.
S1 (19:06):
And how has things been going with it so far?
S3 (19:09):
It's going really great there. Looks like there's been some fabulous, um,
submissions put in, but obviously we want to give as
wide a choice as possible to, um, to people with disabilities.
So if anyone has any questions, then email me Vanessa
Apworg and I will help you out.
S1 (19:28):
Now this program goes out nationally and it's a podcast.
It goes out worldwide. Um, I don't think we can
afford to bring anyone in from overseas. But there is
the internet, a thing called the internet where people might
be able to contribute. Are you open to taking in
contributors from outside of Perth as well?
S3 (19:45):
That would very much depend on the conference reference group.
It's their decision. If people have something to say then
fill it in. Yes. Most definitely. Um, we are actually
really wanting to hear from regional, rural and remote West Australians. Um,
I've recently, um, got just yesterday actually put in for
a Lotterys West grant to try and help people from regional,
(20:08):
rural and remote Western Australia. Um, get to the conference.
So I'd keep your eyes out for that one people. Or,
you know, hopefully we will be hearing something about that shortly. Um, and, um, yeah.
So that's what's happening.
S1 (20:22):
That's excellent. Now, we are very good talk, as you
and I, Vanessa. So we do. We've quickly running out
of time. Is there anything else we need to know
about people with disabilities, West Australia that we haven't yet
mentioned that it would be important for people to know.
S3 (20:37):
I just would really like to remind people with disability
out in Western Australia that we are here for you.
We have been around since 1981. We're not going anywhere. Um, and,
you know, we really want to make sure that your
voice is heard. So please become a member, participate in
our organisation, make sure that your voice is heard. Participate
(20:58):
in our forums. I'm going to be holding a few
forums in the next few months. So have you.
S1 (21:02):
Got anything like that lined up? I'm in the immediate future.
S3 (21:05):
I'm actually in the planning stage. Simon, I have been
running around trying to get the conference up and running.
We had very short notice. I've actually only found out
two weeks ago that I got the funding for the conference,
so everything has been focused on that, but I'm going
to be stepping back a little bit from that. I found, um,
an amazing person, Candice, who is a person with disability
(21:28):
who also is an event organiser, and Candice is going
to come on and help me with that one. So
I'm going to start focusing on making sure that engagement
with our members and with the communities out there. So
please follow me on Facebook or follow PWD on Facebook,
follow the website, sign up for our newsletters.
S1 (21:45):
But you also have a newsletter. Yes. Tell us about that.
S3 (21:47):
So newsletters I am changing to every two months at
the moment because I'm just it is quite challenging at
the moment to try and get everything done. Uh, even
with my fancy new title. Um, trying to get everything done.
So the newsletters will come out every two months. But
my social media, I'm still working really hard on. The
only thing I will say is the board has recently
(22:09):
given me permission to close our Twitter account, and we've
made that decision based on the the person who owns it.
His opinion on people with disability. That is not a I.
S1 (22:19):
Think that's understood.
S3 (22:20):
Yeah. A platform we want to be on anymore.
S1 (22:22):
No. And it's been a delight to have you in
the studio once again, Vanessa. And as I said, uh, previously,
it's always great to be with such dedicated and passionate people.
And as you mentioned, your current CEO. Interim CEO, Cat
Johns is one of those people who really lives and
breathes advocacy, and she does it with such passion and dedication.
(22:43):
That's great, and it's been a real pleasure of else
to have you in the studio again today. Thanks, Vanessa.
S3 (22:49):
Well thank you. I love coming here anytime. Okay.
S1 (22:52):
Look forward to speaking to you again soon. Thanks again
to Vanessa. And thank you all out there for joining
us this week. And I hope you enjoyed that great conversation.
Now Abby will tell us once again where to find
the details about what we mentioned earlier about the power
of dance championships and how to support and donate and
(23:13):
assist the people who are going over to Hong Kong
and then the further championships later in the year.
S2 (23:17):
Yeah, so if you want to donate, all you need
to do is search up the Padwa. Org and search
donate and it'll come up with the details of how
you can donate. So that's Quahaug, which stands for the
Power and Ability Dance. West Australia. So again, this is
a really great organisation and it's really amazing opportunity and accomplishment.
