Category Diversity   Show all

  • 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, 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


  • Moving Beyond Awareness: A Strengths-Based Approach to Autism Support

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    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