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Unlocking Inclusive Futures Through Diverse Voices
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Unlocking Inclusive Futures through Diverse Voices
Embrace the Power of Inclusivity
In a world striving for progress, true innovation comes from hearing and embracing diversity in all its forms.
We proudly present Inclusive Voices, a pioneering force driving forward inclusive thinking in community, in business and in government.
Our vibrant community of over 500 people with lived experience of disability, supported by decades of cutting-edge disability research, makes us the premier destination for corporations and governments seeking transformative disability-centric change.
Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian (CQU), Dwayne Fernandes, Dr Maretta Mann (Griffith University), and Timothy Lachlan address the audience at the Inclusivity In Play Pitch, 2022.Why Inclusive Voices?
The Numbers Don't Lie
With over 4 million Australians living with disability, representing 18% of our population, and even more people living with chronic disabling conditions, the potential for meaningful engagement and collaboration is vast.
Yet, the knowledge of people with disability remains vastly untapped by industry, offering us huge possibilities for creativity, and unparalleled insights waiting to be unlocked.
Our Unique Approach
We bring together a dynamic alliance:
People with Disability: Our thriving community of 500+ individuals, each with a unique journey and invaluable perspective on disability.
Researchers, Designers, and Educators: Experts who understand the transformative power of collaboration and empathy.
Industry and Government Bodies: Partners dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society through meaningful action.
What We Offer
Personalised Consultations: Gain invaluable insights through one-on-one sessions with people with lived experiences or immersive focus groups, where our community members offer first-hand perspectives and innovative solutions.
Captivating Keynotes and Workshops: Let our Inclusive Voices speaking bureau inspire and educate with their compelling stories, experiences of using your products and services, shedding light on the true essence of disability and its implications for your organisation.
Product and Service Enhancement and Testings: Collaborate with our experts to refine your offerings, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of all individuals and drive meaningful impact.
Research Collaborations: Dive into, or commission, ground-breaking studies conducted by our researchers, bridging theory and practice to shape a more inclusive future for all.
Inclusivity in Play Pitch, 2022 Top L to R: Kathleen O'Kelly-Kennedy and Dr Kerry Hall; Dwayne Fernandes an Sara Shams
Bottom L to R: Timothy Lachlan; Timothy Lachlan, Dr Maretta Mann, Dwayne Fernandes and Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian.Why Choose Inclusive Voices?
Unprecedented Access: We've streamlined the process, providing seamless access to our vibrant and unique community.
A Fresh Perspective: Shift your paradigm and see disability not as a limitation, but as a source of boundless creativity and resilience, inspiring innovative solutions.
Transformative Impact: By embracing inclusivity, you'll not only meet compliance standards but also unlock new avenues for innovation and growth, benefiting all of society.
A montage of images of Inclusive Futures events: From Left to Right - Madi de Rozario OAM and Daniel Clarke OAM at the Inclusivity In Play Pitch; Julia Robertson, Matt Levy OAM and Mark Berridge at the Inclusive Futures Book Club Author Talk; Audience at the Inclusivity in Play Pitch; Geoff Trappett; Geoff Trappett and Karin Swift at the Disability Reform Summit 2024.Join Us
As the leading force in Australian disability research, Griffith University is committed to and backs Inclusive Voices.
Visit Griffith Inclusive Futures to learn more about ground-breaking disability research. Join us on a journey where inclusion isn't just a buzzword—it's a way of life.
Together, let's build a future where everyone thrives by harnessing the power of each person’s unique abilities.
Unlock Inclusive Futures. Transform Lives.
