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Jetstar's proposed carry-on baggage changes raise accessibility concerns

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Jetstar's announcement (Wednesday, 5 August 2026) that it plans to introduce charges for overhead carry-on luggage has sparked widespread discussion about affordability, convenience and the impact on travellers. While much of the public debate has focused on additional costs and changes to the flying experience, the implications for people with disability (PwD) and those with chronic health conditions have received far less attention.
For many people with disability, carry-on baggage is not simply a matter of convenience—it often contains essential medications, medical equipment, assistive technology and other items that must remain with the traveller throughout their journey. Any changes toContinue reading
Jetstar's announcement (Wednesday, 5 August 2026) that it plans to introduce charges for overhead carry-on luggage has sparked widespread discussion about affordability, convenience and the impact on travellers. While much of the public debate has focused on additional costs and changes to the flying experience, the implications for people with disability (PwD) and those with chronic health conditions have received far less attention.
For many people with disability, carry-on baggage is not simply a matter of convenience—it often contains essential medications, medical equipment, assistive technology and other items that must remain with the traveller throughout their journey. Any changes to baggage policies therefore need to be carefully considered to ensure they do not create additional barriers or inequity in air travel and uphold the rights of people with disability.
Associate Professor Lisa Stafford, ARC Future Fellow in Transport Equality with Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University, joined ABC Melbourne's The Conversation Hour to discuss the accessibility implications of Jetstar's proposed changes and why meaningful engagement with people with disability is essential before implementing new changes.
What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear from people with disability, carers, advocates, transport providers and the broader community about these proposed charges and changes to carry-on. Share your experiences and ideas in the comments—what should accessible and inclusive air travel look like?
Leave your comments on our LinkedIn article or email A/Prof. Lisa Stafford directly.
Find out more about Associate Professor Lisa Stafford, her research and advocacy: https://experts.griffith.edu.au/31709-lisa-stafford/professional

Find out more about the Transport Equity for All – Research Project: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/hub-page/transport-equity-for-all

More information:
A/Prof. Lisa Stafford
Lead Researcher
ARC Future Fellow
Griffith University
lisa.stafford@griffith.edu.au

774 ABC MELBOURNE | THE CONVERSATION HOUR

Presented by: Mary Gearin

Guest: Associate Professor Lisa Stafford, ARC future Fellow in Transport Equality, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University

Listen: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/theconversationhour/the-conversation-hour/106986604

TRANSCRIPT:

Mary: Now there is inconvenience and cost, but also when it comes to people with accessibility issues that’s pretty serious. We've got Associate Professor Lisa Stafford on the line, ARC Future Fellow in Transport Equity with Inclusive Futures at Griffith University. Lisa, thank you so much for joining us. Chris Cipone was saying we're not exactly sure what it means for people for instance with medical needs. What's do you think from your reading of Jetstar's changes?
Associate Professor Lisa Stafford: Thanks so much, Mary, for opening up this conversation about these implications, and we have been caught out.
When I saw Jetstar's media release, my first thought was: Have they actually engaged with people with disability and the chronic illness communities to understand what these impacts are?
While yes, the Aviation White Paper puts some protections in place, they still haven’t come into play. There is still a lot that needs to be thought through, because carry-on baggage isn't a luxury, carryon bags have some really important essential items for many of us. I think we can all relate to putting our medications on board, health equipment, a change of clothes—all of these things are really critically important, but for people with disability they are essential. What does that look like, how are they even going to manage when the process we know is already so complicated for people with a disability.
Mary: That's what I was going to say, it’s a bit of a straw and camel’s back situation already. How difficult is it to have accessibility catered for in Australian airlines?
Lisa Stafford: The Disability Royal Commission in Nov 2022 held a specific workshop on air travel because of the significant reported lived experience of discrimination people with disability face.
It’s such a complicated journey, from trying to book your tickets, having to be there well ahead of check in, boarding before everyone else, you have to sit on board, and have to wait for everyone to get off, and hopefully they will turn up. It’s such a complex process already.
And I just think, how will Jetstar ensure that they are not adding financial, time and emotional load burden, which we already know exists for people with a disability with this process, because it is real.
They mention a small backpack, laptop and handbag is allowed underneath, but what does that look like and then you think about the staff, and how are they going to manage that. If you already go to a different airport, it’s a different experience, and regional areas alone, that’s further impact for regions, so I can imagine how that is managed, knowing that I fly regional. So, there is all these complications.
I think personally even, I use a power wheelchair myself and I have to take my batteries onboard and while that is not charged, at the moment, my batteries are long, they have to come onboard and can’t go underneath, they’re 55cm’s, I have to have a 60 centimetre bag and now under their rules my bag is not even allowed to go on, even if I wanted to pay.
For access, as Chris mentioned, and put this really well, we are paying for access, but the inequality this is actually going to present for so many people.
And I just feel like Jetstar haven’t read the room here, like when we think about already the significant cost-of-living pressure people are experiencing, this is another cost burden on people when they haven’t reduced the ticket price have they.
Mary: Well, that's right, they’re saying it’s keeping them low. Lisa, I want to dig into this topic more but thank you so much for being here this morning, I think we should take a wider look at the sector as well. Thank you!
Lisa Stafford: Thanks so much, Mary. Much appreciated thanks Mary.
Lisa Stafford's key messages were:
Carry-on luggage contains essential items, including medication, for many travellers.
Existing barriers to accessible air travel are already significant, as highlighted during the Disability Royal Commission.
The proposed changes risk increasing financial, time and emotional burdens on people with disability.
Introducing additional costs during a cost-of-living crisis is also concerning.
Any changes need to protect the rights of people with disability.
Jetstar should work with people with disability and chronic illness communities to ensure these changes don't create further inequity and barriers to air travel.
Singaporean delegation visits Griffith to explore inclusive education and employment

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On 28 July, Griffith University's Nathan campus hosted a 17-person delegation from Singapore's Ministry of Education and seven partner polytechnics and institutes, including Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Singapore, Temasek and Republic Polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education. The visit formed part of an ongoing exchange on supporting students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
The roundtable brought together senior leaders from Griffith's student wellbeing, accessibility, employability and disability research teams, with Professor Elizabeth Kendall sharing insights from Griffith's disability research program.
A whole-of-institution approach
Delegates heard how Griffith has moved beyond a case-by-case disability support model toward an institution-wide approachContinue reading
On 28 July, Griffith University's Nathan campus hosted a 17-person delegation from Singapore's Ministry of Education and seven partner polytechnics and institutes, including Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Singapore, Temasek and Republic Polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education. The visit formed part of an ongoing exchange on supporting students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
The roundtable brought together senior leaders from Griffith's student wellbeing, accessibility, employability and disability research teams, with Professor Elizabeth Kendall sharing insights from Griffith's disability research program.
A whole-of-institution approach
Delegates heard how Griffith has moved beyond a case-by-case disability support model toward an institution-wide approach, embedded across student services, academic policy, employability and research. Around 14 per cent of Griffith students identify as having a disability, with support spanning senior disability advisors, accessibility resources, and a Deaf Student Support Program with more than 50 directly employed Auslan interpreters.
There was particular interest in Griffith's shift toward Universal Design for Learning — building accessibility into course design from the outset, led by a dedicated advisor working with the Centre for Excellence in Education.
Employability and research
The visit also explored Griffith's evolution into a broader employability ecosystem, with career readiness data embedded into enrolment and work-integrated learning built into degrees using inclusive design principles. Delegates were equally interested in Griffith's disability research platform, which connects around 300 researchers university-wide and emphasises disability-led, co-designed research.
Looking ahead
The session identified strong alignment between Griffith and Singapore institutions around work readiness, evidence-based practice and sustainable support models. Both sides expressed interest in continuing the exchange — potentially through future campus visits, workshops, joint webinars or applied research collaboration.
GAAD Spotlight: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Events