(23:41):
So please if you can donate do what you can.
S1 (23:49):
So it was really interesting hearing Vanessa talk about the
conference coming up for people with disabilities Western Australia. Now
on a side note from that, if you are going
to be holding a conference or a meeting or any
other kind of event, please try to consider the accessibility
features that might be required to be more inclusive to
(24:12):
people with disabilities who are attending that event. For instance,
people who are blind might need alternative ways of accessing
the written content within the event. Or if someone is
deaf or hard of hearing, they might require an Auslan interpreter,
or find other ways of communicating to someone who is deaf.
(24:34):
And let's be inclusive as part of this broader community
to help make people feel welcome and not segregated within
our society. And yeah, that's what we're all all about
here at In Plain Sight to help people feel more inclusive.
S2 (24:53):
Yeah, exactly. Simon. And next week we're going to be
speaking to an Auslan interpreter by the name of Linda
de Rozario. It's a really good interview, probably one of
my favourites that we've done. It's so interesting. And, you know,
I've actually always wanted to learn Auslan.
S1 (25:10):
So it highlights the importance of being inclusive. And it
also highlights the importance of that. There are different fragments
within our society and within our community, and each community
can be blended together to make a whole community of
commonness by just small acts of thoughtfulness and insight prior
(25:35):
to whatever is happening, and then people feel more welcome.
S2 (25:39):
Yes. So it's it's a really interesting interview. We talk
about deaf representation in the movies. We talk about accessibility
and equality and even what the NDIS provides in terms
of Auslan interpreters. And to someone who is not deaf
or doesn't know anyone that's deaf, or any family members
(26:00):
that are deaf, it's really eye opening to understand all
the issues and different circumstances that come up.
S1 (26:08):
That's right. And we'll just finish with this because we
mentioned the power of dancing. And that's a fabulous example
of how to make something inclusive to everybody across the
board being blind, deaf or being a wheelchair user. So
whatever you're doing, however you're doing it, please try to
consider how to be best inclusive to a broad range
of people.
S2 (26:27):
So please make sure to check out the latest episode
next week where we speak to Linda. And I also
want to say a huge thank you to all our
contributors to the show. Thank you very much. You help
us meet some amazing people and get their voices out there.
S1 (26:48):
And that's all we have time for today and this week, folks,
thanks for joining us here on In Plain Sight on
Vision Australia Radio. And you can listen to Vision Australia
Radio in wherever you might be. Please look up your
local guides and on demand on any podcast platform that
you choose. Look forward to speaking to you again sometime
(27:09):
very soon. Thanks very much. See you soon. Bye for now.
S2 (27:12):
Bye for now.
Hi, I'm Simon and.
S2 (00:10):
I'm Abby, and you're listening to In Plain Sight, a
program where we talk to people making a positive impact
in the community and disability sector, shining a light on
those who might otherwise be hidden in plain.
S1 (00:23):
Sight. And it's our pleasure to bring these really fabulous
stories to you on a weekly basis here on Vision
Australia Radio. Hi, this is Simon. Welcome to the show, folks,
and I'm here with my co-host Abby. Hi, Abby.
S2 (00:42):
Hello, everyone. Welcome.
S1 (00:44):
And what's happening this week, Abby. So I want.
S2 (00:46):
To start by looking back at someone that we spoke
to last year, a wonderful and talented para dancer by
the name of Heidi Prendeville. Now Heidi is going to
Hong Kong at the end of March to qualify for
the World Para Dance Championships, which will be held in November,
and she is one of five couples from Perth making
(01:07):
up the Australian team. Now this team is hosted by
the Para and Ability Dance West Australia. Padwa and they
plan to send an Australian team of five para dance couples,
the team coach and the team manager and all of
these Australian team members live in Perth, so they need
all the donations and sponsorship that they can get. So
(01:30):
if you would like to donate and you're able to help,
you can look up their website padwa.org and search, donate
and it'll have all the details there for how you
can sponsor their trip.
S1 (01:41):
That's right. And it was fabulous to talk with Heidi
when we did. And I really enjoy and appreciate the
para dancing and really want to get behind this team
and these people doing this wonderful sport and dance.
S2 (01:56):
So please, if you're able to whatever you can give
or donate or help out, it's really, really good cause.
