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• That's a Wrap - QDRN 2025 End of Year Final Events

  

  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.au or 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!

  

  
  

• APM and Griffith University announce new research partnership on neurodiversity in the workplace

  

  Aron Mercer, Griffith University PhD Candidate and Adjunct Industry Fellow

  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

  
  

  
  
  

• Inclusive Transport Futures: A National Invitation to Partner in Research and Innovation

  

  Why Inclusive Transport Matters

  Transport is essential for independence, health and wellbeing, and social and economic participation. Yet, it remains one of the most reported forms of disability discrimination in Australia. Despite decades of reform, 35% of people with disability still face barriers to public transport.

  
  

  With the rise of digital technologies (including AI, smart glasses and autonomous vehicles); growing expectations for inclusive infrastructure (e.g. Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games), and the push for more sustainable urban planning in our cities and regions - now is the time to radically transform transport systems through inclusive innovation.

  
  

  We invite industry, government, and community organisations to join us in shaping a national research agenda that delivers real-world impact for inclusive transport.

  Our Collaborative Strength

  This initiative brings together leading researchers from three universities with deep expertise in inclusive design, transport equity, digital innovation, and lived experience research.

  Professor Elizabeth Kendall – Griffith University

  Director of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. A national leader in disability and rehabilitation research, citizen science and consumer-led research. Elizabeth established and was the founding Director of The Hopkins Centre, a partnership between Griffith University, Queensland Health and the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland, leading translational research in disability inclusion and rehabilitation.

  Dr Lisa Stafford – Griffith University

  Australian Research Council Future Fellow and recognised leader in planning inclusive communities. Lisa leads research across disability participation, planning and transport equity including trips not made, whole-of-journey mapping, planning strategies and co-creation with lived experience.

  Professor Kim Marriott – Monash University

  Expert in digital assistive technologies, Kim’s research focuses on emerging technologies, such as AI and smart glasses for accessible information access and wayfinding.

  Professor Graham Currie – Monash University

  Internationally recognised leader in public transport planning and policy. Graham brings deep expertise in transport equity, infrastructure reform, and strategic planning.

  Professor Simon Darcy – University of Technology Sydney

  Global leader in inclusive tourism and transport. Simon’s work spans universal design, accessibility innovation, and lived experience research, with a focus on systems change.

  
  

  Potential Project Areas

  We are seeking partners to co-design and pilot research in areas such as:

  • Inclusive Journey Mapping: Understanding the full travel experience for people with disability, from planning to arrival.
  • Trips Not Made: Investigating the impact of inaccessible travel on tourism, wellbeing, and social and economic participation.
  • Navigation within transport hubs: Addressing signage, navigation in complex, stressful environments, and unexpected hazards.
  • Handling Disruptions: Creating accessible communication systems for real-time updates and alternative routing.
  • Accessible journey planning: Developing an AI-powered travel assistant for whole of journey support starting with pre-journey planning.
  • Passenger Assistance Mechanisms: Designing scalable support systems for regional and remote travel.
  • Consumer-Led Innovation: Engaging people with lived experience to identify priorities and test new service models.
  • Workforce Development: Training transport staff in inclusive service delivery and accessibility awareness.
  • Policy and Standards Engagement: Supporting implementation of disability standards and creating user-friendly guides.

  Funding Pathways

  We are actively preparing proposals under two major Australian Research Council grant schemes:

  ARC Linkage Project

  Proposed focus on supporting navigation and information access in transport hubs.[MM5] [LS6]

  • Deadline: 18 March 2026
  • Funding: $300,000–$400,000 over 2-3 years
  • Partner Contributions: Cash and/or in-kind
  • Optional: Co-fund PhDs via the National Industry PhD Program

  ARC Collaborate Centre

  A large-scale national consortium grant to drive long-term transformation in inclusive transport.

