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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

🎉 Congratulations to Joe-Anne Kek-Pamenter – named Champion of Accessibility in the 2025 ADCET Accessibility in Action Awards!

Joe-Anne is the Graphic Design and Communications Officer at Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and The Hopkins Centre at Griffith University. With over 30 years’ experience in design and education — and hard of hearing since the age of 16 — Joe-Anne brings a powerful combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and inclusive design thinking to everything she does.

At Griffith, Joe-Anne plays a central role in shaping accessible research and events across numerous major initiatives. She works under the leadership of Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM, Dr Maretta Mann and Professor Tim Geraghty, and collaborates closely with researchers and teams to ensure accessibility is embedded from concept to delivery.

Some of her standout contributions include:

• The Dignity Project and Voice of Queenslanders with Disability, under the leadership of Dr Kelsey Chapman, where Joe-Anne led the design of highly accessible visual reports, infographics, diagrams and inclusive storytelling platforms.
• The development of Inclusive Events and Inclusive Design Toolkits, in collaboration with accessibility expert Rebekah Barker, to support inclusive practices across higher education.
• Accessible design and Easy Read materials for First Nations research and NDIS-related projects.
• Her earlier work as a TAFE Queensland educator, where she taught business administration, computing and design for over a decade.

Joe-Anne holds a Bachelor of Multimedia Studies (Faculty Medallist and Dux) from CQUniversity, alongside qualifications in graphic design, education and digital accessibility. She has worked across tertiary, government, and community sectors, including with Media Diversity Australia (designing the Disability Reporting Handbook) and as a judge for the Centre for Accessibility’s Australian Access Awards.

She was also instrumental in the development of the ADCET Guideline for Guideline for Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Online – a groundbreaking national resource created in collaboration with Cathy Easte, Bobby Blackson, and Gary Kerridge. Now in its fifth year as ADCET’s most accessed guide, it remains a trusted resource in digital accessibility.

👏 This award recognises Joe-Anne’s sustained advocacy, creative leadership, and enduring commitment to accessible design and education. Griffith University is proud to celebrate her outstanding achievement.

🔗 Learn more about the ADCET Awards: https://www.adcet.edu.au/our-work/accessibility-in-action-award

Queensland is shaping an inclusive future for people with disability through co-design and you can be involved and have your voice heard. Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is running the forums across Queensland as well as online.

The Queensland Disability Reform Community Forums are now open for registration right across Queensland.

Hear what people have said in earlier forums and how it is informing reform work. Everyone with an interest in or connection to disability is welcome to attend.

For more information and to register for a forum please visit
https://qdn.org.au/community-forums/

Further details, including dates and locations, can be found here and have also included summary of locations below.

Townsville Community Forum
Date: Monday 19 May
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Mercure Townsville - 166 Woolcock Street, Currajong QLD
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-townsville

Longreach Community Forum
Date: Tuesday 20 May
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Longreach Civic and Cultural Centre, 96a Eagle Street, Longreach Queensland 4730
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-longreach

Online Community Forum #1
Date: Monday 26 May
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-online-1

Mt Isa Community Forum
Date: Tuesday 27 May
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Terrace Gardens Function Centre, 4 Duchess Rd, Mt Isa
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-mt-isa

Brisbane Community Forum
Date: Tuesday 3 June
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, cnr Glenelg and Merivale Sts South Bank QLD
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-brisbane

Online Community Forum #2
Date: Wednesday 4 June
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-online-2

Hervey Bay Community Forum
Date: Thursday 5 June
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Hervey Bay Community Centre, 22 Charles Street, Pialba Queensland 4655
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-hervey-bay

Gympie Community Forum
Date: Friday 6 June
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Gympie Community Place, 18 Excelsior Road, Gympie Queensland 4570
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-gympie

Sunshine Coast Community Forum
Date: Friday 13 June
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra Queensland 4551
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-sunshine-coast

May marks Brain Cancer Awareness Month—a time to spotlight not only the medical but also the financial and emotional toll of brain tumours.

