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Check out the latest newsworthy and noteworthy things happening with Inclusive Futures, our partners and colleagues, and anything else you will need to know. We regularly add stories, grant opportunities, and announcements here. If you have something to share, please email inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

Check out the latest newsworthy and noteworthy things happening with Inclusive Futures, our partners and colleagues, and anything else you will need to know. We regularly add stories, grant opportunities, and announcements here. If you have something to share, please email inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

  • Exploring Love and Disability: New Research by Dr. Marita Heck

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    Dr. Marita Heck, a young white woman with long, curly brown hair, smiles warmly at the camera. An inset features the cover of her novel, Secret Forces, depicting a man with his bare upper back facing a woman with long hair, standing against a striking horizon.Dr. Marita Heck, Adjunct Research Fellow, The Hopkins Centre

    Discover groundbreaking insights into how individuals with disability navigate intimate relationships in Dr. Marita Heck's latest study. As an Adjunct Research Fellow at The Hopkins Centre, Dr. Heck combines her extensive experience as a nurse, midwife, and Sexual Quality of Life Support Clinician to shed light on this important topic. She is also the author of Secret Forces, a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of life after a spinal cord injury.

    Read:https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/rep0000573

    For more resources and support on sexual well-being for people with disability, visit the Sex Positive Community at https://www.sexpositivecommunity.com.

    Join the conversation and help break down barriers surrounding love and disability. Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

    Citation:
    Ireland, B., Pebdani, R. N., Heck, M., Mudholkar, A., & Verdonck, M. (2024). Sex-positive sexuality post- spinal cord injury: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis. Rehabilitation Psychology. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/rep0000573

    More information:

    Dr Marita Heck Phd, MMid (RM), BNS (RN)
    Adjunt Research Fellow
    The Hopkins Centre
    Griffith University

    marita.heck@griffith.edu.au

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marita-heck-phd-591957310/

  • Empowering Health Communication: Co-Designing with People with Disability

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    Montage of images from the Disability Reform Summit 2024, featuring diverse people with disability collaborating with academics and researchers to co-design innovative solutions for a more inclusive future. Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Logo (bottom right corner).

    📚 Authors: Dr Kelsey Chapman, Dr Connie Allen, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD
    📅 Published: 9 February 2025
    📖 Journal: Journal of Health Communication
    🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2025.2462679

    How can we make health communication truly inclusive? A recent scoping review by Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability researchers explores the power of co-designing health initiatives with people with disability—not just for them.

    Key Insights:

    Inclusive Participation: Engaging people with disabilities from the outset ensures their voices shape accessible, effective health communications.

    Diverse Methods: From workshops and focus groups to participatory action research, different co-design approaches foster genuine collaboration.

    Enhanced Outcomes: Inclusive approaches improve the quality of health information, empower participants, and build trust in health initiatives.

    This research reinforces that co-design isn’t just best practice—it’s essential. When health communication is built with the community, it becomes more impactful, equitable, and transformative.

    More Information:

    Dr Kelsey Chapman
    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
    Griffith University
    k.chapman@griffith.edu.au

    Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD
    e.kendall@griffith.edu.au

    Montage of images from the Disability Reform Summit 2024, featuring diverse people with disability collaborating with academics and researchers to co-design innovative solutions for a more inclusive future. Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Logo (bottom right corner).



  • New publication: Tech-Enabled Inclusion – Leveraging Social Media to Empower Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace

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    Tile 1: Tech-Enabled Inclusion Leveraging Social Media to Empower Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace Authors: Dr Maria Khan, Dr Carys W Chan, Dr Hongmin (Jess) Yan and Sudong Shang. Vector graphic showing diverse people (bottom) and the Griffith University and Inclusive Futures: Reimaging Disability logos (top).

    Can social media help make workplaces more inclusive for neurodivergent employees?

    A new study by the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW) at Griffith University, explores how social media can help create workplaces where everyone's unique way of thinking is valued. The researchers, Dr Maria Khan, Dr Carys W Chan, Dr Hongmin (Jess) Yan and Dr Sudong Shang, present a new framework that clarifies how technology could make a real difference for neurodivergent employees.