Contact Us
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
Email: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability
Inclusive Futures Hub: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au
Follow Us
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/gu_incl_futures
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdzCWo_9R8XHDadRRVPnkw
Become an Inclusive Futures Member
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Disability Inclusion Author Talk Series Mary Li and Sophie – Navigating Hearing Loss
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Mary Li together with Inclusive Futures Book Club and Author Talk host Dr. Maretta MannOn Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the Inclusive Futures Book Club hosted author Mary Li for an insightful conversation with Dr. Maretta Mann. The discussion delved into Mary’s remarkable dancing career, her marriage to Li Cunxin AO, and the challenges faced by her daughter, Sophie, who was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at 17 months. They explored career decisions, the absence of role models, and the complexities of education and social interactions. Mary and Sophie’s journey, navigating both the hearing and deaf worlds, provided a powerful narrative of resilience and adaptation.
An Unlikely Beginning
Author Mary Li and Inclusive Futures Author Talk host Dr. Maretta Mann Mary Li’s memoir traces her journey from Rockhampton, Australia, where she grew up as Mary McKendry—one of eight children. Despite an unconventional start, Mary’s innate musicality drew her to ballet. She recalls, “The minute I walked into the studio at eight years old, and I could hear the music, I was lifted to another world.” Her teacher recognised her potential, leading to an invitation to the Royal Ballet School in London at age 16.
Mary Li and her dance partner and husband Li Cunxin OAM dance Swan Lake Mary’s Dancing Career
Mary joined the London Festival Ballet (now the English National Ballet) in 1977. As she ascended the ranks, she danced principal roles in classical ballets, collaborated with renowned choreographers, and performed on international stages. One of many highlights was visiting China in the early 1980s—a ground-breaking experience.
A Shocking Diagnosis
In 1989, Mary Li and her husband, Li Cunxin AO, welcomed their daughter, Sophie. Newborn hearing screening wasn’t routine then, but after noticing Sophie’s lack of reaction to a popping balloon, they booked a hearing test. The diagnosis—profound deafness—shocked them both. Mary immediately thought of Helen Keller’s experience. Despite advancements, the shock remains significant for parents. Mary made an early decision: she would give up her dancing career to ensure Sophie had equal opportunities.
Finding a Way for Sophie
Mary described that at the time (1990s) there was no internet, and no role models in her life that would help parents to support their deaf children. Sign language was not really presented as a viable option. She fortunately met one wonderful speech therapist who also had a child with disability. “She was the one that looked at me in the room and said “you know, you can help her”… she was amazing.” But healthcare and support weren’t coordinated, and parents had to find their own way.
Challenging Social Situations
In social situations, Mary faced challenges related to her daughter Sophie’s hearing loss. At a Mother’s Group, comparing Sophie’s speech development with other children highlighted the differences. Sophie missed social conversations without Mary as her interpreter. Birthday celebrations were exhausting, but a thoughtful friend organised a small party for Sophie. As Sophie entered her teenage years, group situations became even more difficult—never being privy to secrets and missing out on conversations affected her confidence profoundly.
Mother as Teacher
Mary took every opportunity to teach Sophie to speak. “Even in the bath tub I put on her hearing aids because she was still… Instead of making individual lessons I just talked all day about everything that was around me.” She spoke about a revelation when Sophie was about four years old that she would need to teach Sophie how to think, because this is very difficult to do without the language. This is when she decided to investigate a cochlear implant.
Navigating School and University
Mary shared the difficulty in finding a good school for Sophie. She tried out a specialist school for deaf children, and mainstream schools (in both Australia and the USA). She wanted Sophie to have a good education but also for Sophie to experience social situations. None of the school experiences were perfect. Later Sophie went to university, and that presented challenges as well. Even if there were Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreters, sometimes they wouldn’t be available for particular classes.
Sophie and Dancing
Mary spoke about the benefits that Sophie has had from doing dancing. First, it was a new opportunity, and this extended Sophie’s opportunity to learn new words from being immersed in different situations. She said that when you have a hearing-impaired child you worry about background noise, so basketball is out. But in a ballet studio the children have to be quiet and listen to the teacher. So, in a way Sophie was having speech therapy without knowing it. Interestingly, she was also very expressive and musical. She ended up doing a year 12 dance, and she was one of the top 5% in the state. She was particularly good at tap dancing, and Mary said this is a great form of dance for Deaf children.
