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Building inclusive research pathways at Griffith University

Education is more than a privilege—it’s a pathway to possibility.

At Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, we’re proud to support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students with disability to reach their goals and contribute to bold, innovative research that reimagines inclusion in action.

Since launching in 2023, our HDR Disability Scholars Program has grown into a thriving community of ten (10) diverse researchers at different stages of their PhD journeys. The program provides more than just academic support—it builds meaningful connections through peer learning, mentoring, and shared experience in an environment where accessibility and inclusion are built into everything we do.

This thriving community is championed by Professor Rebecca Ford, Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School, and Dr Lisa Stafford, ARC Future Fellow—both strong advocates and mentors for the Scholars, in addition to their supervisors. Julia Robertson, newly appointed Co-Chair of the Higher Degree Research Candidate Representative Consultant Committee (HDRCRCC)—a sub-committee of the Board of Graduate Research (BGR)—also plays a key role in championing inclusive research pathways and student representation. Together, their leadership and commitment to accessibility and inclusion have been instrumental in creating an environment where our scholars can thrive.

Last week, we celebrated this community at the Disability Scholars Day 2025: A Showcase of Excellence, held at Griffith University’s Logan campus and online. The hybrid event brought together students, supervisors, and researchers for a day of inspiration and connection.

Highlights included milestone presentations from Lisa Cox OAM, Aron Mercer, and Samantha Cronin (Early Career Research Milestones), and Ali Khan (Thesis Confirmation Research Milestone). Their presentations sparked lively discussion and showcased the breadth of disability-focused research being undertaken at Griffith—research that’s challenging assumptions and creating real-world impact. Events like this highlight the incredible progress and potential of our HDR scholars. They remind us that when we design for inclusion, we enable excellence.

Griffith University HDR Students with Disability (Clockwise from top left) - Daniel Clark; Pallav Pant together with his supervisors Dr Feb Dwirahmadi and Dr Monique Lewis; Lisa Cox; and Jim Hogan.

We’re also excited to offer HDR Disability Scholarships for future students. These scholarships provide financial support, research allowances, and flexibility for candidates with a permanent disability who demonstrate exceptional research potential. Multiple scholarships will be available in 2026, with announcements coming at the end of the year. It’s one more way we’re ensuring talented researchers have the opportunity to thrive and lead change.

If you’re a person with disability interested in pursuing higher degree research, we’d love to hear from you. Join a growing network of passionate scholars who are shaping the future of inclusive research.

📩 Contact us: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

🌐 Follow us on LinkedIn, subscribe to our eNews or become a member of our Inclusive Futures community to stay updated on scholarship announcements, research highlights, codesign and citizen science opportunities and upcoming events.

Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations - EOI Guidelines

Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability 2026 Conference

We invite expressions of interest for a 3 minute research presentation showcase at the Alliance forum in Sydney on Friday 20^th March, 2026.

Selected presenters will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative, impactful, or emerging research that explores access, inclusion, participation, and equity in sport and active recreation for people with disabilities at this key industry forum.

Who Can Apply:

Academic and practice-based researchers, including honours/masters/PhD students from diverse disciplines related to disability, sport, recreation, health, or community development

Presenters of all experience levels are welcome and we strongly encourage presenters with lived experience of disability to apply.

Presentation Format:

Duration: 3 minutes

Visuals: One static slide (optional but encouraged)

Delivery: In-person

Focus: Clear, engaging summary of your research and implications for practice. Creative approaches are encouraged.

Example Topics: Community-led initiatives and storytelling in research; Barriers to and enablers of participation in sport and recreation; Inclusive program design methodologies; Gender, culture, sexuality, age and disability intersections

You can watch Megan Taylor presenting her research in a 3 Minute Thesis presentation here https://vimeo.com/749858975

Selection Criteria for 3-Minute Research Presentations

Relevance to Theme and Impact

The topic clearly aligns with the theme of Disability Sport and Active Recreation. It highlights actionable recommendations or future policy, practice, or community engagement.

Clarity of Research Focus

The EOI presents a clear and concise summary of the research or project. Objectives, methods, and key findings (or anticipated outcomes) are well-articulated.

Contribution to Knowledge or Practice

The presentation offers new insights, practical applications, or challenges existing assumptions.

Inclusivity and Representation

The research considers diverse perspectives, especially those of people with lived experience of disability. Intersectional factors (e.g., gender, culture, age) are acknowledged where relevant.

Key Dates:

EOI Deadline: Monday 10^th November, 5pm 2025

Notification of Acceptance: 28^th November 2025 Forum Presentation Date: Friday 20th March, 2026

How to Submit:

Email your EOI to Georgia Munro-Cook - g.munro-cook@griffith.edu.au and Katie Kelly - engagement@asapd.org

The selection panel for EoI submissions will be convened by Professor Simone Fullagar, Griffith University, Inclusive Futures research hub, with representatives from ASAPD and Griffith University.