  • Expected Deadline: Late 2026
  • Funding: Up to $5 million over 5 years
  • Focus: Whole-of-journey accessibility, inclusive technologies, systems reform, and workforce development

  
  

  Contact Us

  To express interest or explore partnership opportunities, please contact the team at:
  inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

  
  

  Professor Elizabeth Kendall

  Director, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

  e.kendall@griffith.edu.au

  
  

  Professor Kimbal Marriott

  Director, Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre

  k.marriott@monash.edu

  
  

  

  

  
  

• The Training Needs of Disability Support Workers in Relation to Clients with Complex Needs: Round Table Discussion

  

  What does it take to support people with complex needs — and what do support workers need to do their jobs well?

  These were the big questions explored at a roundtable held on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Ship Inn, Southbank, Brisbane, led by Prof. Barbara Pini, A/Prof. Margaret Gibson and Dr. Clarissa Carden from Griffith University’s School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science.

  The event, which was a first of this kind, brought together disability support workers, researchers and sector representatives to discuss how to strengthen training, safety and workplace support.

  Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability joined the discussion, represented by Prof. Elizabeth Kendall and Dr. Talitha Kingsmill, contributing to the shared goal of improving outcomes for workers and the people they support.

  Participants tackled challenging topics such as gaps in training, the role of technology in disability services, and the future of the disability workforce.

  A discussion paper will be shared mid-November for ongoing feedback and reflections.

  More information:
  A/Prof. Margaret Gibson
  margaret.gibson@griffith.edu.au

  
  

  
  

• Congratulations to Pallav Pant on his PhD Confirmation Seminar!

  

  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

  
  

  
  

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

  

  

  📚 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

  

  
  

  
  

• Exciting Start to 2025 with QDRN!

  

  

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

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  

  2025 QDRN Advisory Group

  • Professor Kate Ames (Torrens University)
  • Adjunct Professor Ruth Barker (James Cook University)
  • Professor Charlotte Brownlow (University of Southern Queensland)
  • Sasha Job (CQUniversity)
  • Professor Byron Keating (Queensland University of Technology)
  • Professor Elizabeth Kendall (Griffith University)
  • Dr. Talitha Kingsmill (QDRN Lead)
  • Professor Sean Tweedy (The University of Queensland)
  • Adjunct Professor Denise Wood (University of the Sunshine Coast)

  
  

  2025 QDRN Sector Stakeholder Committee

  • Jesse Althaus (Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion - QAI)
  • Simon Clough (Queensland Alliance for Mental Health - QAMH)
  • Nina Carr, Kate Dufty, Maria O’Hara, Belinda Thompson, Peter Tully, Nerine Williams (Advocates & Citizen Scientists)
  • Ewan Filmer (Capricorn Citizen Advocacy)
  • Dr. Olivia Gatfield (Autism CRC)
  • Katie Grehan (Outback Independent Living Inc.)

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  

  Stay tuned for updates on our work throughout the year!

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  

• Recognising Excellence: Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM honoured at the Government House Investiture Ceremony

  

  We're thrilled to congratulate our Director, Professor Elizabeth Kendall, on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List!

  On 19 September, Elizabeth attended the Government House Investiture Ceremony, where she was presented with this prestigious award by Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland.

  For over 40 years, Elizabeth has been a trailblazer in disability and rehabilitation research, making groundbreaking contributions that have truly transformed lives. Her leadership at The Hopkins Centre and Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability has driven impactful, user-centered research and policy reforms, all while mentoring the next generation of researchers.

  We're incredibly proud of Elizabeth's tireless advocacy and commitment to creating a more inclusive world. This recognition is so well-deserved!

  
  

  Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, alongside Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM. Photo credit: Stu Riley Photography (Official Photographer).
  

  READ MORE:
  
  IF Hub News: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/honoring-excellence-prof-elizabeth-kendall-appointed-member-of-the-order-of-australia-in-2024-king-s-birthday-honours
  
  Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2024/06/10/leading-disability-advocate-honoured-in-kings-birthday-list/

  
  

• Disability Reform Summit: Moving from recommendations to evidence-based solutions

  

  

  The Disability Reform Summit was hosted by the Dignity Project and funded by an Engaging Science Grant from the Department of Environment and Science.

  The Summit brought together a diverse group of citizen scientists, Queensland disability researchers and academics, and key disability persons and advocacy organisations for a collaborative agenda-setting workshop.

  The workshop sought to co-create priorities for research based on the NDIS Review recommendations, Disability Royal Commission recommendations, and the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability report recommendations, while moving towards evidence-based solutions that will directly contribute to government and service responses.