    The study explores how digital communication tools can empower neurodivergent employees (NDEs) by providing:

    • Psychological safety – A space where employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
    • Accessible communication – Social media allows for asynchronous interactions, reducing the pressure of real-time conversations.
    • Representation and visibility – NDEs can share their experiences, connect with peers, and advocate for workplace changes.
    • Empowered participation – Digital platforms offer new ways to engage in decision-making and collaboration.

    However, challenges remain—privacy concerns, inconsistent support, and workplace barriers still exist. Organisations must take intentional steps to leverage technology effectively, foster inclusive leadership, and understand the specific needs of neurodivergent employees.

    When inclusion is done right, everyone benefits. 🌍✨

    Read more: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hrm.22290

    More information:
    Dr Maria Khan, Research Fellow
    Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW)
    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
    Griffith University

    maria.khan@griffith.edu.au

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-a-khan/

    Citation:
    Khan, M., Wen Chan, X., Yan, H., & Shang, S. (2025). Tech-Enabled Inclusion: Leveraging Social Media to Empower Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace. Human Resource Management, https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22290


    Can social media bridge the gap in workplace inclusion for neurodivergent employees? Photo of a neurodiverse male and female laughing and holding a tablet device. Griffith University and Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability logos (bottom right corner).


    Tile 4: Empowering Neurodivergent Employees: Representation Matters • Diverse Neurological Profiles: NDEs include individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, and more. • Unrepresented Talent Pool: Despite their unique strengths, NDEs often face workplace barriers and undervaluation. • Valuable Workplace Contributors: NDEs bring distinct skills and perspectives that can enhance innovation and productivity.



    Tile 5: Inclusion of NDEs Vector graphic with three diverse people including one wheelchair user holding signs with the words: • Psychological Safety and Authenticity: Creating a safe space for NDEs to be their true selves. • Workgroup Involvement: Encouraging meaningful participation and collaboration. • Respect and Influence: Ensuring NDEs feel valued and included in decision making.


    Tile 6: Inclusion Pathways Vector graphic with two business people (a woman in suit and man with pants, shirt and tie) with direction signs with the words: • NDE-related • Leader-related • Peer-related


    Tile 7: Social Media (SM) Vector graphic of a hand holding a mobile device with many diverse people on the screen and the text: Benefits • Builds self-efficacy & empowerment • Enables accessible communication & connection Challenges: • Privacy & safety concerns • Inconsistent supervisory & peer support


    Tile 8: Vector graphic with five diverse people with speech bubbles and the words: To support Neurodivergent employees, organisations must: 1. Leverage social media applications effectively. 2. Understand NDE-specific needs. 3. Foster an inclusive culture through leadership.


    Tile 9: Inclusive workplaces empower everyone! Six (6) Coloured circles with the words • Foster psychological safety (image: lock and cogs) • Encourage active involvement (image: megaphone) • Promote inclusive leadership (image: staff ID badge) • Support respectful communication (image: two people talking) • Recognise diverse contributions (image: trophy) • Provide accessible resources (image: tablet and pen with letters ABC)


    Tile 10: More information Red background with text and an image of Dr Maria Khan in a circle shape – Maria is a young Pakistani woman with long dark wavy hair, wearing a dark jumper and white collared blouse. Dr. Maria Khan is a postdoctoral research fellow at Griffith University's Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW) and Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. maria.khan@griffith.edu.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-a-khan/


  • Celebrating Lisa Cox OAM: Advocate, Changemaker, and Trailblazer

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    A professional portrait of Lisa Cox OAM, a Caucasian woman with long, wavy blonde hair and glasses, seated and smiling confidently. She is wearing a black outfit with silver jewellery and has her chin resting on her hand in a poised manner. The background is dark, creating a striking contrast. In the bottom left corner, the Griffith University logo is visible, along with the text 'Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability’.

    Lisa Cox, a dedicated advocate for disability inclusion and a member of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division. This prestigious recognition honours her outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people with disability and advancing societal understanding of inclusion.

    A Journey of Advocacy and Resilience

    Lisa’s journey as an advocate began after experiencing a severe stroke in her early 20s, which led to multiple complications, including amputations and an acquired brain injury. These life-altering events became the foundation for her mission to challenge stereotypes about disability and promote awareness of the realities faced by people with disability.

    Through her work, Lisa has tirelessly campaigned for better representation of disability in media and advertising, accessibility improvements, and the breakdown of societal barriers. Her efforts aim to shift perceptions and create systemic change to ensure that individuals with disability are valued and included in all aspects of life.

    Championing Inclusion at Griffith University

    Since joining Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures Engagement Council in 2021, Lisa has played a pivotal role in advancing accessibility across the university. Her contributions include improving physical access, enhancing digital inclusivity, and fostering equitable learning environments for students with disability. Lisa’s involvement exemplifies the council’s mission of working alongside individuals with disability, researchers, industry leaders, and health practitioners to create a more inclusive society.

    Driving Change in Media and Advertising

    A trailblazer in inclusive media, Lisa is also a model and advocate for authentic representation of people with disability. Her work on the Media Diversity Australia Disability Reporting Handbook has set a new benchmark for respectful and accurate reporting, equipping media professionals with the tools to tell stories that reflect the diversity of our society.

    Researching Disability Representation

    Lisa’s dedication to disability advocacy extends to her academic pursuits. She is currently undertaking a PhD with Griffith University, exploring the topic: "Visibility of Disability: Exploring how the representation of disability in advertising impacts employment outcomes for people with disability." Supervised by Dr. Monique Lewis, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM and Dr. Marita Heck, her research seeks to uncover the influence of media portrayals on employment opportunities and societal perceptions.

    TEDx Speaker and Thought Leader

    As a TEDx speaker, Lisa has shared her insights and experiences on global platforms, inspiring audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about disability and inclusion. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences highlights her impact as a thought leader and changemaker.

    A Well-Deserved Recognition

    Lisa’s OAM is a testament to her unwavering commitment to reimagining disability and promoting inclusion in every space she touches. This award not only celebrates her tireless advocacy but also underscores the importance of her work in creating a more inclusive future for all.

    Congratulations to Lisa Cox OAM on this remarkable achievement. Her efforts continue to pave the way for a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and be represented authentically.

    Read more in the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/01/25/australia-day-honours-awarded/

    Find out more on Lisa’s website: https://lisacox.co


  • Exciting Start to 2025 with QDRN!

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    A collage of photos showcasing the diverse membership of the Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN).

    Happy New Year! We're thrilled to bring you the first Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) update for 2025.


    A big thank you to everyone who expressed interest in serving on the 2025 QDRN Advisory Group and Sector Stakeholder Committee. Your support drives our mission to foster impactful disability research and inclusive collaboration.


    We’re proud to announce the members of these groups, representing diverse expertise and lived experience:


    2025 QDRN Advisory Group


    2025 QDRN Sector Stakeholder Committee


    The QDRN unites researchers, advocates, and stakeholders to advance inclusive research through quality co-design and collaboration across Queensland universities, government, and community sectors.


    Our vision? To improve the lives and participation of people with disability through sustainable, impactful research partnerships.


    Stay tuned for updates on our work throughout the year!


    To learn more or get involved, reach out to us at qdrn@griffith.edu.au or connect directly with Dr. Talitha Kingsmill at t.kingsmill@griffith.edu.au.


    Let’s make 2025 a year of transformative progress for disability inclusion and research.

    QDRN Logo: A green background featuring a white map of Queensland with location dots representing universities involved in research. Below, the text reads 'Queensland Disability Research Network' and 'Dr. Talitha Kingsmill, email: qdrn@griffith.edu.au.

  • Inclusive Futures Closure Notice

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    Text in the caption.

    WITH GRATITUDE

    We extend our heartfelt thanks for your invaluable contributions to our research and for your collaboration throughout the year. Your advice and guidance in championing creative and innovative approaches, led by people with disability, have been truly impactful. We eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership in 2025.

    OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE

    Wishing you a joyful and safe New Year! Please note our offices will be closed from Monday, 21 December, to Friday, 3 January. Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability will return in 2025 with more inclusive events, groundbreaking research, and meaningful opportunities for co-design and co-creation. Thank you for your steadfast support throughout 2024.

    Stay connected by catching up on our latest updates: Inclusive Futures News.

  • Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports

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    Madi de Rozario, Paralympic Athlete in her green and gold Australian racing attire sitting in her racing chair smiling for the camera.Madi de Rozario OAM PLY - Paralympic Athlete, Inclusive Futures Engagement Council Member and Griffith alumnus

    EVENT OVERVIEW


    Hosted online on Friday, 8 November 2024, this symposium, hosted by Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, as a member of the Queensland Para Sport Network, brought together interdisciplinary researchers, community partners, and athletes to amplify the vital role equity and diversity can play in improving the performance of Paralympic teams and enabling athletes to compete at the highest possible standard.

    The symposium explored equity and diversity in elite paralympic sport through the lens of exercise and sport science, social justice, tourism and leisure, sport management, disability rehabilitation and inclusion. Building toward the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, this was a key opportunity for participants to incorporate the pillars of equity and diversity into their performance programs and research to drive performance.

    SYMPOSIUM SUMMARY
    by Dr Georgia Munro-Cook

    Keynote: Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity

    Our keynote address for Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity was provided by Natalie Charlton. Natalie is the current Pathway Specialist for Paralympics Australia, with a legacy of building and delivering a variety of sports programs from grassroots community development through to performance pathways.

    Natalie discussed the importance of thinking inclusively to ensure we meet our medal targets for Brisbane 2032. At the moment, we do not have enough athletes at the bottom of the talent pipeline or the sporting environments for athletes to grow and developments. By accessing a broader demographic of people and opening our sport system to everyone, we can grow our talent pool, but it is essential to create environments that centre athletes and their needs. Natalie provided her experience with the Northern Territory Sports Academy: Para Futures Program as an example of good practice.

    https://youtu.be/M8Ohj6ZElRo


    Gender Inequity and Paralympic Sport

    Dr Georgia Munro-Cook presented on the importance of gender equity and Paralympic Sport. Georgia has successfully represented Australia in Wheelchair Basketball and is now a champion of promoting intersectional approaches to create positive experiences for women in disability sport.

    Georgia pointed out the gender disparities on the Australian Paralympic team, which only comprised of 44% women, much lower than the Olympic team which had 55.9% women athletes. She discussed some of what makes para-sport more difficult for women, including poor pathways, fast-tracked development, mixed-gender training and games, challenges with coaches, and the role of the media.

    https://youtu.be/xLotCMwpVqA


    Optimising Performance and Participation for Indigenous and CALD athletes

    Dr Kerry Hall gave us an insight into how Indigenous ways of learning can created culturally safe spaces in para-sport. Dr Hall offered a way of transforming sport cultures to centre athlete voice and ensure cultural safety. Dr Hall is a proud descendant of the Kuku Thaypan, Kuku Warra and Lama Lama Peoples from Cape York Peninsula, whose work aims to address access, engagement and inequity issues specific to First Nations Peoples through collaboration and prioritising community voices and perspectives.

    Dr Diti Bhattachyarya revealed some of the issues that face Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people in sport. She challenged the taken-for-granted assumptions organisations have about CALD diverse people, for example, the notion that CALD athletes are expected to be role models. Instead, she stressed the importance of cultural safety. Dr Bhattachyarya’s research relates to how sporting practices and fitness cultures can be used as a social conduit through which marginalised communities experience a sense of belonging and community.

    https://youtu.be/BKfDvkmG7LA


    Paradox of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Paralympic Classification

    Professor Sean Tweedy is the Principal Investigator for the International Paralympic Committee’s Classification Research and Development Centre. He works to develop best practice and evidence-based methods for allocating athletes to classed. Professor Tweedy gave an excellent overview of why classification is important to enable para-sport, even if it is sometimes exclusive.

    https://youtu.be/VH9TwFCqcKc


    Equity and Design Thinking in Technology

    Laurent Frossard is a bionic limb specialist passionate about developing ground-breaking prosthetic solutions. Laurent discussed how technology like bionic limbs can be both inclusive—allowing people with disability to engage with sport—and exclusive, as their incredible expense benefits high-income countries.

