Show 43 - I gotta feeling

How do you find the right book to help a child through big feelings? In Episode 43 of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright talks with Rachel Barker, a Dunedin audiologist and former primary school teacher, about Read My Feelings, a new charitable trust building a national resource to help whānau, teachers and professionals find children’s books on emotions and difficult topics. Rachel explains how her experience in education and healthcare revealed a gap in support, and shares plans for a website that will recommend age-appropriate books for children up to 12 and show where to find them in libraries and bookshops. Krissy also introduces emotional intelligence and emotional regulation, and highlights the Aroha series from New Zealand publisher Wildling Books. Topics include anxiety, grief, divorce and starting school, and why books are a powerful way to begin important conversations with tamariki. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Everyone deserves a chance to show what they can do. In Episode 42 of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright talks with Eleanor Blakey, a career development practitioner and neurodiversity advocate, about career pathways for neurodivergent people. Eleanor shares how raising her autistic son led her from 25 years in marketing into career development, and explains her strengths-based approach, including the RIASEC interest model and resources like Tahatū Career Navigator. They discuss when parents and caregivers should start career conversations with neurodivergent teenagers, why it is never the end of the world if the plan changes, and what employers gain from neuroinclusive workplaces. From a $10 whiteboard to clear written instructions, Eleanor shows how small, practical adjustments can make a big difference. Essential listening for whānau, educators, careers advisors and employers. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

Disabled characters in fiction have too often been written as villains, victims or people to be pitied. In this solo episode of Books Beyond Barriers, CCS Disability Action librarian Krissy Wright explores how that is changing and why authentic disability representation in books matters. Krissy reviews Dropping In by Geoff Havel, House Rules by Jodi Picoult, The Silence Between Us by deaf author Alison Gervais, and A Kind of Spark by autistic author Elle McNicoll, now an award-winning BBC TV series. She also highlights The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, The Best Laid Plans by Kathy Lette and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Covering autism, cerebral palsy, deafness and blindness, this episode is a great reading list for anyone looking for disabled and neurodivergent characters in fiction. All titles are available to borrow from the CCS Disability Action Library. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

No guest this episode! Host and CCS Disability Action librarian Krissy Wright shares a stack of new children's books now available to borrow, all chosen to support families navigating change, celebrating diverse homes, and building understanding of disability and neurodiversity. Krissy covers books on parental separation and living between two homes, a stuttering story told through a father-son trip to a river, an inclusive picture book celebrating disabled and Deaf families, the true story of a rescue dog who learned to walk again, an introduction to neurodiversity for kids, and a gentle first conversation about disability for young children. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or librarian, this episode is packed with recommendations for accessible, inclusive reading for tamariki of all ages. Free to borrow from the CCS Disability Action Library, nationwide. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In Episode 39 of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright talks with author and illustrator Cats Hampson about her children's picture book Lila's Story, a beautifully illustrated exploration of neurodivergence and non-verbal communication. Krissy opens with a look at communication and language basics, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), before Cats shares her journey writing and painting Lila's Story, her work supporting students with high needs at a Dunedin specialist school, and how art helps children who feel misunderstood find their voice. The conversation also touches on New Zealand Sign Language, AAC devices, and simple tips for communicating with people who process language differently. A warm and insightful listen for parents, educators, and anyone curious about inclusive communication. Brought to you by CCS Disability Action. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright is joined by Vicki Mitchell, Service Coordinator at CCS Disability Action Otago, to break down carer support funding and how to fill out the claim form step by step. If you care for a disabled family member in New Zealand, this episode explains how the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination Service (NASC) allocates carer support days, the difference between a full time carer and a support carer, and how Te Whatu Ora processes payments. Vicki walks through real world scenarios, from paying a support carer directly to reimbursing a full time carer, plus what documents you need and how long payments take. Whether you are new to carer support or just need a refresher, this practical conversation will help you understand your entitlements and get your break sorted. Part of the CCS Disability Action Library ongoing series on accessibility and disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright is joined by Bernette Peters, National Manager for Kaitiaki Services at CCS Disability Action, to talk about the importance of respite care for family carers and whānau. Krissy shares her own experience caring for her two sons, including reaching a point of burnout, and Bernette explains what respite really is, the signs a carer might be heading for burnout, and how to find the right respite support. They also unpack why so many carers hesitate to ask for help, and what to look for when choosing a carer or service. A warm, honest conversation for anyone caring for a disabled child or adult in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the first of a two part series on respite and carer support. Books Beyond Barriers is a disability podcast from CCS Disability Action, hosted by librarian Krissy Wright. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright talks with accessibility consultant Katie Bourke from BarrierFree about what true accessibility looks like beyond the building code. A wheelchair user with nearly 20 years' experience across Ireland, the UK, and New Zealand, Katie unpacks the standards shaping accessible design in Aotearoa, the everyday barriers she sees most often (from heavy doors to poorly placed mirrors), and why "visitability" matters just as much in our own homes as it does in public spaces. A practical, honest conversation about designing spaces that genuinely work for everyone. Books Beyond Barriers is a disability podcast from CCS Disability Action, hosted by librarian Krissy Wright, exploring books, resources and insights for the disability community in New Zealand. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

What makes a home accessible, welcoming, and usable for everyone? In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, Krissy Wright talks with Geoff Penrose, Manager of Lifemark, about Universal Design in housing and how it can improve everyday living for people of all ages and abilities. Learn why features such as level access, wider doorways, adaptable bathrooms, and future-proof design benefit not only disabled people but families, visitors, and older adults too. Geoff discusses the role of Lifemark, the importance of inclusive housing, and why incorporating Universal Design from the start makes homes more liveable, accessible, and sustainable for the future. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

How can neurodivergent teens build confidence with money? In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, Krissy Wright speaks with New Zealand author Meladi Rae about financial literacy for teens with ADHD and autism. Explore how differences in impulse spending, executive functioning, and decision-making impact money habits, and learn practical tools like visual budgeting and the three-bucket system. A valuable listen for parents, educators, and anyone supporting neurodivergent young people to build independence and lifelong money skills. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz