Disability Advisory Council
The Mable Disability Advisory Council (or DAC) meets 4 times a year to ensure that the interests of Mable’s clients with disability are represented in the development of our policies and platform.
The council focuses on enabling choice and control, inclusion, quality, and safeguarding. They also provide input and advice from a consumer, support worker, sector, and community perspective.
Mable Advisory Councils
At Mable, our vision is for an inclusive society where everyone belongs. We put our community at the centre of everything we do to achieve this vision. We practise human-centred design and seek feedback so we can continuously improve.
Since 2020, the Advisory Council program has been important in guiding our business and decisions relating to the platform.
It has helped ensure our business align with the views and goals of our community, including older people, people with disability and independent support workers.
In 2024, with the company restructured under the Attain Healthtech brand, we reassessed the council, adding a third advisory group dedicated to the interests of sole traders engaging via the platform. Mable also draws upon the insights and experience of the HomeMade Customer Advisory Group (CAG) to represent the views of older people using the Mable platform.
Meet the members
After a spinal cord injury in 2019, Jacob Darkin’s career in landscape construction took an unexpected turn. He now channels his experiences into being a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, combining his skills as a disability support worker and consultant on accessibility improvements.
Jacob is an advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, focusing on enhancing access and inclusion in various aspects of life, such as employment opportunities, suitable housing, education, and social events.
Jacob’s mission is to use his journey to assist others facing similar situations to feel comfortable and confident in pursuing their aspirations. He believes that no obstacle should prevent anyone from realising their dreams.
Jacob has gained extensive experience working in the disability field and works at Seek Lifestyle Group. He has also held positions at The Mirabel Foundation, WeFlex Pty Ltd, CPA Technology Advisory Committee, Remarkable Tech, Western Sydney University, LaunchPad Accelerator, AUSactive – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Physical Disability Council of NSW – Board Observership.
Jacob has recently founded AT2ME to transform accessibility by making assistive tech affordable and accessible for all.
Gypsy Wulff is a retired teacher who was diagnosed with FSH muscular dystrophy in her early 20s.
Over the years Gypsy has been able to continue her teaching career in various contexts, including primary teaching, working with intellectually and physically disabled adults in literacy and numeracy, and teaching piano.
In her 40s, Gypsy’s walking began to decline, but she was able to continue to work from home. A decade later, however, she could not stay on top of basic domestic duties, so she started accessing services from her local service providers, firstly for a few hours a week and now five days a week.
Over that time, she has experienced a wide range of differences in the calibre of service providers and workers, and hopes to contribute that experience to the discussions on the Mable Advisory Board.
Ali is a mother to her teenage daughter with complex medical and physical needs requiring 24-hour care, overseeing her ongoing support and access needs.
She is passionate about providing the perspective of families supporting individuals with a disability and supporting organisations to improve outcomes and increase participation for people with disability.
More broadly, Ali would like to further promote and embed a more inclusive community and shift mindsets to support accessibility. Ali is a member of The Institute of Internal Auditors Australia and has worked in professional services as an internal auditor and Governance and Risk Advisory Manager in the disability, health services, housing, and local government sectors.
Sam was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition as a 5-year-old. For 10 years, she volunteered with the MPS and Related Diseases Society Australia, supporting families with a loved one with an MPS diagnosis. Through this work, Sam was able to help newly diagnosed families, organise bi-annual conferences, and speak at the International Symposium for Lysosomal Disorders.
Growing up in the mainstream world, Sam spent most of her life struggling to find workarounds for everyday tasks because the world is mainly made for able-bodied people. After a chance conversation 3 years ago and a resurgence of good health, Sam returned to work, which is how she found herself working within the SDA space.
Through her role as Queensland Relationship Manager for Empowered Liveability, Sam was supported in getting her own SDA funding to find the right home tailored to her needs rather than constantly adapting her needs to the world around her.
Natale has been vision impaired since birth and attended what was then St. Paul’s School for the Blind for much of his education.
He has been advocating with and for people with disability for many years, initially in the blindness sector through Blind Citizens Australia and later Vision Australia.
Natale broadened his advocacy to include the entire disability sector and carers, having been a member of various disability advisory committees and employee networks.
He is passionate about access and inclusion for all. In his spare time, Natale is a qualified CPA who likes reading, going to the football, and travelling.