    Matt McShane is an Australian Paralympian and an Industrial Designer with a passion for co-designing technologies to improve the lives of individuals with a disability. Matt again emphasised the inequities in access to technology, while also stressing the importance of centreing the athlete voice in technology design.

    https://youtu.be/fx-Y3wNtpn8


    Panel Discussion

    We had a fantastic panel discussion in which Michael Dobbie-Bridges, Robyn Smith, and Ben Newton had an illuminating debate centred around the following questions:

    • How can we create a cohesive sport system and strong pathways for para-athletes by centring inclusion?
    • How do inclusion and equity factor into our legacy planning?
    • What is the role of policy in driving inclusion and equity?
    • Brisbane 2032 – quality or quantity?

    Michael Dobbie-Bridges is a celebrated Paralympian, representing Australia in wheelchair tennis. In addition to Michael’s considerable sporting achievements, he is an advocate for promoting inclusion and support for individuals with a disability, across multiple sectors including health care and employment opportunities and wheelchair sports. His expertise includes high-level policy development and driving meaningful change within the government administration industry.

    Robyn Smith has worked at the National level in Sports Administration for the past 3 decades as Chief Executive Officer of Sport Inclusion Australia. Her role includes working closely with Government Agencies, Paralympics Australia and National Sporting Organisations, including School Sport Australia to develop appropriate inclusive services and opportunities for athletes with an impairment into the mainstream community. In 2022, Robyn was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to people with disability through sport.

    Ben Newton is a respected Paralympian, coach, and accessibility advocate. He represented Australia in wheelchair rugby for two decades. In 2014 Ben was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to sport and is now Head Coach of the Queensland Academy of Sport High Performance Program and Assistant Coach for the Australian Steelers Development Program. Prior to his coaching roles Ben worked at Queensland Rail for ten years as the Principal Accessibility Adviser.

    https://youtu.be/i4mpHQjtMKM


    Wrap Up

    In the last session of the day, to provide concluding remarks we invited Simone Fullagar on behalf of Griffith Inclusive Futures and Brendan Burkett on behalf of Queensland Para Sport Network for Performance Enhancement and Applied Research.

    https://youtu.be/kdsbx67gkgA


    More information: Please contact inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

  • Inclusive Futures Disability Research Writing Competition 2024

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    🌟 Celebrating Inclusive Futures and Outstanding Research! 🌟

    On this International Day of People with Disability, we’re thrilled to announce the winner of the Inclusive Futures Disability Research Writing Competition 2024—a celebration of research that reimagines a world where disability is no barrier.

    Text in the caption below.

    Judges' Choice Winner:

    Ms Casey Doherty, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
    Her paper, Reimagining Protest: Artivism in the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) Community, demonstrates how art and activism intersect to drive inclusion and understanding. Casey’s compelling narrative and accessible communication earned her the AUD$500 prize and a feature in our annual digital compendium.


    Text in the caption below.

    Short-listed entrants:

    • Mrs Rhonda Beggs, Metro South Health
    • Ms Belinda Coleman, RMIT / Aurecon
    • Sarah Fulton, Redland Hospital, Metro South Health
    • Dr Catherine Maitland, Australian Disability Network
    • Mrs Laura Ryan, University of Queensland
    • Dr Rebecca Soole, University of Queensland
    • Ms Jane Wardlaw, University of Tasmania
    • Mrs Louise White, Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University

    Communicating complex research in an accessible way, is a challenging but essential skill. This competition highlights the importance of not only advancing academic knowledge, but also ensuring it reaches those who can benefit most.

    We encourage all participants to continue honing their communication skills alongside their research. Accessible storytelling is a powerful tool for driving understanding and advancing disability inclusion.

    A heartfelt thank you to all entrants for their impactful contributions. Together, we’re breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future. 💡

    We would like to thank our sponsor The Hopkins Centre, who kindly donated the prize money, and our esteemed judges Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Dr Monique Lewis, Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester, Lisa Cox, Sara Shams and our moderator Delena Amsters.

