In this episode of the ListenABLE podcast, hosts Angus and Dylan sit down with Sara Shams — a pharmacist, model, and disability advocate — to share her inspiring journey as a bilateral above-knee amputee living with the rare genetic condition tibial hemimelia.

Sara opens up about her early life and multiple surgeries, how advances in prosthetics technology have shaped her independence, and the confidence she’s built through advocacy and representation in media. The conversation dives into cultural perspectives on disability, the impact of the Shift 20 initiative on increasing authentic representation, and how brands can move beyond tokenism to embrace true inclusion.

From breaking into the modelling industry to launching consultancy work for accessible runways, Sara shares the importance of personal choice in mobility aids, resilience in the face of stigma, and the power of visibility in changing perceptions.

What You’ll Learn:

• How prosthetic advancements are transforming independence and mobility.

• Why authentic representation matters for the disability community.

• The business and social impact of the Shift 20 initiative.

• How to address tokenism through education and cultural change.

• The role of confidence, resilience, and personal choice in disability advocacy.

Get in contact with Sara: https://sarashams.au/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarashams

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/ux5keqFJjTM

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:00 Sara Shams: A Journey Through Disability
05:53 Understanding Tibial Hemimelia and Its Impact
08:56 Surgical Journey and Early Life Experiences
12:04 Evolution of Prosthetics and Technology
15:01 Building Confidence and Embracing Disability
17:54 Cultural Perspectives on Disability
18:25 The Journey into Modeling
21:37 Advocacy through Shift 20 Initiative
22:42 Navigating Tokenism and Authentic Representation
26:51 Launching her Consultancy
30:16 The Balance of Representation and Tokenism

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode of ListenABLE, we’re joined by Jessica Horner, a neurodivergent journalist and policy advisor living with autism, ADHD, and multiple medical disabilities. Jessica offers a powerful and deeply personal conversation about what it means to navigate life and work through the lens of disability and neurodivergence.

Together, we explore the dynamic nature of disability and how traditional models often fall short of recognising the full spectrum of lived experience. From unpacking the emotional and physical toll of masking and autistic burnout, to examining the recent rise in ADHD diagnoses, Jessica reflects on the evolving language, systems, and stigmas surrounding neurodivergence.

We also delve into how medical disabilities intersect with mental health, the role of support systems, and the importance of creating safer spaces for disclosure, especially in workplaces where harassment and bias remain widespread. Drawing from her background in journalism, Jessica discusses how the media shapes public perception of disability and why self-diagnosis is a valid and vital part of identity for many.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in disability advocacy, inclusive mental health practices, and challenging the assumptions we make about what disability looks like.

Trigger Warning: Themes of Suicide Discussed

Want to connect with Jessica? Check out the links Below!

• Website: https://www.spoonfulsofwhimsy.com.au/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spoonfulsofwhimsy
• Email: horner.jessica@outlook.com

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/4yAC4QLQ1ec

If you feel like you need support after today's episode please look at the links below:

• Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636): https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Lifeline Australia (13 11 14): https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ListenABLE, registered psychologist Kellie Forrest shares her experiences living with cerebral palsy and working in mental health. As both a parent and a professional, Kellie provides insight into how internalised ableism, societal attitudes, and systemic gaps impact people with disability in day-to-day life.

Kellie speaks candidly about parenting with a disability, navigating hospitals and schools, and the assumptions she’s encountered as a disabled parent. She reflects on how these experiences intersect with her work as a psychologist, where she supports neurodivergent clients and applies trauma-informed and behaviour support frameworks.

The conversation dives into the complexity of the NDIS, including inconsistent access to support and difficulties with innovative treatments. Kellie also recounts her personal experience with a car accident and the barriers faced during the insurance claims process—especially when dealing with modified vehicles.

Throughout the episode, Dylan and Angus explore how lived experience can shape professional practice, and why representation within psychology and healthcare matters.

Want to contact Kellie? Reach out to her clinic: info@assessable.com.au

Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/Yul1SVSnomA

Grab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.
https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch

Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.