Cochlear Implants: A Dual Perspective
Mary acknowledges that cochlear implants have significantly transformed Sophie’s life, but they come with limitations. Sophie now communicates using Auslan and benefits from the implants, straddling both the hearing and deaf worlds. However, Sophie’s first implant failed due to a software glitch, leading to a second surgery after 26 years.
Sophie’s reality remains unchanged—she goes to bed deaf and wakes up the same way. Yet, the implant acts as a powerful tool, akin to putting on glasses.
Nowadays, in her mentoring role, Sophie emphasises confidence-building. Many individuals with implants or hearing loss struggle with confidence, but Sophie guides them toward reclaiming it. Whether in the workforce or daily life, she empowers others to overcome barriers and find their voice.
Where is Sophie Now?
Mary told us a bit about what Sophie has been doing since her book was published in 2020. Amongst many exciting developments, Sophie has invented a subscription-based global online signing dictionary called Sign How, as well as a signing app.
Resources:
· To read the full story, purchase Mary’s Last Dance by Mary Li online.
· Learn about Sophie’s Sign How dictionary.
This condensed account was written by Dr Maretta Mann, Strategic Development Manager, and host of the Book Club at Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability.
Dr Maretta Mann and Mary Li -
Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Survey - Queenslanders with Disability Network
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Author: Monique Mita
Queenslanders with disability are encouraged to have their say on what it’s like to live in the sunshine state with the release of the 2024 Voice of Queenslanders with Disability survey.
“The 2023 survey had great impact on policy and planning in Queensland,” said Chief Investigator and Research Fellow with Inclusive Futures and the Hopkins Centre, Kelsey Chapman.
“The 2024 Voice of Queenslanders survey will give us keen insight into how the lives of Queenslanders with disability, their families and the people who support them have changed since last year.”
Griffith University Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability have been working with Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) to collect the information and deliver the annual survey results.
“We’re looking forward to generating and collecting more stories and partnering with the Queensland Government and QDN to build a more inclusive state for people with disability,” she said.
"The 2023 was a landmark in Australian disability policy and reform, and we are looking forward to understanding how this impacted the lives of Queenslanders with disability, their family and the people who support them.
“We will be paying special attention to comparing this year’s data with last year to identify key trends."
Visit the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Survey on the link below:
https://qdn.org.au/voice-of-queenslanders-with-disability-survey/You can take the survey that is right for you!
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/hub-page/vqd -
Obscure Orchestra: Companions at the Powerhouse (Auslan Performance)
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Join award-winning ensemble Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra, guest-vocalist Erin Fitzsimon (aka INIGO), and composers Jodie Rottle, Hannah Reardon-Smith, and Saro Roro as they explore companionship through music.
Together, they present new alternative pop and experimental works that position disability and queer friendship at the forefront. These musical companions endeavor to make this a sensory friendly event for performers and audience members alike. It features music arranged in ways that carefully consider the accessibility requirements of the performers, including light, motion, ensemble volume through instrumentation, and physical accessibility. These elements become companions, or friends, that shape compositional process and collective music making.
Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra is a DIY anti-racist ensemble underpinned by community-minded inclusivity, comprising of 20+ BIPOC, First Nations, disabled, non-binary and trans artists. Challenging the pomp and formality of classical orchestras, Obscure Orchestra is regarded as one of Australia’s most respected ensembles.
Date: 8 March 2024
Time: 8pm
Duration: 120 minutes
Location: Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm Queensland
This is a sensory friendly and accessible event, for tickets or enquiries, visit the Brisbane Powerhouse events website: https://brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/obscure-orchestra/
Please share amongst your networks.