S1 (02:03):
So we will give the details of that information about
where to find Padwa and the Peridance Association on the
podcast details, notes as well. So look out for that.
S2 (02:14):
Now who's our guest today? Simon.
S1 (02:16):
Our guest today is Vanessa Jessop. Vanessa is the communications
manager at people with disabilities. Western Australia, PWD, WA. And
she'll be telling us all about what's happening at PWA.
There's been a lot going on and there's a lot ahead,
and we're really looking forward to finding out what's happening there.
(02:37):
And I'd like to also help support these organisations that
help support us in the community. And it's good to
also instill a sense of community amongst people with disabilities
and everybody as well. As we just mentioned previously about
the community of para dancers, in this case, there's a
community of people who are interested in advancing the rights
(03:00):
and dignity of people who have a disability by getting
involved with an organization that provides advocacy for all people
with a disability in Western Australia. And we look forward
to a really fabulous and engaging conversation from the wonderful
Vanessa Jessop.
S2 (03:16):
Yeah, so Pwwa is a really great organisation and it
makes a huge impact on the community. And because of
this reason, Vanessa Jessop, who we have spoken to before,
will be a regular guest on our show, just to
keep us updated with what's happening with the organisation and
even in the community and the differences that she's helping
(03:36):
to make.
S1 (03:37):
Yep. So keep your eye on that. And because the
Pwwa have lots of events, workshops and seminars and the
like that keeps the community informed and engaged. So thanks.
I hope you enjoy. Today. Our special guest is Vanessa Jessop.
Vanessa is the communications officer at people with disabilities, Western Australia,
(04:01):
PWA and we'd like to welcome Vanessa here today. Hi, Vanessa.
S3 (04:06):
Hi, Simon. Thank you for having me back.
S1 (04:09):
Thanks for joining us. Now lot's happened in PWD, WA recently.
And one of the things that's changed is you've got
a new role and a fancy new title. What's your
fancy new title.
S3 (04:18):
Vanessa. It's a very fancy. It's very long. More than
anything it's the organisational development and engagement manager. So, uh, yes,
it's just saying, basically that I still get to, um,
engage with all our members and get to do all that,
but I'm going to be doing a lot more engagement
out in the public space as well.
S1 (04:38):
Give us some examples of some of the engagement that
you do personally for the organisation and that PWA does
in the area of, um, people with disabilities to engage them.
S3 (04:52):
Well thank you. Um, so at the moment, the big
one is obviously we can announce that we have been
given some funding and the conference 2025 is going to
go ahead. So that's going to be on June the
19th and 20th.
S1 (05:05):
We'll talk about that in detail a bit later on.
S3 (05:06):
We will. And the other one we're doing is funding diversification.
So it's getting really, really hard to get funding. So
I've actually started going out now and I'm running workshops
and training sessions in the community for businesses to teach
them about disability awareness or to help them with their
disability access and inclusion plans. A social stories, you know,
(05:28):
talk about neurodiversity in the workplace and co-design, of course,
as you know, Simon, I'm really big on co-design, making
sure that the environment is designed with the voice of
people with disability in mind and then also offering tailor
made ones. So if there's something that a business thinks
they need to be trained on, I'm going to co-design
a programme and deliver that for them. And then I've
(05:51):
got my just member engagement. I love the members at PWA.
They are some of the best people in the world.
I have some great relationships with them, and what I'm
trying to do is I would like to go more
regional and remote and start getting out there and listening
to the voice of people with disabilities and having to
hear what they have to say. Now, you.
S1 (06:11):
Just mentioned co-design. I'll just pick up on that point
for a starter. Can you just explain what you mean
in this context? What co-design is?
S3 (06:19):
Sure. So co-design in from PWAs point of view is
when people with disability get to sit in on a project,
on a building, on on how a new park is
going to be designed, on how documents are made, you know,
what documents have to say, and they actually give their voice.
So they explain why it might be necessary for something
(06:41):
to be designed in a certain way, to make it
accessible and inclusive for people with disability and allow them
to participate in the community.