    Interested in next year’s competition? Learn more about how your research could make a difference!

    Follow us on social media and join our Inclusive Futures Mailing List for updates:
    https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au

    Visit our Inclusive Futures Hub to read the Judges’ Choice and short listed entries.

    https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-futures-research-writing-competition

    For more information email: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au



  • Disability Action Week 2024 – Accessible communication: connect, include and empower

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    Griffith University: Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. Disability Action Week - Accessible Communication. Connect. Include. Empower. Cartoon graphics of diverse people standing above the Hopkins Centre Logo.

    🎉 It’s Disability Action Week 2024 (24 Nov – 1 Dec)! This year’s theme is Accessible Communication: Connect, Include, Empower.

    Join us in celebrating inclusive communication for everyone! We’re excited to share some of the effective strategies and creative solutions we use at Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, to make communication more accessible for all.

    Social Media Tile - Text in the caption.

    Did you know?

    More than 1.3 billion people worldwide–including 21.4% of Australians–live with a disability or chronic health condition?

    Disability results from the interaction between people with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that impacts full participation in society on an equal basis with others.


    Disability: The Statistics

    • 16% of the world’s population or over 1.3 billion people experience some form of disability.[1]
    • 21.4% of Australians or 5.5 million people experience disability and live with an impairment.[2]
    • 7.6% of Australian children <15 experience some form of disability.[3]
    • 650,000 people in Australia are active NDIS participants with approved plans.[4]

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    Accessible Communication for Everyone
    Accessible communication is essential for creating a society that connects and includes everyone, regardless of ability. Clear, inclusive communication helps to ensure that information, services, and opportunities are available to all people, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine engagement in every aspect of life.


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    Consider your Audience
    When creating content, consider the divers learning and communication needs of your audience. Accessible technologies and inclusive communication materials are essential to effectively reach and support people with disability, with approximately half of all Australians with disability reported to use some form of aid or assistive device. Further, almost 1 in 10 have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment because of their disability needs.


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    Accessibility for the d/Deaf and signing community
    Approximately 466 million people (or 6.1% of the world’s population) are living with hearing loss. In Australia, one in six people are affected by a variety of forms of hearing loss. There are 30,000 Australian Sign Language (Auslan) users.[5]

    Some ways of supporting the d/Deaf and the signing community include:

    • Use subtitles and captions – preferably live captions where possible
    • Use the services of an Auslan interpreter (where needed)
    • Provide verbatim transcripts of live events, meetings and events
    • Enable technology access
    • Facilitate the use of online chats in virtual meetings (as an option) – NB: lipreading, captioning and Auslan interpreting is preferred
    • Use digital whiteboards, this is especially helpful in medical settings or emergencies.

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    Accessibility for blind, low vision and other vision impairments

    • Use large, scalable, legible fonts – preferably sans serif, upper and lower case, with high contrast such as bold and normal text
    • Avoid the use of all caps, italics and underline (unless a hyperlink)
    • Use clear, high contrast colours – use an accessibility colour checker
    • Ensure your communication is screen reader accessible
    • Use alternative (Alt) text on images and label decorative objects as such
    • Use braille where possible, especially on signage in public spaces
    • Provide multiple / alternate formats
    • Use pattern, texture, shapes and labels rather than colour, especially on graphs, charts and diagrams
    • Do not use too much red or colour, just for the sake of using colour – this is not helpful for individuals with low vision or those who are colour blind.

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    Communication accessibility for mobility disability

    • Use accessible spaces and conduct site visits where possible
    • Offer hands-free options such as lapel microphones
    • Offer multiple formats e.g. print, written, audio, video and digital, depending on your target audience and their requirements
    • Use assistive technologies such as speech-to-text, eye-tracking systems, adaptive keyboards, headsets and mounted devices.