New honours research by Jasmine Luttrell reveals that over half of brain tumour survivors report significant financial hardship, which is closely linked to increased anxiety and reduced quality of life.

This study, led by Prof. Tamara Ownsworth was a NHMRC funded collaboration between Griffith University, Metro South Health (Radiation Oncology) and the Cancer Council Queensland.

Find out more:

https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/brain-cancer-financial-toxicity-and-quality-of-503

Read the full paper in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-025-01814-4

Citation

Luttrell, J., Lion, K., Pinkham, M. B., Collins, L. G., Ownsworth, T. The impact of financial toxicity on quality of life for survivors of primary brain tumour. Journal of Cancer Survivorship (2025).

Have your say – help shape better healthcare for people with disability in Queensland.

Griffith University researchers want to hear from people with disability and their supporters about healthcare experiences – what’s improved and what still needs to change.

This work is part of an evaluation of the "See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me." campaign — a Queensland Health initiative co-designed with people with disability to help health professionals and the community better understand, respect, and include people with disability.

You can take the survey even if you haven’t heard of the campaign.

🕒 It takes about 15–20 minutes
♿ Accessible formats are available
🎁 Go in the draw to win 1 of 3 $50 gift vouchers

Who can do the survey?
People aged 18+
Living in Queensland
A person with disability, or a carer/family member/significant other of a person with disability

📣 Your voice matters!

Your feedback will help improve healthcare and create more respectful, inclusive services across Queensland.

👉 Share your experience or learn more about the survey: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/evaluation?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Inclusive-Futures-April-Monthly-Roundup&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq

📩 More information:

Dr Kelsey Chapman
Research Fellow
Griffith University
dignityproject@griffith.edu.au

This project is proudly supported by Queenslanders with Disability Network and the Queensland Government.

Let’s make sure everyone feels seen, heard and respected in healthcare.

Help Amplify the Voices of Queenslanders with Disability

We are excited to announce that the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Survey 2025 is now live! This vital research, led by The Dignity Project at Griffith University, provides an opportunity for Queenslanders with disability, their families, carers, and organisations to share their experiences, helping to shape a more inclusive and accessible future.

We are proud to collaborate with Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services, and Child Safety to ensure that lived experiences are heard and inform future policies and programs.

We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting this survey through your networks. You can help by:

• Taking the survey: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/hub-page/vqd
• Sharing the survey via email, newsletters, or your social media channels
• Sharing our social media: https://shorturl.at/0oFD6
• Forwarding this information to any citizen researchers, colleagues, or community members who may be interested
• Encouraging participation in alternate formats or through phone/virtual interviews

Survey closes: Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Accessible and alternate formats are available to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.

We appreciate your help in spreading the word so we can reach as many voices as possible. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive Queensland.

For more information, please contact us at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au.

Thank you for your support!

Dr Kelsey Chapman
Research Fellow
The Dignity Project
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the diversity and contributions of Australia’s autistic community. With over 290,900 autistic individuals across the country, the conversation is evolving—moving beyond awareness toward understanding, inclusion, and meaningful action.

On 2 April, World Autism Understanding Day (#WAUD2025), we are reminded that true inclusion starts with how we see, support, and empower autistic individuals. A growing body of research is challenging traditional models of autism assessment and support, advocating for a strengths-based approach.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
The National Autism Strategy (2025-2031)

As Australia prepares to implement the National Autism Strategy (2025-2031), integrating research-backed, person-centered approaches like this framework is crucial. By shifting towards strengths-based assessments, we can create a more inclusive society—one where autistic individuals are supported to live the lives they choose.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Learn & Share – Amplify research that promotes strengths-based, individualised support.

Listen to Autistic Voices – Inclusion starts with understanding lived experience.

Advocate for Change – Support workplaces, schools, and communities in adopting strengths-based approaches.

Autism Awareness Month is about more than recognition—it’s about real change. By embracing research-driven, strengths-based approaches, we can build a future where every autistic person is valued and empowered.

👉 Please share this research to help shift the conversation beyond awareness to action!

MORE INFORMATION:

The Hopkins Centre
hopkinscentre@griffith.edu.au

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/

📚 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