S1 (06:49):
Now, one of the things I've always appreciated and enjoyed
about PWA Is that the whole organization is co-designed, in
effect from the members. From who the members are all
people with a disability and associated members with lived experience
as well. So I like that fact. You know that
(07:12):
the board members who own cents, own the organization, are
all designing the organization from the ground up because they
are people with a disability themselves. Yep.
S3 (07:23):
Yeah. So PWAs are Catchcry obviously is for people with
disability by people with disability. Many of our staff have
disability or like myself, are the parents of somebody with disability.
And also to be a full member in our organisation
and membership is free. But to be a full member,
you must be a person with disability and the only
(07:47):
people that can serve on our board are people are
full members. So we're ensuring that the voice of Disability
actually is heard, and it's actually a very integral part
of who we are. It's fundamental to PWAs makeup. We've
got a great new board that came was voted in
in October. They're very active, um, really engaging. And so
(08:09):
I'm looking forward to the next 12 months because I
think there's going to be some great things coming out
of PWA.
S1 (08:15):
Yes, yes. And just a reminder. So the board gets
voted in and the AGM, which is a yearly thing
of course. And but you know connect with Vanessa and
we'll give you the details on how to do that
later on in the program and in the podcast details also.
But uh, do get involved and, and see if you
(08:38):
want to become a board member later on down the track. Now, Vanessa,
tell us, um, you you mentioned the conference and we
will talk about that in detail a bit later on.
But you just mentioned you've got a new board, but
there are also other staffing changes since we've last spoke,
can you tell us about where we're at with with
all that?
S3 (08:56):
Sure. So our CEO, Brendan Cullinan, semi-retired, I guess, and
resigned from PWA. And we currently have an interim CEO
in Kat Jones. Now, Kat actually was a board member
for a for a long time, about six years. And
Kat has now moved into the interim CEO position. Absolutely
(09:18):
amazing job. Very, very dedicated and passionate about PWA and
has started to make some changes. So actually brought in
some short term staff contracts to try and address the
waitlist that we have for advocacy at the moment, because
we do realize a couple of other advocacy organizations did close,
(09:39):
and so we needed to pick that up. Yes, obviously,
we also took over explore ability. So we've kind of
had to branch out into the wheat belt and things
like that. So Kat's addressing those issues, and Katz also
brought on a systemic advocate to try and get out
there a bit more so that we can hear that voice. Obviously,
it's an election year, so we really want to get
(10:01):
the word of and and the feelings of people with disability,
and we want to be able to take those to
the government and say, this is what the disability community
in WA needs.
S1 (10:13):
Some of the other initiatives happening in PWA at the moment. Vanessa.
S3 (10:18):
Oh, we're just at the moment, we're just working really
hard on focusing on making sure that people are getting advocacy.
You know, obviously individual advocacy is really, really important at
the moment. There are a lot of people being left behind.
And so making sure, um, we've got lots of advocates
having to go to the state tribunal, unfortunately, or doing
(10:39):
the appeals through the appeals for people. Um, and then
we're doing some other ones that I can't really talk about. But,
you know, they're working really, really hard. We've got the
most amazing bunch of people advocates at PWA, and it
takes my breath away when I see how hard and
how dedicated they are and how passionate. Yes, to make
(10:59):
sure the voice of people with disabilities is not ignored.
And it's one of the reasons I love to go
to my my job every day is to engage with
these amazing people.
S1 (11:09):
And now when you go to your job, are you
actually going to a building and an office yet? You know,
it's a bugbear of mine, don't you?
S3 (11:15):
I know it is, Simon. I am actually looking really,
really hard. I've been to lots and lots of buildings.
I've been walking all around and engaging with different, um,
real estate agents. It's about accessibility and it's once again,
it's our bugbear. We want, you know, we want to
show people PWA wants to be a leader when it
(11:37):
comes to accessibility. We want to be the gold standard. Yes.
And so if I go in I'm looking at um,
a building I want to make sure that the toilets,
not just an And an accessible toilet. It's an accessible
toilet that has the right buttons on it that it
has left and right. Um, you know, um, opening mechanisms.
(11:58):
I want to make sure that it it suits everybody.
It's got everything that needs to, uh, to make a
really accessible building. And unfortunately, because the standards aren't there
within the government, it's really, really hard to find those things.