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Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day — a day to reflect on digital access, inclusion, and what it really means to make spaces welcoming for everyone.
To mark the occasion, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability is proud to share our Inclusive and Accessible Events Checklist — a practical resource designed to help organisations plan, deliver and evaluate accessible events.
Co-designed with people with disability and refined over five years through real-world event delivery, the checklist is a living resource, regularly updated as technologies and best practices evolve.
Below, we walk through the key elements of inclusive and accessible event planning.
AccessibilityContinue reading
Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day — a day to reflect on digital access, inclusion, and what it really means to make spaces welcoming for everyone.
To mark the occasion, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability is proud to share our Inclusive and Accessible Events Checklist — a practical resource designed to help organisations plan, deliver and evaluate accessible events.
Co-designed with people with disability and refined over five years through real-world event delivery, the checklist is a living resource, regularly updated as technologies and best practices evolve.
Below, we walk through the key elements of inclusive and accessible event planning.
Accessibility isn’t a last-minute add-on — it starts at the planning stage. Ask the right questions early and you’ll save yourself a lot of scrambling later.
Start with Inclusion
Accessibility starts at the planning stage.

Ask early:
• Who might experience barriers?
• What supports are needed?
• Have people with disability been consulted?

Not sure if your venue is accessible? Here's your starting checklist — for in-person and online events.
Choose an Accessible Venue or Platform

Accessibility matters for both in-person and online events.

Best practice includes:
• Step-free access
• Accessible toilets
• Nearby transport and parking
• Good lighting and acoustics
• Quiet sensory-friendly spaces
• Virtual attendance option for those who cannot attend in person
• Live captions, Auslan and screen reader compatibility
• Accessible online platforms

An accessible event isn't just about the physical space, it's about whether everyone can actually engage with the information. Before, during, and after.
Make Communication Accessible
Ensure everyone can engage with your event.

Consider:
• Accessible event registration forms and websites
• Marketing/communication materials in accessible formats
• Live captioning
• Auslan interpreters
• Alt text, Plain English and/or Easy Read materials
• Accessible presentation graphics
• Video/audio with captions/audio descriptions
• Pre-reading and accessible handouts in alternate formats
• Agendas, minutes, transcripts post event (if applicable)
• Audio recordings with speaker attribution and descriptive overviews for persons who are blind or have low vision.

Not every barrier is visible. Sensory overwhelm is real and preventable. Think About Sensory Needs
Busy events can be overwhelming.

Create supportive spaces with:
• Quiet zones
• Reduced noise areas
• Calm lighting, no strobe lights or flashing lights
• Clear signage
• Flexible seating options
• Inclusion training

If your presenter can see it, but your attendees can't access it — it's not accessible. Here's how to close that gap.Make Presentations Accessible for ALL Attendees
Help everyone engage fully with presentations and discussions

Best practice includes:
• Accessible presentation materials shared in advance
• Speakers introducing themselves before speaking
• Verbal descriptions of images, charts and videos
• Reading visual content aloud
• Use of large clear fonts
• Strong colour contrast
• Microphones (handheld or lapel) for all speakers
• Captioned videos

The way you set up a room tells people whether they were an afterthought or part of the plan
Inclusive Event Layouts Matter

Small design choices make a big difference.

Include:
• Wide aisles
• Accessible seating locations
• Clear pathways
• Spaces for mobility devices
• Front-row access for interpreters/captioning
• Facilities for assistance animals, water bowl, toileting area

Think about attendees needs and accessibility requirements when arranging catering. Are they a wheelchair user, do they need lowered heights? Will there be assistance animals in attendance?Accessibility Includes Catering Too
Food and beverage areas should work for everyone.

Consider:
• Clearly labelled dietary options
• Accessible table heights
• Seating with backs and armrests
• Accessible buffet, staff serving platters to tables or food truck ordering areas• If there are assistance animals in attendance, provide water bowls with fresh water

Accessibility is ongoing, seek feedback by way of evaluation forms and surveys and use these to improve your processes for next time.
Accessibility is Ongoing
Great accessible events are reviewed and improved.

Seek feedback from attendees and people with disability to continue building more inclusive experiences.