More information, please contact:
Dr Jodie Rottle, Resident Adjunct
Creative Arts Research Institute (CARI)
Griffith University
Email: j.rottle@griffith.edu.au
Tel: 0434 998 330 -
Disability Inclusion Author Talk Series: A conversation with Mary Li - Principal Repétitéur and Ballet Mistress with the Queensland Ballet and author of Mary’s Last Dance.
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Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to attend our Author Talk event with esteemed guest Mary Li (author of Mary’s Last Dance), hosted by Dr Maretta Mann.
Mary Li (née McKendry) principal repétitéur at the Queensland Ballet, faced a unique challenge when her daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at 17 months. Mary, a former principal dancer with the London Festival Ballet (English National Ballet), shifted her focus to support Sophie’s journey, juggling speech therapy and adapting her busy ballet schedule.
Sophie, determined to navigate the hearing world, learned to lip-read, received a cochlear implant, and embraced mainstream education. As a young woman, she discovered Auslan, enhancing her language skills and boosting confidence. Reflecting on Sophie’s journey after completing her memoir, “Mary’s Last Dance”, the entire family embraced Auslan, deepening their bond.
Born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Mary Li’s illustrious ballet career includes stints with the Royal Ballet and Houston Ballet. Returning to Australia, she spent a decade with the Australian Ballet before joining theQueensland Ballet as Principal Repétitéur. Alongside her husband Li Cunxin AO (https://licunxin.com), the artistic director, they elevated the company’s global standing.
Mary’s resilience, a hallmark of her ballet career, proved crucial in navigating and ultimately embracing her child’s disability. Her story, a fusion of ballet and family strength, exemplifies courage, determination, and unwavering will.
Find out more about Mary Li and her book “Mary’s Last Dance” at https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/mary-li
Visit Sophie Li’s website https://www.sophieli.com.au.
Event Details
Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 11.30 am–1.30 pm
Queensland Conservatorium (QCGU) Foyer, S01
Southbank Campus, Griffith University
Access a venue map on this link or visit https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/361670/South-Bank-campus-map.pdfRSVP
Please confirm your attendance before:
Thursday, 21 March 2024
Click here to register your attendance or visit: https://forms.office.com/r/gLhhR3iV7mAlternatively register via the QR Code below.
Contact us
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au -
Griffith Tackles Tyre Troubles: Pioneering Disability Engineering Research at Australia's Largest Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
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The Suncoast Spinners in actionA Griffith Inclusive Futures Reimagining Disability engineering research team worked with athletes at the largest wheelchair basketball tournament in Australia – The Suncoast Spinners in Caloundra – to investigate factors impacting tyre failure.
In the lead up to the 2024 Paralympic Games, the project aims to investigate the effects of wheelchair tyre failure on athlete’s performance, workload, and potential risks, as well as game disruption, and to support athletes with engineered solutions and recommendations.
The team mounted sensors on wheelchairs to measure changes in tyre pressure, forces, and impacts of various movements and accelerations during of the match.
Research team: Mr Marc Salet, Dr Hugo Espinosa, Dr David Rowlands and Professor Emeritus David Thiel.
Back row (L-R). Prof. Emeritus David Thiel, Dr David Rowlands, Hayden Siebuhr, Zach Bings, Jake Fluwood, Jordan Bartley, Marc Salet and Dr Hugo Espinosa. Front row (L-R): Lachlan Dalton and Mitch Duncan.For more information or to get involved in the research, please contact:
Griffith Institute for Integrated and Intelligent Systems
Dr Hugo Espinosa: h.espinosa@griffith.edu.au
https://experts.griffith.edu.au/8302-hugo-espinosa/about
https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-integrated-intelligent-systems
Griffith School of Engineering and Built Environment
Professor Emeritus David Thiel: d.thiel@griffith.edu.au
https://experts.griffith.edu.au/18651-david-thiel
https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/school-engineering-built-environmentGriffith Institute for Integrated and Intelligent Systems
Dr David Rowlands: d.rowlands@griffith.edu.au
https://experts.griffith.edu.au/7989-david-rowlands
https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-integrated-intelligent-systems
Event Information: https://suncoastspinners.com.au/wheelchair-basketball/2024-tournament/
Research team desk: Marc Salet; Dr Hugo Espinosa and Marc Salet monitoring sensor data; Marc undertaking sensor mounting; and the sensor mounted ready for data collection during the game. -
The Conversation: Travellers with disability often face discrimination. What should change and how to complain?
