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Navigating Disability
Welcome to the Navigating Disability Podcast Show!! Your hosts, Kate Read and Jenn Abbott are committed to changing the narrative around 'normal' and 'ability' and look so forward to sharing our weekly guests with you! Get ready to be inspired, empowered and enlivened as we dive into education, lived experiences, expert advice, behind the scenes on political movements and how YOU, our listeners can THRIVE within your community!
So this means, if you, your family, client or loved one are impacted by disability, you've landed on the right channel.
We know how daunting the future can seem from time to time, and when you know you can lean into expert advice and interviews to get your questions answered or your faith renewed, the journey can feel more achievable.
Be sure to subscribe and hit the alerts so you never miss an episode of NAVIGATING DISABILITY with your resident support experts and researchers, Kate Read and Jenn Abbott.
Navigating Disability
Meet Andrew Fairbairn, musician extraordinaire and amputee
Andrew started his professional music career as an Oboist in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 15. He travelled the world playing music and on completion of his 9 years’ service he relocated to Western Australia with his wife and 2 children.
"Life should revolve around opportunities" ... Andrew Fairbairn
Andrew and his wife Kaye, a classically trained vocalist, opened a music school and were teaching on average 40 lessons a week. Andrew went back to University and was awarded a BA Jazz from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University in 2002. Andrew went on to teach at schools in the Perth metropolitan area before a change of career in 2010 Andrew is a trained saxophonist, an avid jazz lover, and currently plays in two bands: 2 or More with his wife and is the music director of Café Jazz, a seven piece ensemble.
Andrew has worked in the disability sector in Western Australia for the past 15 years. Andrew brings with him years of experience from Government positions to NGO roles and running his own business around building the capacity of People with Disabilities (PWD) in his local community.
As a below knee amputee, Andrew brings a unique perspective, having both Disability Sector, and lived experience of disabilities. He is active in face to face and online community Peer Support, working with organisations such as Advocacy and Peer Support for WA Amputees and is the WA representative of the National Amputee Advisory Council with Limbs 4 Life. He is a Director of the Western Australian Jazz Orchestra – WAYJO, as well as current member of the City of Wanneroo Disability Access and Inclusion Group.
He has a passion to see PWD achieve their goals and dreams however big or small, and says “life should revolve around opportunities”.
To follow Andrew, head to www.pda.org.au
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We can't wait to hear from you!