It is um, and I've been to some buildings where
I've thought, oh, that's really great. And they've turned around
and said, oh, but if you want, you know, I
(12:18):
just need to do a few things. I need to
make the toilet more accessible. They're like, well, that will
be on you. That that cost is on you, which
I just think is wrong for any building owner to expect, um,
people to actually make the environment accessible. That building should
already be accessible.
S1 (12:34):
Indeed.
S2 (12:35):
You're currently listening to In Plain Sight on Vision Australia
Radio with Simon and Abby, and this week we are
speaking to Vanessa Jessett, Communications Officer for people with disabilities, WA.
S1 (12:50):
Now off air. You mentioned a friend of the show
and you said, don't know if we can talk about that,
that she's now working, doing some work with you guys.
S3 (13:01):
Uh, Taylor.
S1 (13:02):
Taylor. Taylor.
S3 (13:03):
Yes. So PWA has recently taken on a few new people. We've, um,
taken on some people for very. Six month short term contract.
And that's to address, as we said earlier, the backlog of, um,
people on the wait list of people wanting to have advocacy.
(13:23):
So Taylor is one of the people that we actually
took on.
S1 (13:26):
Taylor, who's been on our programme a few times on
one of our lovely guests.
S3 (13:31):
Yes.
S1 (13:31):
So we appreciate.
S3 (13:32):
Yes. And Taylor's come on as an information officer. So
when you call PWA looking for some information or looking
to actually speak with a, um, an advocate. Taylor's going
to be there taking your information.
S1 (13:48):
Now, that leads me nicely into the conference, because that's
where I met Taylor in the first place many years ago.
And she she came across as this lively, energetic, passionate,
dedicated person, full of full of beans and really keen
to participate in what was going on. So we might
go into what's what's happening with the conference this year. Vanessa,
(14:11):
where are we up to and what's the plans and
where is it being held and all that.
S3 (14:14):
So firstly, I agree about Taylor. There was a great
photo from that conference, which actually ended up a couple
of years later on our annual report. So that was fabulous.
So the conference this year is going to be at
the Esplanade, Fremantle. And the reason we've chosen that is
because I have been around to, I think, every single
place in, in Perth to try and find an accessible, um,
(14:35):
building for us. Obviously our last ones were at the
Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre and Pwwa made a misstep
and we apologize for that misstep. And that was we
actually offended some people in the deaf community due to
a the belief that Auslan should not be used and
that perhaps, you know, learning how to speak and wearing
(14:58):
a cochlear implant is a better way to go. And
PWA acknowledged that misstep. We didn't know about that. There
were some other issues with the building as well. There
was a fire alarm, and we had about eight people
on the first floor who were wheelchair users, and then
obviously it was quite a noisy building. So people with
sensory issues, um, didn't enjoy the all the, all the
(15:20):
feedback and stuff like that. So we've chosen the Esplanade
down in Fremantle. It's going to be on June 19th
and 20th. What I can say at this stage, I
can't give you ticket prices or anything, but if you
are a member or a full member of PWA, there
will be a discounted price. Um, membership is free. So
if you're not a member and you're thinking, well, I
might like to go to this conference, then get on
(15:42):
the website. Join us.
S1 (15:43):
Tell us now how to get on to the website
and what your details are.
S3 (15:47):
PWA. Org. That's our website and it's a it's a
great new website. We actually had Doctor Scott Hollier go
through it, um, from the center of accessibility. So it
is quite accessible. But I think as I said last
time on your show, if anybody ever finds any information
of ours that's not accessible, please let me know. I
want to address that situation and fix it straight away. Um,
(16:10):
so you can become a member through there. Um, this
year the conference is going to be on participate and contribute,
which is one of the pillars of the state strategy. Um,
and that covers education and training, employment leadership and high
complex needs. Um, and actually, to address that, one of
the things and one of the reasons I've decided that
(16:31):
the Esplanade would be a great place to go is
because they actually have accessible hotel rooms. And one of
the things that we've noticed is a lack of adult
change facilities. So people who might need adult change facilities
are often left to get changed on the toilet floor
of of a accessible bathroom, and we don't think that's
(16:53):
good enough. That takes away from someone's dignity. So we're
going to actually be hiring out these bedrooms or the
hotel room and using that as an adult change facility.