Learn more: Download the Inclusive and Accessible Events Checklist to use at your next event.
Learn More
Download the Inclusive and Accessible Events Checklist
Created by Rebekah Barker and Jo Kek-Pamenter
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University.
Access the checklist here: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-and-accessible-events

Contact us: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
New Publication Alert! Beyond a Buzzword: Advancing Disability-Inclusive Co-Design Research

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Beyond a Buzzword: Advancing Disability-Inclusive Co-Design Research

How can we make co-design more than just a trend in disability research — and ensure it truly delivers inclusive, impactful outcomes?
In their latest open-access publication, Dr Kelsey Chapman, Joyce Yi and team from The Hopkins Centre and Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University call for a transformative shift in how disability-inclusive co-design research is understood, described, and reported. They highlight that while co-design holds huge promise for engaging people with lived experience of disability, inconsistent definitions, unclear reporting, and lack of shared language risk reducing it to a hollow buzzword rather than a rigorous and accountable approach.
This research is important because it doesn’t just critique current practice — it offers urgent, actionable recommendations to build capacity, promote transparency, and strengthen the integrity of disability inclusive research. By improving how co-design is defined, taught, and reported, research becomes more meaningful, equitable, and impactful for people with disability and the communities that care about inclusive outcomes.
👉 Read the full paper here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40900-025-00831-y

Acknowledgements
The Hopkins Centre – Kelsey Chapman, Michael Norwood, Kelly Clanchy, Camila Shirota, Jessie Mitchell & Ellizabeth Kendall
IFRD: Kelsey Chapman, Joyce Yi, Maretta Mann, Ellizabeth Kendall
The School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Griffith University – Kelly Chanchy
Dept of Marketing, Griffith University – Joan Carlini
Funders: Metro South Health, Griffith University, NIISQ, MAIC.
Beyond a Buzzword: Advancing Disability-Inclusive Co-Design Research

How can we make co-design more than just a trend in disability research — and ensure it truly delivers inclusive, impactful outcomes?
In their latest open-access publication, Dr Kelsey Chapman, Joyce Yi and team from The Hopkins Centre and Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University call for a transformative shift in how disability-inclusive co-design research is understood, described, and reported. They highlight that while co-design holds huge promise for engaging people with lived experience of disability, inconsistent definitions, unclear reporting, and lack of shared language risk reducing it to a hollow buzzword rather than a rigorous and accountable approach.
This research is important because it doesn’t just critique current practice — it offers urgent, actionable recommendations to build capacity, promote transparency, and strengthen the integrity of disability inclusive research. By improving how co-design is defined, taught, and reported, research becomes more meaningful, equitable, and impactful for people with disability and the communities that care about inclusive outcomes.
👉 Read the full paper here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40900-025-00831-y

Acknowledgements
The Hopkins Centre – Kelsey Chapman, Michael Norwood, Kelly Clanchy, Camila Shirota, Jessie Mitchell & Ellizabeth Kendall
IFRD: Kelsey Chapman, Joyce Yi, Maretta Mann, Ellizabeth Kendall
The School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Griffith University – Kelly Chanchy
Dept of Marketing, Griffith University – Joan Carlini
Funders: Metro South Health, Griffith University, NIISQ, MAIC.
Voice of Queenslanders with Disability 2025 wins national award for disability co-design excellence

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The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability 2025 project has been recognised with the Trust & Transparency Award at the 15th Annual Granicus Digital Government Awards, presented to government and public sector organisations leading the way in digital service delivery and community engagement.
The project — a collaboration between Griffith University's Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Queenslanders with Disability Network, and the Queensland Government — provides annual, publicly available insights into the lived experiences of Queenslanders with disability, supporting accountable, evidence-based policy development across the state.
Over three years, more than 1,700 people with disability have contributed to the research asContinue reading
The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability 2025 project has been recognised with the Trust & Transparency Award at the 15th Annual Granicus Digital Government Awards, presented to government and public sector organisations leading the way in digital service delivery and community engagement.
The project — a collaboration between Griffith University's Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Queenslanders with Disability Network, and the Queensland Government — provides annual, publicly available insights into the lived experiences of Queenslanders with disability, supporting accountable, evidence-based policy development across the state.
Over three years, more than 1,700 people with disability have contributed to the research as participants and as citizen scientists guiding the work itself.
Dr Kelsey Chapman, Research Fellow and Project Lead at Inclusive Futures, said the award reflects the project's commitment to genuine inclusion. "The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability gives people with disability a genuine seat at the table — not just as participants, but as part of the research team driving the work."
The award was announced on 21 April 2026. For more information, visit granicus.com.au/awards.
A milestone moment for disability-led research

