IDPwD content creator Brendan Bernier presenting morning radio in Queensland with his mentor Susan Graham-Ryan.
The ABC has awarded its 2026 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) Storyteller Scholarship to Brendan Bernier and Julie Dickson.
Run in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the scholarship supports emerging creators with disability, helping break down barriers and challenge community perceptions. It is open to contributors previously engaged through the ABC’s IDPwD Employment Fund.
ABC Director of News Justin Stevens said this year’s recipients will create content representing diverse communities that can face stigma.
“By producing quality content and letting their skills and talents shine, this year’s winners will help challenge perceptions and broaden understanding of disability in the community,” he said.
Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, congratulated the recipients, highlighting the importance of authentic representation of disability in media.
“This scholarship helps break down longstanding barriers by providing practical experience, professional networks and confidence within the media industry. It’s a win-win for recipients and the audience.” Minister McAllister said.
Brendan Bernier, from Toowoomba, previously collaborated with ABC Radio North Queensland, co-presenting, producing interviews and contributing to an IDPwD showcase episode.
“I’ve been an avid radio listener for years and now that I’m conducting interviews myself, I’m enjoying experiencing that dynamic from the other side of the microphone,” he said.
“What I love most is hearing people’s stories from all kinds of backgrounds. Short-form interviews are a rewarding challenge, capturing the most interesting moments in a tight window of time. Creating content and listening to how a conversation unfolds continues to be a fascinating process.”
Julie Dickson, based in Melbourne, is an accomplished powerlifter who has won silver medals at the World Dwarf Games in both powerlifting and basketball. She has worked with ABC Lifestyle and ABC News Victoria on content highlighting the rise of women in powerlifting.
“There’s still a lot of stigma surrounding short stature, so recognising IDPwD helps raise awareness, educate the public, and challenge misconceptions,” she said.
“A highlight of my time working on my IDPwD project was having my para powerlifting competition documented. I’m very lucky to have such a special memory captured on camera and in writing that I can look back on in the years to come.”
IDPwD content creator Julie Dickson.