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New Publication Alert:
The Conversation: Travellers with disability often face discrimination. What should change and how to complain?Authors: Kelsey Chapman, Professor Elizabeth Kendall and Lisa Stafford
Published: 24 January 2024
Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes AM settled a dispute with Adelaide Airport over denied access to a body scanner with his assistance dog. His experience reflects challenges faced by Australia's 4.4 million people with disability in air travel.The Australian Human Rights Commission received over 100 disability discrimination complaints against airlines from 2016-2022, revealing systemic ableism. Freedom of movement, a UN right, is denied through discriminatory practices, damaged mobility equipment, and offensive situations. Urgent reform is needed, with recommendations for specific air travel standards and independent oversight.
Collaboration between governments and the aviation industry can ensure inclusive air travel, aligning with equity principles and promoting diversity. Complaints and legal support are available avenues, but proactive measures like the Disability Rights Act are crucial for lasting change. Everyone deserves dignified and autonomous travel experiences.Read ‘The Conversation’ article in full on the link below:
Visit our Inclusive Futures Hub:
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au
Contact:
Kelsey Chapman
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Disability Inclusion Author Talk Series: Matt Levy OAM PLY 'Going the Distance'
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Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to attend our Author Talk event on disability and resilience, with esteemed guest Matt Levy OAM PLY, Australian paralympian and author of Going the Distance.
In 1987, Matt Levy was born prematurely at 25 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairment and has undergone 40-50 surgeries on vital organs. Matt’s determination and resilience led him to a career in swimming, where he proudly clinched gold for Australia at the Paralympic Games.
Representing his nation at five consecutive Paralympic Games, Matt has won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals. His dominance extends further, having graced the pools at five World Swimming Championships, securing 20 international medals and holding 4 World Records.
Matt’s contributions to sport were honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2014 for ‘service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. In 2015 Matt was named Athlete of the Year with a Disability at the New South Wales Sports Awards and in 2018 he was named Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year. In November 2021, he received a New South Wales Institute of Sport Academic Excellence Award and was named the 2021 Sport NSW Athlete of the Year with a Disability.
Since retiring from the pool, Matt has authored 3 books, including: ‘Keeping your head above water’ (2020), ‘Brandon Dreams Big: 7 easy steps to get where you want’ (2021), and ‘Going the distance: Identify and create your own lane to success’ (2023). More recently, Matt has turned his hand to philanthropy and supporting young people with disability to achieve their own dreams and goals through education, including becoming a patron of the Griffith University Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, 27 February 2024Time: 11.20am – 12.30pm
Venue: N53, -1.22 Nathan Campus, Griffith University
Map: https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/244976/nathan-campus-map.pdf
Accessibility: This event will be accessible including being held in an accessible space, complete with accessible parking (limited), live captioning, Auslan Interpreting, and with a PowerPoint which can be shared ahead of the presentation. A transcript will be available after the event. Please note any accessibility or dietary requirements on your registration.
RSVP:
Please confirm your attendance before Thursday, 22 February 2024.Click on this link to register your interest or use the QR Code below.
Contact us:
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
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Tribal Sport: Empowering Athletes, Fostering Inclusivity
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With a rich history spanning over two decades in the sports industry, Tribal Sport exemplifies a steadfast dedication to crafting team wear tailored to the distinctive needs of athletes with disability. Central to their ethos are principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainable practices.