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We extend our sincere thanks to the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) for its leadership and investment in Citizen Research Essentials: A Short Course, launched today alongside the next NDRP Research Funding Round. This initiative represents a significant advancement in research by and with people with disability.

We also acknowledge and thank Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Australian Federal Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), for announcing the course and for her continued support of disability-led research.
Representing Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and The Dignity Project, Dr Kelsey Chapman (Research Fellow and Dignity ProjectContinue reading
We extend our sincere thanks to the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) for its leadership and investment in Citizen Research Essentials: A Short Course, launched today alongside the next NDRP Research Funding Round. This initiative represents a significant advancement in research by and with people with disability.

We also acknowledge and thank Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Australian Federal Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), for announcing the course and for her continued support of disability-led research.
Representing Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and The Dignity Project, Dr Kelsey Chapman (Research Fellow and Dignity Project Lead) and Rebekah Barker (Community and Citizen Engagement Manager) attended the launch, marking a year of collaboration with citizen co-designers and people with disability.
We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD (Director, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability), and to the Centre for Collaborative Educational Excellence, Griffith University, for their leadership and support of this work, including:
Learning Design
• Jenny Campagnolo and Renee Denham, Lead Learning and Teaching Designers
Contributors
• Rae Jobst, Learning & Teaching Designer
• Mark Lawson, Learning Media Designer
Co-designed with people with disability, Citizen Research Essentials reinforces a core principle we stand by: lived experience is expertise. Through the NDRP, 150 sponsored places are available.

📣 Expressions of interest are now open

🔗 Register or learn more:
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/citizen-researcher-essentials-a-short-course

Dr Kelsey Chapman
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability wishes you a very happy festive season!

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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 2026.
Dr Maretta Mann, Strategic Development Manager
FAREWELL DR MARETTA MANN
Our Strategic Development Manager, Dr Maretta Mann PhD will be leaving us in the new year, to take up an exciting new role in the CliniKids team at the The Kids Research Institute Australia. We thank Maretta for her contributions and supportContinue reading
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 2026.
Dr Maretta Mann, Strategic Development Manager
FAREWELL DR MARETTA MANN
Our Strategic Development Manager, Dr Maretta Mann PhD will be leaving us in the new year, to take up an exciting new role in the CliniKids team at the The Kids Research Institute Australia. We thank Maretta for her contributions and support, and we wish her every success in the future.
OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE
Wishing you a joyful and safe New Year! Please note our offices will be closed from Monday, 22 December 2025, to Monday, 5 January 2026. Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability will return in 2026 with more inclusive events, groundbreaking research, and meaningful opportunities for co-design and co-creation.
Thank you for your steadfast support throughout 2025.
Stay connected by catching up on our latest updates:
Inclusive Futures News: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news
Email us at: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
That's a Wrap - QDRN 2025 End of Year Final Events