So anybody with high complex needs can feel that they
can come along and participate in in the conference. At
the moment where we're at is we've got a call
(17:16):
for content out. So if you think you have something
that you want, the people with disability or the disability
community of Western Australia to know about, then if you
go onto our website, go under. I think I've put
it under events or news and you can actually find
out how to get in and register your submission to
(17:37):
for the call to conference.
S1 (17:39):
Notice on the website. It's on the home page.
S3 (17:41):
Our home page as well. Oh that's great. Simon knows
the website page better than me today and that needs
to be in by the 14th of February. Obviously, when
it comes to what type of content we want, we
want it. Things that are actually going to, um, give
people with disability a um, knowledge and, and build on,
(18:02):
on their skills. And we're also looking for things that
are co-designed by people with disability and delivered by or
alongside of a person with disability. Because I think it's
really important to understand that, that from our point of view,
this is what makes our conference unique. Um, here in
Australia is we're one of the few in the world
(18:22):
that is designed by people with disability, for people with disability.
And as you know, Simon, you have been on the
conference reference group in previous years. You're a lot busier nowadays,
so you're not on it this time. Um, it is
led completely by people with disability. I just run around
and do what they want me to do. They tell
me what they want to, to hear and what to see,
(18:43):
and I go and make sure that that is, is, um, done.
So that's what's happening so far.
S1 (18:48):
So remind us again what this year's theme is and
when the closing date is for the call of content. Okay.
S3 (18:53):
So this year's day this year is participate and contribute.
So we're talking about education and training, employment leadership and
high complex needs. And the core to complex content will
close on the 14th of February.
S1 (19:06):
And how has things been going with it so far?
S3 (19:09):
It's going really great there. Looks like there's been some fabulous, um,
submissions put in, but obviously we want to give as
wide a choice as possible to, um, to people with disabilities.
So if anyone has any questions, then email me Vanessa
Apworg and I will help you out.
S1 (19:28):
Now this program goes out nationally and it's a podcast.
It goes out worldwide. Um, I don't think we can
afford to bring anyone in from overseas. But there is
the internet, a thing called the internet where people might
be able to contribute. Are you open to taking in
contributors from outside of Perth as well?
S3 (19:45):
That would very much depend on the conference reference group.
It's their decision. If people have something to say then
fill it in. Yes. Most definitely. Um, we are actually
really wanting to hear from regional, rural and remote West Australians. Um,
I've recently, um, got just yesterday actually put in for
a Lotterys West grant to try and help people from regional,
(20:08):
rural and remote Western Australia. Um, get to the conference.
So I'd keep your eyes out for that one people. Or,
you know, hopefully we will be hearing something about that shortly. Um, and, um, yeah.
So that's what's happening.
S1 (20:22):
That's excellent. Now, we are very good talk, as you
and I, Vanessa. So we do. We've quickly running out
of time. Is there anything else we need to know
about people with disabilities, West Australia that we haven't yet
mentioned that it would be important for people to know.
S3 (20:37):
I just would really like to remind people with disability
out in Western Australia that we are here for you.
We have been around since 1981. We're not going anywhere. Um, and,
you know, we really want to make sure that your
voice is heard. So please become a member, participate in
our organisation, make sure that your voice is heard. Participate
(20:58):
in our forums. I'm going to be holding a few
forums in the next few months. So have you.
S1 (21:02):
Got anything like that lined up? I'm in the immediate future.
S3 (21:05):
I'm actually in the planning stage. Simon, I have been
running around trying to get the conference up and running.
We had very short notice. I've actually only found out
two weeks ago that I got the funding for the conference,
so everything has been focused on that, but I'm going
to be stepping back a little bit from that. I found, um,
an amazing person, Candice, who is a person with disability
(21:28):
who also is an event organiser, and Candice is going
to come on and help me with that one. So
I'm going to start focusing on making sure that engagement
with our members and with the communities out there. So
please follow me on Facebook or follow PWD on Facebook,
follow the website, sign up for our newsletters.
S1 (21:45):
But you also have a newsletter. Yes. Tell us about that.
S3 (21:47):
So newsletters I am changing to every two months at
the moment because I'm just it is quite challenging at
the moment to try and get everything done. Uh, even
with my fancy new title. Um, trying to get everything done.
