Nick McAllister
Nick McAllister is based in the ABC Perth newsroom and is a reporter specialising in disability issues.
Latest by Nick McAllister
Woman facing big damage repair bill because her rental home wasn't big enough for her wheelchair
By WA disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
After more than seven years on a waiting list, Christie Lewis is finally moving to a house that's suited to her needs. But she's facing a big bill to repair the damage caused to her existing rental by her wheelchair.
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People with difficulty seeing food in front of them are learning to dine with confidence
By WA disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
Dining out when you can't see the food on your plate is no easy feat, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Here's how people who are blind or have low vision are learning to dine with confidence.
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Hayley thought with her ADHD, she could plan her wedding in just two weeks. And she almost did
By disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
Planning a wedding is daunting for anyone, but for people with a disability it can be overwhelming. Three people who have done it share their tips on making a truly magical day, without burning out in the process.
This doctor says ableism has hindered her career in medicine, and she wants the stigma to end
By disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
Hannah achieved her dream of becoming a doctor — but she says it's come at a great cost due to the traumatic discrimination she's faced.
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Meran beat her clutter problem. She asks herself three key questions whenever she's at the shops
By disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
Living among clutter and disorganisation left Meran Byleveld feeling demoralised and a sense of shame, until she opened her door to those willing to help.
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Jessica was told to stop worrying when her son fell silent at 16 months old. Then she got a second opinion
By disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
Doctors and friends dismissed Jessica's concerns when her son stopped talking. When he was eventually diagnosed with autism, she wished she hadn't agreed to take a "wait and see" approach.
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This neurodiverse nightclub is helping revellers with a disability dance the night away
By disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister and Abby Richards
Nightclubs can cause sensory overload for neurodiverse people, but a community group is staging a low-sensory club night that is supplying the groove and bringing people together.
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Jerusha has some bad experiences on dating apps — now she's trying to change people's attitudes
By disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
As a study reveals that non-disabled people are reluctant to date people with a disability, these women say they just want to be seen for who they are.
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Michael could only read small words four years ago. Now he is working at Australia Post
By disability affairs reporter Nick McAllister
Michael Richardson has Down syndrome, hearing loss and could not read — but he would not let that stop him landing a job at Australia Post.
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Sham finds it easier to be her own boss while living with disabilities — and she is not alone
It made perfect sense for Sham to start her own business while using her life experience to create accessible beauty products, as figures show people with disabilities are far more likely to be self employed.
'I'm being swallowed up': Something as common as a haircut can overwhelm people with autism and ADHD
Something as common as a haircut shouldn't be an overwhelming sensory experience — but for people with autism or ADHD, the feeling of hands running through hair, clippers buzzing, and music blaring is sometimes too much.
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Toni's experience in hospital emergency was overwhelming. Now she's helping to make it better for others
Toni Grayson, 11, found going to the emergency department overwhelming — and by speaking up out about it, she has helped develop a new program to ensure other autistic kids don't have the same harrowing experience.
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As a person with autism, I've struggled with healthy living — but with expert help, I'm beginning to see results
People with a disability face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their health and fitness, but experts have weighed in with some tips for staying in shape.
From stuffed giraffes to body socks, Diane tried everything to help her daughter get a good night's rest
Diane Keenan tried pretty much everything to help her autistic daughter Thalia get a good night's sleep, before finally finding something that actually worked.
A motocross accident left Max with a spinal injury. Now he’s finally in control of his life again
Ro-Anne Steele makes an immense difference in the lives of people living with a disability, increasing their confidence and independence — by teaching them how to drive.
Mealtimes can be stressful for Darcy, but these strategies are helping him expand his diet
Fussy eaters can be a real challenge for parents and having a child with autism who is highly selective about food means tensions can run high at mealtimes. But these tips could help manage the stress.
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'Going to a special school is not a choice': Why the public system is failing some children with disabilities
While Caitlyn's experience at a suburban Perth primary school has been positive, advocates are calling for more to be done to help public schools teach children with a disability.
Children living with ASD unaware of the dangers of wandering into water
A couple of years ago, Kiedis couldn't even stand having water splashed on his face. But thanks to his skilled teacher Julie, he now looks forward to putting on his goggles and hopping into the pool every week.
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Without a support worker I'd be a self-isolating autistic man at home
Nick McAllister relies on disability support worker Lorraine Abel to help him with the tasks in life he finds difficult. But the sector is facing a severe worker shortage and many clients aren't getting the support they need.
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ER doctor left a quadriplegic refused to turn his back on his dream job
Dinesh Palipana would not let his disability get in the way of fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor. Now he is helping to make the profession more inclusive for others.
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'His impact was immediate': Nathan excelled at his job, and he credits the open dialogue with his employer
Nathan Basha didn't let his disability stop him from excelling at his job, crediting his success to an "ongoing conversation" with his employer. But barriers still exist for many others seeking employment.
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Move over 'Mr and Mrs Average': Disability community throws down diversity gauntlet to advertising industry
Conversations are brewing around creative tables about how advertising can better represent Australians living with a disability, as diversity success stories emerge in defiance of a harmful culture of exclusion.
Kmart's inclusive doll range helps to remove stigma around disability
A Perth mum was inspired by the autistic community to set up a sensory-friendly toy shop and now a national retailer is helping to remove the stigma around disability through an inclusive doll range.
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Looking after a child with Down syndrome: What life is like for Australia’s 2.7 million carers
When Tarryn Coleman gave birth to her daughter Isla 16 years ago, she did not only become her mum, but her carer as well. Ms Coleman and Nick McAllister, the ABC's Disability Affairs Reporter, share their experiences.
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Autistic Nick spent years unemployed because of his disability. Now he gets paid to write about it
Nick McAllister was unemployed for 10 years and has no doubt it was because he is autistic. Now he earns a living writing about his experiences for the ABC.
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