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    Cognitive considerations

    • Visual Aids – Provide visual aids, step-by-step instructions, or prompts for individuals with cognitive impairments
    • Be Patient – Be patient with slower or non-verbal communicators; confirm understanding with repetition or paraphrasing
    • Assistive Technologies – Use apps or devices that facilitate simple, customisable communication (e.g., ACC or communication boards)
    • Avoid Special Effects – Avoid the heavy use of effects such as animation, transition, flickering or strobing in multimedia
    • Use Plain Language – Use plain, straightforward language to reduce cognitive load for individuals with brain injury / processing difficulties
    • Easy Read & Visual Aids – Incorporate gestures, visual aids and easy read formats to supplement standard verbal and written communication.

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    Design for equal access
    By embracing accessible designs and tools, we create environments where everyone has equal opportunities to connect, understand, and participate fully.

    • Design for accessibility and inclusion
    • Use inclusive language
    • Apply universal design principals
    • Embrace co-design
    • Test your content
    • Facilitate inclusion training for your staff.

    Our Commitment at Inclusive Futures and The Hopkins Centre
    At Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and The Hopkins Centre at Griffith University, we’re dedicated to leading the way in accessible practices. Here’s a look at some of the ways we’re advancing inclusion and accessibility:

    Together, we are building a world where everyone can connect, be included, and feel empowered. Discover how you can integrate accessible communication practices into your workplace, starting with small, impactful steps.

    Thank you for committing to a future where communication is accessible to all.

    MORE INFORMATION For more information, collaborate or to partner with us in creating inclusive accessible content, research, projects or events, please email: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au or hopkinscentre@griffith.edu.auMORE INFORMATION

    For more information, collaborate or to partner with us in creating inclusive accessible content, research, projects or events, please email: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au or hopkinscentre@griffith.edu.au


    DISCLAIMER
    We use person-first language and follow the definition provided by the CRPD. However, we fully respect and support each individual’s right to use language and describe their identity in ways that feel authentic to them.


    REFERENCES

    [1] The World Health Organisation, 2024.

    [2] Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022.

    [3] Queensland Government, 2024.

    [4] NDIS, 2024.

    [5] Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022.

  • The Dignity Project Honoured in Nature Awards for Inclusive Health Research 2024

    Share The Dignity Project Honoured in Nature Awards for Inclusive Health Research 2024 on Facebook Share The Dignity Project Honoured in Nature Awards for Inclusive Health Research 2024 on Twitter Share The Dignity Project Honoured in Nature Awards for Inclusive Health Research 2024 on Linkedin Email The Dignity Project Honoured in Nature Awards for Inclusive Health Research 2024 link
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    We are delighted to announce that Dr. Kelsey Chapman has been awarded the winner of the prestigious Nature Award for Inclusive Health Research in partnership with Takeda for her work with The Dignity Project.

    Her impactful work with the Dignity Project and Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability is a powerful example of how research and advocacy can come together to improve systems and services for people with disability. This recognition is well-deserved, and it speaks volumes about the impact Kelsey and her incredible team, including Angel Dixon OAM, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM, and many more, are making in the field.

    The Dignity Project continues to challenge conventional approaches to disability research, fostering systemic changes that promote inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare. Dr. Chapman and her team's work is revolutionising how the medical community approaches disability and inclusion in health research.

    This recognition from Nature, one of the world's leading scientific journals, underscores the significance of inclusive research methodologies and their potential to create lasting positive change in healthcare delivery.

    We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Chapman and her team on this well-deserved recognition of their outstanding contributions to inclusive health research.

    To learn more about this award-winning project, visit the official webpage here.

    Read more about the Nature Awards and visit The Dignity Project website to find out more about Kelsey's impactful work.

    A montage of images showing Dr Kelsey Chapman receiving her award. Kelsey is a young professional woman with long sandy blonde hair. She is wearing a blue pants suit and smiles for the camera whilst holding her award.

    A montage of images showing Dr Kelsey Chapman and other recipients receiving their Nature Awards at the ceremony in South Africa, October 2024. Kelsey is a young professional woman with long sandy blonde hair. She is wearing a blue pants suit and smiles for the camera whilst holding her award. The other diverse recipients are also shown, all from different countries and nationalities.


Page last updated: 18 Feb 2025, 11:24 AM