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Last week, Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) stakeholders came together for our final catch-up of the year at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Petrie campus.
In just a few years, early discussions led by Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD, Charlotte Brownlow, and Ruth Barker have grown into a network making a real impact, supported by Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and the leadership of Dr Talitha Kingsmill.
From 2024 co-design workshops for DCSSDS that shaped the Queensland Disability Research Agenda (https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/queensland-disability-research-agenda), to recent presentations by Dr Rebecca Shipstone and panel discussions featuring Denise Wood AM, NerineContinue reading
Last week, Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) stakeholders came together for our final catch-up of the year at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Petrie campus.
In just a few years, early discussions led by Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD, Charlotte Brownlow, and Ruth Barker have grown into a network making a real impact, supported by Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and the leadership of Dr Talitha Kingsmill.
From 2024 co-design workshops for DCSSDS that shaped the Queensland Disability Research Agenda (https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/queensland-disability-research-agenda), to recent presentations by Dr Rebecca Shipstone and panel discussions featuring Denise Wood AM, Nerine Williams, and Dr Olivia Gatfield, QDRN is influencing policy and projects across Queensland.
With representation from eight universities, QDRN continues to demonstrate a truly collaborative approach. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our 2025 QDRN Advisory Group and Sector Stakeholder Committee members. The QDRN unites researchers, advocates, and stakeholders to advance inclusive research through quality co-design and collaboration across 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 throughout the new year!
To learn more or get involved, email us at qdrn@griffith.edu.auor connect with Dr Talitha Kingsmill directly at t.kingsmill@griffith.edu.au.
Let’s make 2026 a year of transformative progress for disability inclusion and research!
IDPwD 2025: Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress (online panel)

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Post-IDPwD 2025 Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD 2025). Our online forum—co-hosted by The Hopkins Centre, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, and the Griffith Business School—brought together an outstanding panel: Lisa Cox OAM, Dr Maria Golubovskaya, Brad Kinsela GAICD and A/Prof Popi Sotiriadou, moderated by Dr Kelsey Chapman.
Our speakers unpacked this year’s theme, Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, exploring opportunities for education, employment, business and community inclusion as we look ahead to Brisbane 2032.
If you missed the event, youContinue reading
Post-IDPwD 2025 Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD 2025). Our online forum—co-hosted by The Hopkins Centre, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, and the Griffith Business School—brought together an outstanding panel: Lisa Cox OAM, Dr Maria Golubovskaya, Brad Kinsela GAICD and A/Prof Popi Sotiriadou, moderated by Dr Kelsey Chapman.
Our speakers unpacked this year’s theme, Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, exploring opportunities for education, employment, business and community inclusion as we look ahead to Brisbane 2032.
If you missed the event, you can now watch the accessible recording and read the full transcript: https://youtu.be/1CtIb3MjHd0?si=dwtxovMtF3_I4Ffl
We also invite you to explore our HDR Scholars with Disability blog, showcasing lived-experience research shaping more inclusive futures at Griffith. https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/idpwd-celebrating-our-griffith-university-hdr-disability-scholars
👉 View the video, transcript, and event recap: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-538
More information:
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

Fostering disability inclusive societies
for advancing social progress
Join us to mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 (12:00–1:00pm AEST) in our online forum hosted by Griffith Business School’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Inclusive Futures Reimagining Disability, and The Hopkins Centre.
This year’s theme Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, offers an important opportunity to explore how we can create more inclusive communities as we head towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In Australia, one in five people experience disability and related barriers to meaningful employment. In this discussion, our panel will consider both the opportunities and challenges of fostering disability inclusion in Southeast Queensland—particularly in the areas of education, employment, volunteering, and business. We’ll also explore how mega-sporting events like Brisbane 2032 can be leveraged as tools for long-term social and economic progress, rather than producing only short-term, event-based opportunities.
You will hear from:
Lisa Cox OAM is an author, university researcher, TEDx speaker and internationally awarded thought leader. Her work is focused on epistemic disruption, leveraging the power and influence of industries like media and advertising to change social attitudes about disability while positively impacting social outcomes, like employment.

Dr. Maria Golubovskaya, Lecturer, Griffith Business School – researching youth and disability employment, hospitality work, and service worker wellbeing.