So the newsletters will come out every two months. But
my social media, I'm still working really hard on. The
only thing I will say is the board has recently
(22:09):
given me permission to close our Twitter account, and we've
made that decision based on the the person who owns it.
His opinion on people with disability. That is not a I.
S1 (22:19):
Think that's understood.
S3 (22:20):
Yeah. A platform we want to be on anymore.
S1 (22:22):
No. And it's been a delight to have you in
the studio once again, Vanessa. And as I said, uh, previously,
it's always great to be with such dedicated and passionate people.
And as you mentioned, your current CEO. Interim CEO, Cat
Johns is one of those people who really lives and
breathes advocacy, and she does it with such passion and dedication.
(22:43):
That's great, and it's been a real pleasure of else
to have you in the studio again today. Thanks, Vanessa.
S3 (22:49):
Well thank you. I love coming here anytime. Okay.
S1 (22:52):
Look forward to speaking to you again soon. Thanks again
to Vanessa. And thank you all out there for joining
us this week. And I hope you enjoyed that great conversation.
Now Abby will tell us once again where to find
the details about what we mentioned earlier about the power
of dance championships and how to support and donate and
(23:13):
assist the people who are going over to Hong Kong
and then the further championships later in the year.
S2 (23:17):
Yeah, so if you want to donate, all you need
to do is search up the Padwa. Org and search
donate and it'll come up with the details of how
you can donate. So that's Quahaug, which stands for the
Power and Ability Dance. West Australia. So again, this is
a really great organisation and it's really amazing opportunity and accomplishment.
(23:41):
So please if you can donate do what you can.
S1 (23:49):
So it was really interesting hearing Vanessa talk about the
conference coming up for people with disabilities Western Australia. Now
on a side note from that, if you are going
to be holding a conference or a meeting or any
other kind of event, please try to consider the accessibility
features that might be required to be more inclusive to
(24:12):
people with disabilities who are attending that event. For instance,
people who are blind might need alternative ways of accessing
the written content within the event. Or if someone is
deaf or hard of hearing, they might require an Auslan interpreter,
or find other ways of communicating to someone who is deaf.
(24:34):
And let's be inclusive as part of this broader community
to help make people feel welcome and not segregated within
our society. And yeah, that's what we're all all about
here at In Plain Sight to help people feel more inclusive.
S2 (24:53):
Yeah, exactly. Simon. And next week we're going to be
speaking to an Auslan interpreter by the name of Linda
de Rozario. It's a really good interview, probably one of
my favourites that we've done. It's so interesting. And, you know,
I've actually always wanted to learn Auslan.
S1 (25:10):
So it highlights the importance of being inclusive. And it
also highlights the importance of that. There are different fragments
within our society and within our community, and each community
can be blended together to make a whole community of
commonness by just small acts of thoughtfulness and insight prior
(25:35):
to whatever is happening, and then people feel more welcome.
S2 (25:39):
Yes. So it's it's a really interesting interview. We talk
about deaf representation in the movies. We talk about accessibility
and equality and even what the NDIS provides in terms
of Auslan interpreters. And to someone who is not deaf
or doesn't know anyone that's deaf, or any family members
(26:00):
that are deaf, it's really eye opening to understand all
the issues and different circumstances that come up.
S1 (26:08):
That's right. And we'll just finish with this because we
mentioned the power of dancing. And that's a fabulous example
of how to make something inclusive to everybody across the
board being blind, deaf or being a wheelchair user. So
whatever you're doing, however you're doing it, please try to
consider how to be best inclusive to a broad range
of people.
S2 (26:27):
So please make sure to check out the latest episode
next week where we speak to Linda. And I also
want to say a huge thank you to all our
contributors to the show. Thank you very much. You help
us meet some amazing people and get their voices out there.
S1 (26:48):
And that's all we have time for today and this week, folks,
thanks for joining us here on In Plain Sight on
Vision Australia Radio. And you can listen to Vision Australia
Radio in wherever you might be. Please look up your
local guides and on demand on any podcast platform that
you choose. Look forward to speaking to you again sometime
(27:09):
very soon. Thanks very much. See you soon. Bye for now.
S2 (27:12):
Bye for now.
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