WA Breaking Barriers to Podcasting for people with additional needs

In collaboration with Concepts4change They started by making their broadcast and podcast training seriously accessible for people with any sort of disability who were keen to explore and develop the skills of producing, presenting, compiling, editing and distributing their work to a global and local audience.

Carers WA found the funds to sponsor 7 people to create 7 podcasts. And so, it began.

The program is 12 weeks long

It is funded by people centred agencies, organisations and foundations that want to provide a unique opportunity to their clients, consumers and customers.

Each emerging content maker is given the challenge to produce and present a 7-minute podcast.

We engage specialist trainers in disability support who also have a minimum of 5 years broadcast expertise.

What is taught?

The basics of media law, copyright, vocal technique and the key production and distribution elements found in a certificate or diploma of media are covered.

How does it work?

Each person has a person-centred learning plan that is updated and monitored weekly by one of the three facilitators.

The weekly wellness contacts to check in and listen to the progress and needs of the person is invaluable. The extremes of need and change are common for many people with lived experience of being disabled. We adapt so that for once …. they don’t have to.

Coaching is a major part of the program as is familiarising the person with their locally inclusive community broadcaster where, after they graduate, they can go on to use the studios to make their own content, content for broadcast and be a part of a creative community.

The program has proven success winning a national award for training in 2022 by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia % completion rate, pathways to employment and an increase in pride, joy and hope, increased competence and confidence to make media content),

We hope to see this program continue and to take the next steps toward the design and support framework being adopted by arts educators throughout arts training institutions not only for media but across the mainstream creative sector.

If you’re keen to learn or to sponsor a person or course, please email manager@rtrfm.com.au