Clickability’s 2021 highlights: disability stories and choice
Clicka Awards 2021
By Tristram Peters · Originally published 14 December 2021
Original article and dated context
Tristram Peters is Head of Participant Engagement at Clickability, helping participants find and connect with service providers. He also co-hosts the Grow Bold with Disability and What Are You Staring At? podcasts.
Where's the year gone? Okay, we don't know either. But despite it being a strange one, we still have much to celebrate with you. So without delay, let's dive into the things worth celebrating in 2021!
Best Event
What else could it be but the Tokyo Paralympics!? The Games did so much for normalising disability, showcasing the skills of people with disability on mainstream tele. Coupled with the stereotype-smashing #Wethe15 campaign, you can't underestimate what this level of representation does, particularly for young kids with disability. More please. Thankfully, we don't have to wait as long till the next Paralympics.
Best Return
We've shared the Ability Fest gospel before, but we were thrilled to see its triumphant return after a two-year spicy-cough induced hiatus. With another stellar line-up (featuring Alex the Astronaut, Illy, and Peking Duk no less), the all-inclusive music festival delivered good times and raised funds for the Dylan Alcott Foundation, to help them keep doing their great work. Dylan Alcott, we salute you. And please go into politics now that you're retiring from tennis...
Best New Podcast
This might be cheeky, but we obviously can't go past Clickability's What Are You Staring At? with Tris and Belle. (We needed to get one shameless plug in, friends!) The podcast explores what it's like to live with a disability, tackling a different topic each week. If you've ever wondered what it's like to date, play sport, or go to university with a disability, this will answer your long-unanswered questions. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Best Addition to Streaming
We're cheating with this one, because the film was technically released last year, but it's so good it deserves a bending of the rules. Groundhog Night is a beautiful short film written by Clicka alumni Emily Dash. It follows Gary, the primary carer for his disabled daughter Jess, as he comes to grips with a visit from the in-laws. Funny, insightful, and really, really good, we give it 5/5 Clicka stars. You can watch it now on ABC iview.
Best Book
What's better than one story? An anthology of stories, of course! Growing Up Disabled features a collection of stories from people navigating their disabilities in their everyday lives. Edited by author Carly Findlay OAM, this is a must-read over your Christmas break. Contributors include Greens senator Jordan Steele-Young, paralympian Isis Holt, and Clicka writer Todd Winther.
Best New Feature
At Clickability, we're big on consumer choice. (That's why we started our platform, right!?) We were ecstatic then to release two new features this year, to help NDIS participants exercise that choice. Firstly, we released a new feature that allows participants to directly connect with providers. Secondly, we released our endorsement feature, allowing participants to endorse and find providers with disability-specific expertise. What would you like to see next?
And from us...
We know this year's been a weird one, but we wanted to say a big thank you! We hope you have a relaxing break and a great 2022. We'll see you in the New Year!
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Choose stories and activities that interest you
The list offers a snapshot of what the team valued in 2021. You can enjoy disability stories without having to identify with every contributor or aspire to elite sport. Check current screening, book and event information before making plans; an inclusive label still needs details that fit your access requirements.
For provider choice, ask about the present service rather than relying on a historical feature announcement. NDIA provider-selection guidance offers useful questions about needs, arrangements and options.
Representation should include ordinary preferences too
When sharing participant stories, ask permission and let people shape how they are described. Sporting achievement and public visibility are not the only experiences worth hearing. Translate interest in inclusion into accessible service information, meaningful choices and a way to raise concerns. Do not advertise a 2021 platform feature as presently available without checking.
Does the article confirm that a film is still on the named service?
No. Check current viewing availability.
Find support for your own interests
Tell Clickability which activities or everyday assistance matter to you. Compare providers and ask how they will accommodate your preferences and access requirements.