In partnership with Michael Dobbie-Bridges, a distinguished Para Sport Ambassador and member of the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council – Tribal Sport takes immense pride in unveiling a series of initiatives meticulously crafted to empower athletes with disability and advance the cause of inclusive sports.
Paralympian Michael Dobbie-Bridges together with David Lake
Their commitment to embodying inclusivity permeates every facet of their operations, underscoring the profound importance of creating environments that prioritise accessibility and inclusiveness within the realm of sport.
At the heart of Tribal Sport's mission lies the unwavering commitment to designing team wear across all sports, with a particular emphasis on addressing the specific needs of the disability community. They recognise and appreciate the significance of apparel tailored to the unique requirements of athletes with disability.
To ensure designs not only meet, but exceed the genuine needs of these athletes, Tribal Sport is resolutely committed to a sincere consultation and co-design process in collaboration with the disability community. This synergistic approach guarantees the creation of apparel that transcends mere functionality and comfort, aiming to empower the athletes who proudly wear Tribal Sport designs.
Visit the Tribal Sport website to find out more:
Contact:
Tribal Sport, 45 Clarence Street, Cooparoo Queensland
Phone: 1300 880 666
Email: mytribe@tribalsport.com.au
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Karin Swift: Advocating Quietly, Leading Boldly
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In the mosaic of accomplished alumni from Griffith University, Karin Swift (M Human Services ’99) emerges as a quiet force in the disability, advocacy, and social policy sectors. Since graduating from Griffith, she has woven an impactful career, leaving a positive imprint on the field of disability rights.
Karin currently serves as the President of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA), a human rights organisation focused on the concerns of women with disability. Her journey, however, extends beyond this role, involving various governance positions for non-government organisations. Recently elected to the Board of the Community Resource Unit, Karin contributes to fostering positive change for people with disability.
A pivotal point in Karin's career was her representation of the Australian Government and WWDA at the Commission on the Status of Women 57 (CSW 57) at the United Nations in New York. There, she offered strategic advice on women with disability and violence, showcasing her expertise on the international stage. Karin's commitment to breaking barriers is evident in her leadership role at WWDA, where she has conducted training sessions in Indonesia and South Korea on gender and disability, contributing to the global conversation on eliminating violence.
Karin has held influential positions at Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), providing strategic high-level advice and facilitating member engagement on various disability issues and social policies. Her contributions were vast, across many portfolios including human rights, gender issues, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Disability Royal Commission, housing, transport, welfare reform, and employment.
This year, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University proudly appointed Karin as an Industry Fellow, recognising her valuable experience in the field. In addition to this significant achievement, Karin has recently accomplished the ‘Citizen Researcher Essentials: A Short Course’ micro-credential.
Operating as an independent contractor working mostly from home, Karin redefined her career path in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and her own health issues. This adjustment allows her to select projects that genuinely interest her and contribute to the disability space without feeling the pressure of the 9-5 grind.
Karin's typical week now is as diverse as her career, reflecting her commitment to various initiatives. From contributing to university research on the lives of people with disability to participating in Disability Action Week events, Karin's schedule is a testament to her passion for fostering positive change. This fortnight, she is actively engaged in a website co-design group meeting, supporting residents of Level 3 Supported Accommodation facilities, attending peer leader meetings at QDN, contributing to a Queensland Government project, participating in QDN's LGBTIQA+ peer group, and chairing WWDA's AGM during this AGM season.
In a world where change is often gradual, Karin Swift's story serves as a reminder that every small victory, every voice raised, contributes to a larger narrative of progress. As a proud graduate of Griffith University, Karin continues to inspire and lead, demonstrating that education is not just a means to an end but a catalyst for transformative change. Her flexible and purpose-driven approach to work serves as a positive example for others navigating the evolving landscape of the professional world and a reminder to employers of the benefits of an inclusive work culture and environment.
Find out more about the Citizen Researcher Essentials Course by emailing: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au