Please include:

• Your name and affiliation
• Presentation title
• 100-word summary of your topic
• 100-word biography
• Contact details

Led by Griffith University, the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2025 is the third consecutive annual report driven by citizen scientists with lived experience of disability. Delivered in partnership with Queenslanders with Disability Network and commissioned by the Queensland Government, it is the only Australian initiative collecting census data which measures the day-to-day living experience of residents with disability.

Why this matters:
This report captures authentic lived experiences across Queensland's disability community, gathering insights from people with disability, their families, carers, and support organisations. Through these voices, we gain a critical understanding of experiences across housing, health, community support, and other essential areas of life.

Key Highlights:
✅ Over 700 participants in 2025 - bringing our 3-year total to more than 1,700 voices
✅ Strong participation from First Nations people with disability, enriching our understanding
✅ Data spans all seven outcome areas of Queensland's Disability Plan 2022-2027
✅ Provides year-over-year insights to track progress and identify challenges
✅ Recognises the diversity of disability experiences across our state
✅ Supported by dedicated citizen scientists who help drive this important research

Lead Author, Dr Kelsey Chapman, uses a snapshot approach each year to identify patterns and changes over time while acknowledging that there is no single 'voice of disability' in Queensland.

Who participated at a glance:

Access the full report:
Download the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability: Final Report 2025 HERE
Download the accessible Voice of Queenslanders with Disability: Final Report 2025 HERE

Thank you to every Queenslander who participated and shared their story. Your voices drive meaningful change and help build a more inclusive Queensland for everyone.

We would also like to acknowledge the ten citizen scientists with lived experience of disability who worked with us on this research. Thank you for sharing honestly and authentically about your experiences and for encouraging others in the community to do the same.

Visit People with Disability Survey: The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability | Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability to register your interest for the 2026 survey, receive future updates, and learn more about how you can get involved as a citizen scientist.

Read more: Report reveals how life has changed for Queenslanders with Disability - Griffith News

We’re excited to announce the formation of the Australian Disability Research Alliance (ADRA)—a new national collaboration uniting leading disability research centres across Australian universities.

Established in 2025, ADRA aims to build a connected, collaborative research sector that prioritises disability research and universal design across all fields. The Alliance is grounded in human rights, disability justice, and the leadership of people with lived experience.

Founding members include Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, alongside research centres from UTS, Monash, Flinders, Sydney, and Curtin universities. Together, they will drive inclusive innovation, support early career researchers, and advocate for disability research to be embedded in national and global agendas.

The ADRA Steering Committee, made up of representatives from each founding institution, will guide the Alliance’s strategic direction and collaborative efforts.

For more information or to get involved, contact Dr Maretta Mann at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au or visit our web page: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/the-australian-disability-research-alliance-adra

We are delighted to welcome Dr Johnny Choi to the School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work as a Lecturer in Social Work.

Dr Choi brings a strong blend of academic expertise and practice experience in disability, psychosocial disability, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). His PhD at The University of Queensland explored the recovery journeys of NDIS participants living with psychosocial disability, using narrative inquiry and co-designed research to highlight lived experiences and pathways to wellbeing.

Before joining academia, Dr Choi worked for over five years as an NDIS Support Coordinator and psychosocial recovery coach, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support individuals with complex needs. This experience informs his research and underscores his commitment to making disability systems more equitable, inclusive, and responsive.

Passionate about bridging research, policy, and practice, Dr Choi is eager to contribute to Griffith’s multidisciplinary research strengths and the advancement of disability practice and policy in Australia.

Please join us in welcoming Dr Johnny Choi to Griffith University!

Biography: Dr Johnny Choi is a Lecturer in Social Work whose research and teaching focus on disability, psychosocial disability, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

His PhD study explored the lived experiences of persons with psychosocial disability through narrative inquiry and co-designed research, with a particular interest in recovery and wellbeing across personal, relational, and socio-structural contexts.

Before joining academia, Dr Choi worked for over five years as a NDIS Support Coordinator and psychosocial recovery coach, supporting individuals with complex needs to navigate disability systems.

This practice experience has informed his research and underpins his commitment to improving the responsiveness, equity, and inclusivity of the NDIS system.

He is passionate about bridging research, policy, and practice to ensure disability systems better serve individuals and their families.

We are proud to share that our team, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University, has been awarded the 2025 Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) Staff Excellence Award for Engagement.

This recognition highlights our team’s commitment to meaningful engagement with communities, researchers, and partners in reimagining futures that are inclusive of people with disability.