Brad Kinsela GAICD brings an extensive background as disability and social inclusion champion, qualified access consultant and board member/company director, Adjunct Industry Fellow at Griffith University, as well as an extensive career as a 'former' senior executive in the Government for over 26 years, including the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority. Coming from a background of disability and human rights advocacy, lobbying, and community-based human services and practice, it is not surprising that Brad has maintained his connections, profile, and commitment to living in a society that values, services and embraces all members of community
Separate from his public policy life, his love for family and friends and embracing the outdoor wonders of the world has seen Brad take his passion to have accessibility and inclusion as the 'norm' rather than the exception has taken him to many places, most notably Barcelona and Paris in 2025 during the Paralympic Games.
Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou is a lecturer and researcher with the Griffith Business School and a distinguished international expert in managing high-performance sport and sports education. Her work focuses particularly on advancing women in sport, accessibility, and inclusive practices that ensure equitable participation and representation. Popi is the founder of Vision for Motion, an innovative app that promotes physical activity, wellbeing, and community connection for people with visual impairments.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr Kelsey Chapman, Research Fellow with Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, whose work explores effective service delivery for people with disability, particularly in transport and health.
Accessibility will be a priority, with live captions available throughout the session. This event will also be recorded and shared post-event, along with a full transcript for those who could not attend via YouTube and our website.
More information
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
Dr Millicent Kennelly – Griffith Business School
m.kennelly@griffith.edu.au
APM and Griffith University announce new research partnership on neurodiversity in the workplace

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Advanced Personnel Management (APM) has entered into a new three-year research partnership with Griffith University and PhD Candidate and Adjunct Industry Fellow Aron Mercer, focused on understanding and improving the workplace experiences of neurodivergent employees. The project—Investigation into the Lived Experience of Neurodivergent Employees: Workplace Disclosure and Belonging—will explore how organisational culture, systems, and interpersonal dynamics shape decisions to disclose a neurodivergent identity at work, and how those decisions impact belonging across the employee lifecycle.
Neurodivergence affects an estimated one in five people, yet many choose not to disclose at work due to fears of stigma, misunderstandingContinue reading
Advanced Personnel Management (APM) has entered into a new three-year research partnership with Griffith University and PhD Candidate and Adjunct Industry Fellow Aron Mercer, focused on understanding and improving the workplace experiences of neurodivergent employees. The project—Investigation into the Lived Experience of Neurodivergent Employees: Workplace Disclosure and Belonging—will explore how organisational culture, systems, and interpersonal dynamics shape decisions to disclose a neurodivergent identity at work, and how those decisions impact belonging across the employee lifecycle.
Neurodivergence affects an estimated one in five people, yet many choose not to disclose at work due to fears of stigma, misunderstanding, or exclusion. For an organisation like APM—whose workforce reflects the communities it supports—this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Through this partnership, APM becomes the exclusive Industry Partner on a major program of work that will deliver new insights to inform internal policies, reasonable adjustments, training, and cultural change across its national and global operations.
Led by Aron Mercer, a neurodivergent author and recognised expert in inclusive employment, and supported by Chief Investigator Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM, the project will engage neurodivergent APM staff and position APM as a leader in evidence-informed inclusive practice.
Quotes
Aron Mercer, PhD Candidate, Griffith University:
"APM supports employers, individuals and communities to enable better lives through employment, disability, mental health, workplace health and wellbeing, and aged care services. Through my research, APM is drawing the spotlight on itself, by examining the experiences of neurodivergent workers. It’s truly humbling to have APM as a partner. I am excited about what we can uncover together."
James Muller, CEO – Employment Services, APM:
"At APM, we believe that creating truly inclusive workplaces starts with understanding the lived experiences of our people. Partnering with Aron and Griffith University on this research reflects our commitment to evidence-based action that not only supports neurodivergent employees but also helps shape practical solutions for employers everywhere. We welcome this opportunity to learn, improve, and share insights that make a real-world difference across the employment and disability sectors and the broader community."
About the Partnership
APM’s investment includes a cross-business financial commitment, in-kind employee engagement and participation, advocacy and support to ensure findings translate into meaningful changes across the organisation, and through to its customers and delivery partners. The research will also inform service offerings and learning programs delivered by APM brands such as Konekt, WorkCare, Generation Health, Acumen Health and Employment Services.
About APM
APM supports more than two million people across 11 countries, with over 16,300 team members across more than 1,500 locations. In Australia, APM has 6,280 team members across 630 locations, delivering employment services, health and wellbeing programs, disability support, and community services.
More information about APM can be found at: https://apm.net.au/apm-group

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About the Partnership

About APM