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.
Made by and for people with disability – the program airs on Plenty Valley FM & Gippsland FM and 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 – with 25 new radio presenters and 48 guests featured on the program over the past year. Through its new presenters and program guests, the show has reached a whole host of new audiences in communities all across Victoria (City of LaTrobe, Central Gippsland, City of Banyule, City Manningham, City of Whittlesea and the Shire of Nillumbik).
In December 2023, Airwaves Access took a turn towards creating longer form content (one hour – monthly episodes) to extend the scope for longer interviews, a broader mix of content and a wider catchment of content makers. The 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]