🏆 Congratulations to our incredible team members: Professor Elizabeth Kendall, Dr Maretta Mann, Dr Kelsey Chapman, Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Dr Georgia Munro-Cook, Rebekah Barker, Joe-Anne Kek-Pamenter, Matt McShane, and Joyce Yi.

A huge thank you to our colleagues who nominated us and to Professor Analise O’Donovan, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health), and the wider Griffith University Health Group for recognising the importance of collaboration, equity, and inclusion in research and engagement.

We also extend congratulations to all the other award recipients and nominees who were celebrated at the ceremony on the Gold Coast campus.

💡 Together, we continue to champion inclusive research and practice that makes a difference.

#InclusiveFutures #DisabilityResearch #GriffithUniversity #StaffExcellence

Ken Brandt, author of 'Positive Vision'.

It was a delight to host Ken Brandt, author of Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventure and Advantages of Poor Eyesight, at our recent Inclusive Futures Book Club event.

Ken opened with a powerful reflection on how medical advances at the time of his premature birth allowed him to retain some vision—an outcome shaped by the evolving understanding of oxygen therapy in newborns.

Ken’s story is one of courage, humour, and a zest for life. He shared how his mother’s unwavering support instilled in him an attitude to give anything a go, encouraging him to pursue adventure while being kind to himself when things didn’t go as planned. From learning to parachute to navigating life with low vision, Ken offered a refreshing perspective on how disability can shape, but not limit, one’s experiences.

Attendees were clearly engaged, asking thoughtful questions about community perceptions of disability. Ken responded with insight and warmth, furthering our collective understanding of how embracing diversity leads to a more inclusive world.

Ken’s book Positive Vision is available in hard copy, electronic, and audio formats at many online and physical bookstores. He is also available for public speaking engagements. For more information, visit www.kenbrandt.com.

A heartfelt thank you to Ken for sharing his story and helping us continue the conversation around disability, inclusion, and positive living.

Read more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/inclusive-futures-book-club-ken-brandt-author-of-positive-vision

View on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XWfJiHEZFTw?si=fYJWO5Ej9O45n-ca

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to join a lively and inspiring conversation with Ken Brandt, author of Positive Vision, hosted by Dr Maretta Mann.

Ken Brandt has lived a life full of adventure, humour, and resilience. Despite being legally blind for much of his life, Ken has galloped across Montana, chased thieves in New York, and even skydived, all while embracing the quirks and advantages of poor eyesight. His memoir is a celebration of optimism, filled with real-life stories, corny jokes, and uplifting insights that challenge conventional views on disability.

Ken’s professional journey spans decades in IT and cybersecurity across four continents, and he now resides in Melbourne with his wife Judy. He’s also an amateur jazz trumpeter and a passionate advocate for eye health, donating a portion of his book royalties to eye research and blindness prevention.

Join us for this engaging author talk as Ken shares his unique perspective on disability, vision, and the power of positivity.

This event was held on:

Tuesday 12^th August 2025, 12:00pm – 1:00pm AEST

Online via Microsoft Teams

View the Recording on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/XWfJiHEZFTw

Professor Catherine Marshall never set out to create a global movement, she simply wanted to give all women a fair chance. A renowned advocate for women with disability, particularly those who face the added challenges of poverty, she was driven by a belief that education and leadership opportunities should belong to everyone, not just the privileged few. More than two decades ago, Catherine founded the Women’s International Leadership Institute (WILI) in Arizona to bring opportunities to all women and has been a consistent partner of Inclusive Futures since 2003.

From its humble beginnings, WILI has grown into a transformative force, empowering low-income women to move closer to leadership roles, influence their communities, and challenge systemic barriers. Catherine’s vision was clear: leadership should reflect the diverse voices of the people it serves.

As Catherine prepares to retire from her tireless community work, it is important to reflect on the profound impact WILI has had on women around the world. Over the years, WILI has supported young women through mentorship programs, skills development workshops, and funding to access to education — often providing a lifeline where opportunities were otherwise out of reach. Many of these women have gone on to become powerful advocates, community leaders, and changemakers, reshaping policies and opening doors for others.

Now, in this final chapter, WILI has announced the creation of international scholarships for low-income women with disability to complete leadership training. The scholarships reflect Catherine’s unwavering commitment to dismantling barriers. 'True leadership is built on diverse perspectives,' she said. 'We’re not just empowering women—we’re changing the landscape of leadership itself.' Until we see young women from low-income backgrounds and those with disability in leadership roles, exclusion in our broader society will continue. Education and leadership are the ingredients for change.

Established in partnership with Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, these WILI-funded scholarships will provide a gateway to online training and mentorship—where the women will learn skills that will position them for leadership roles in future. The program will develop their practical skills and build confidence to return to their communities as powerful agents of change.

