Made by and for people with disability – Airwaves Access is a podcast and radio program on the rise, focusing on issues that matter to those with a lived experience of intellectual disability.
Airing on Plenty Valley FM & Gippsland FM, the program is also available as a podcast on Spotify hosted by VALID, one of the key founders of the show and Victoria’s peak advocacy organisation for adults with intellectual disability.
Airwaves Access has enjoyed an enormous increase in its cohort of presenters and guests lately – leaping up to 31 radio presenters from its original cohort of 6, with 48 program guests over the past year. The show has tapped into a significantly wider network through its new presenters and program guests, reaching new audiences in communities all across Victoria (City of LaTrobe, Central Gippsland, City of Banyule, City Manningham, City of Wittlesea and the Shire of Nillumbik).
In December 2023, the program decided to create longer form (one hour – monthly) episodes that would give it scope for longer interviews, a broader mix of content and a wider catchment of content makers. This pivot has allowed presenters to delve into areas of deeper personal interest, enabling more in-depth discussion and exploration of those topics. ‘The content we produced has enabled individuals with intellectual disability to lead the agenda on issues that matter to their community’ shares David Hansen, VALID Regional co-ordinator. ‘It boosted the profiles of individuals with disability in mainstream settings and allowed for better representation on the airwaves.’
Lengthened programs include ‘Frankly Speaking’ – previously a short interview segment on the support needs for people with disabilities, and ‘A Day in the Life’ where peers interview each other about what their typical day looks like. ‘The discussions and insights that our program delves into is informed by local perspectives on inclusivity, accessibility and human rights’ VALID’s David Hansen explains.
Expanding its partnerships with community content makers, Airwaves Access has recently partnered up with 3CR in Collingwood on Wurundjeri Country. The 3CR team have been providing fantastic training opportunities for VALID participants tailored into an accessible format.
Airwaves Access via VALID Inc were the recipient of CBF’s Content Grant Round 1 2023/24. Listen to podcast episodes on Spotify here or on the VALID website.
[Image: Airwaves Access presenters at Plenty Valley FM]