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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
Disability, Visibility & Self‑Love with Zoe Simmons
In this raw and inspiring conversation, Zoe Simmons, award-winning journalist, author, and fierce disability advocate, shares her journey from medical gaslighting and feeling invisible to embracing her identity as autistic, chronically ill, and living with mental health challenges.
Zoe unpacks how she came to call herself “disabled,” confront stigma, navigate self-image and accessibility, and realise that access and inclusion benefit everyone.
From dismantling internalised ableism and imposter syndrome to celebrating the power of community, communication, and compassion, Zoe offers deeply human and hopeful insights. She speaks directly to those who are newly diagnosed or questioning their identity: if it disables you, you’re valid, and you’re not alone.
She also shares practical wisdom on finding support, both online and in real life, and how vulnerability can become a powerful tool for advocacy and change.
Trigger warning: references to self-harm and suicidal ideation. If you're struggling, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Tune in to feel seen, informed, and empowered. If this episode moves you, please subscribe, share, and join our growing community of intentional change‑makers.
Connect with Zoe:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeSimmonsJournalist
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/zoe-simmons-7119a994
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@somethingbeginningwithz
Website: https://zoesimmons.com.au/
Instagram/Threads: @SomethingBeginningWithZ