Meet our new Inclusive Futures Scholars

These five outstanding women with disability will amplify their impact in future thanks to the WILI Inclusive Futures scholarships – Nerine Williams, Nina Carr, Lizzie Ambrose, Laura Sheenan, and Carmel Larkin—each bringing deep lived experience, expertise, and fierce determination to create more inclusive and just systems.

Nerine Williams is a proud FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) advocate, AT Mentor, and accessibility leader who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others with complex disability. She is already a strong voice in the disability community, bringing a rare combination of lived expertise and sector insight. She plays key roles with organisations such as QDN, AT Chat, and FND Living. Nerine believes this award will enable her to continue challenging barriers and ensuring that people with disability are not only heard but lead the solutions that affect them.

Nina Carr, a woman with an acquired brain injury, is an independent advocate known for her passionate, uncompromising stance on representation and systemic change. Without organisational backing or a steady income, Nina has carved out a space as a fierce voice for disability justice in Queensland. This award provides critical access to training and networks she otherwise could not access and will help her realise her bold goals. According to Nina, she will not just to have a seat at the table but will redesign the table itself by placing lived experience at the centre of policy, services, and leadership”.

Lizzie Ambrose is proud of having turned personal adversity into purposeful action. Living with epilepsy and a traumatic brain injury, Lizzie has become a leader in inclusive health promotion, co-facilitating a yoga program for people with brain injury, contributing to qualitative research, and sharing her story on national and international stages. Lizzie’s commitment to de-stigmatising neurological conditions and building community is reshaping how society understands epilepsy and disability. She is now using research as a vehicle to bring about change, particularly in how health services are delivered.

Laura Sheenan is a high-level advocate with deep expertise in trauma-informed practice and systems change, particularly in the areas of child protection and mental health. A mother with lived experience of profound grief and resilience, Laura uses her voice to advocate for improved mental health services and systemic support for marginalised families. Her focus on intersectionality ensures that the needs of diverse communities such as First Nations, CALD, LGBTQI+ people with disability are not forgotten.

Carmel Larkin acquired her disability following a medical event in 2021 and has since found herself becoming an unexpected but valued voice in health governance. From returning to work with significant adjustments to contributing to her Health Service’s Disability Plan, Carmel has discovered the power of lived experience in influencing systemic reform. This award will allow her to develop the skills and confidence to step more fully into a leadership role, sharing insights that go beyond her personal story to shape stronger, more inclusive health systems.

These remarkable women exemplify the future of leadership in the disability sector, which should be intersectional, informed, and led by lived experience. With this award, they will be able to amplify their advocacy, challenge injustice, and lead meaningful change in Queensland communities.

As part of their award, the recipients will receive premium membership of the Disability Leadership Institute in Australia. The Disability Leadership Institute (DLI) is dedicated to cultivating and advancing leadership by and for people with disabilities. Founded by outstanding disabled leaders, such as Christina Ryan, the DLI provides a unique platform that offers professional development, peer support, coaching, and networking opportunities tailored specifically for disabled people aspiring to or already in leadership roles. This will be an important opportunity for the WILI Inclusive Futures award winners to develop their skills and meet other leaders.

Christina Ryan, CEO and Founder of Disability Leadership Institute

After her retirement, Catherine’s lifelong dedication to inspire women leaders will continue through the work of these five women. WILI may be closing its doors, but it has created a ripple effect that will enable generations of future women to lead, thrive, and transform their worlds.

On Friday 30 May 2025, Pallav Pant successfully presented his PhD Confirmation Seminar at Griffith University's Gold Coast Campus.

His research, titled “Advancing Accessible Emergency Communication: Co-Designing Digital Solutions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Communities in Queensland,” is a vital step toward inclusive and equitable emergency communication systems.

Pallav’s interdisciplinary project brings together public health, digital technology, and inclusive design, with a strong co-design approach that centres the lived experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing community members.

His work is supervised by a dynamic team: Dr Febi Dwirahmadi, Prof Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD, Prof Dian Tjondronegoro, and Dr Monique Lewis, and chaired by Professor Faruk Ahmed.

🔍 About Pallav:
Pallav is a passionate public health communicator with a rich background in global health, risk communication, and health emergency preparedness. Before beginning his PhD journey at the School of Medicine and Dentistry at Griffith University, Queensland, Pallav worked across Asia and the Pacific and was engaged with Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) advocacy. He’s committed to using inclusive, evidence-based solutions to strengthen communication in crisis settings.

This inclusive seminar was accessible with Auslan interpreting and live captions — reflecting the values behind Pallav’s research.

The team at Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability are proud to support researchers like Pallav, who are reimagining communication to ensure no one is left behind. We wish him all the very best on his PhD journey!

To find out more about Pallav’s research, please contact him via email on: pallav.pant@griffithuni.edu.au