Books Beyond Barriers
Welcome to Books Beyond Barriers – a disability podcast exploring the wonders of books, resources, research and insights all about (and for!) the disability community. In each episode, host Krissy Wright, librarian at the CCS Disability Action Library and Information Service, will provide helpful resource recommendations, share gems of information, and sometimes even invite special guests to share their insights.
Whether you’re looking for resources on a specific topic, want to learn something new about disability or simply want to hear from people who understand your lived experience, Books Beyond Barriers is here to support you on your journey.
Join us as we dive into the diverse stories that make up the disability community and strive to make good information accessible to all!
You can tune in to Books Beyond Barriers on Otago Access Radio (OAR FM Dunedin – 105.4FM and 1575AM). New episodes air fortnightly on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and replay on Saturdays at 12:00 pm and Sundays at 11:00 pm.
Full episodes and transcripts will also be available on this page after their release for your convenience.
Meet your host
Krissy Wright is the librarian at CCS Disability Action’s Library and Information Service – a free service dedicated to all things disability that is open to anyone in New Zealand.
Prior to working for CCS Disability Action, Krissy managed the disability research library at the Donald Beasley Institute for nearly 20 years, and brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience within disability and disability-related issues. She also has a son with Down Syndrome, a young man who she believes has been her greatest educator.
Krissy is passionate about sharing resources and information related to disability, and ensuring they are accessible to everyone.
Listen to Krissy’s interview about Books Beyond Barriers on the OARsome podcast!
Episode catalogue
Season 3
Episode 37: It Must Be Love with Bernette Peters
In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright speaks with Bernette Peters, National Manager for Kaitiaki Services at CCS Disability Action, about the importance of respite care for family carers and whānau. Krissy opens up about her own experience caring for her two sons, including a period of burnout, and Bernette explains what respite care really means, the common signs a carer might be reaching their limit, and why taking a break doesn't mean caring less.
Together they explore how families can find the right respite carer, why so many carers are hesitant to ask for help, and how CCS Disability Action supports whānau, including through its foster care contract with Oranga Tamariki. This is the first of a two part series on respite and carer support, with the next episode digging into the practicalities of the carer support form.
Episode 36: Break on Through to the Other Side with Katie Bourke
In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright speaks with Katie Bourke, an accessibility consultant with Barrier Free, about what accessibility really means beyond the building code. Together they explore the standards that guide accessible design in Aotearoa New Zealand, the everyday barriers that often get overlooked - from heavy doors to poorly placed mirrors - and why designing for accessibility benefits everyone, not just disabled people.
Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience across Ireland, the UK, and New Zealand, Katie shares practical insight into what makes a space genuinely accessible, the importance of "visitability" in our own homes, and how organisations can move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to inclusive design.
Episode 35: Our House with Geoff Penrose
In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright speaks with Geoff Penrose, Manager of Lifemark, about the benefits of Universal Design in housing. Together they explore how thoughtful, inclusive design can create homes that are safer, more accessible, and easier to use for people of all ages and abilities. From future-proofing new builds to supporting independent living and ageing in place, Geoff explains why accessible housing, inclusive design, and Universal Design principles should be part of every housing conversation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Based on Geoff's book 50 Reasons Why Universal Design in Housing, this episode highlights practical ways to create homes that work better for everyone.
Episode 34 : Money, Money, Money With Meladi Rae
In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, host Krissy Wright is joined by New Zealand author Meladi Rae to explore money skills for neurodivergent teens, including those with ADHD and autism. They discuss how different brain processing impacts financial decision-making, impulse spending, and budgeting, and share practical, accessible strategies to build financial literacy, independence, and confidence.
Featuring insights from Meladi’s new books, this episode highlights inclusive tools like visual budgeting systems and step-by-step learning approaches designed to support neurodiverse young people in Aotearoa New Zealand to better manage money and plan for the future.
Episode 33: Born This Way
In this episode of Books Beyond Barriers, Krissy Wright explores LGBTQIA+ books, rainbow literature, and disability representation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Featuring the Out on the Shelves campaign, book reviews, and a conversation with queer, disabled author Andi C Buchanan, the episode highlights the importance of inclusive storytelling, neurodiversity, and accessible reading for young people.