  Twenty-one attendees worked collaboratively over a 4-hour workshop and identified key priorities, much of which was focused on improving disability data collection, better implementation of consistent disability flags across mainstream services, and increasing sustainable long-term partnerships and funding.

  Workshop attendees wanted to prioritise projects that focus on building evidence for knowledge and evidence gaps, although 50% of participants also wanted to examine existing interventions to evaluate and improve them.

  L-R: Dr Kelsey Chapman; Dr Talitha Kingsmill and Sharon White; and Nerine Williams.

  TOPICS AND INSIGHTS

  Health and Wellbeing:

  • Promoting health consumerism principles and access for all.
  • Shifting from reactive to pre-emptive health strategies.
  • Addressing disparities in health equity and access.
  • Campaigns like 'Hear Me, See Me, Understand Me' and involving lived experiences in decisions.
  • Potential research includes integrating health awareness into education and enhancing professional understanding of diverse needs.

  Employment and Financial Security:

  • Psychological safety and accommodations in the workplace.
  • Inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and raising employment expectations.
  • Examining current inclusive policies and staff training in unconscious bias.
  • Potential research includes building inclusive research teams and understanding confidence in disability-related conversations.

  Top: Panelists Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM, Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Sharon White and Prof. David Trembath. Bottom: Dr Kelsey Chapman leads the summit workshop activities. Inclusive Education and Learning:

  • Need for inclusive school rules and evolving educational practices.
  • Redesigning assessment methods and promoting reasonable adjustments.
  • Potential research focuses on leadership attitudes and diverse perspectives in education, reassessing student success metrics.

  Inclusive and Accessible Communities:

  • Evaluating compliance vs. actual accessibility and inclusion.
  • Measuring community inclusion and the impact of co-design.
  • Opportunities like Brisbane 2032 for updating infrastructure and promoting universal accessibility.

  Disability Data:

  • Enhancing researcher capability and implementing consistent disability data flags.
  • Prioritising projects to build evidence and evaluate existing interventions.
  • Balancing academic interest with immediate social needs through co-design and sustainable partnerships.

  Top L-R: Sharon White and Prof. David Trembath; Julia Robertson.
  Bottom L-R: Dr Eloise Hummell and Nerine Williams; Geoff Trappett; Dr Maretta Mann. We extend our gratitude to the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science for their support of this research. Our deepest thanks also go to Dr. Kelsey Chapman, Lead Researcher, and the Griffith University's Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability team, including Rebekah Barker, Joe-Anne Kek-Pamenter, Dr. Maretta Mann, and Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM, for their invaluable assistance in organising this event. Additionally, we appreciate the continuous dedication and support of our Summit participants and the wider Dignity Project team.

  Special thanks to Eric Tram, our videographer, illustrators Holly Bryant & Cate Withers and the team at Griffith University Live Worm (Libbi Reed, Jacqui Hancox and Sharon Searle) for their engaging Sketch Notes that beautifully captured the topics and insights of the Summit.

  Top L-R: Prof David Trembath; Dr Kelsey Chapman; Dr Eloise Hummell.
  Bottom L-R: Summit Participants; Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM.

  Top L-R: Dr Talitha Kingsmill and Karin Swift.
  Bottom: Dr Maretta Mann and Dr Kelsey Chapman lead discussion amongst their group.

  
  

  Acknowledgement

  The Disability Reform Summit was funded by an Engaging Science Grant from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and the Office of the Chief Scientist.

  
  

  Watch the Disability Reform Summit highlights on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Wz2UJ08xOP0?si=xIu1T75BSAVJTm58 (Videographer: Eric Tram).

  
  

  Join us in moving from recommendations to real change!
  
  More information: Dr Kelsey Chapman, Research Fellow and Citizen Science Manager k.chapman@griffith.edu.au

  

  SKETCH NOTES

  For an accessible / alternate format of our sketch notes, please email inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

• Honoring Excellence: Prof. Elizabeth Kendall Appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 King's Birthday Honours

  

  

  
  

  Congratulations to our Director, Professor Elizabeth Kendall, on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List.

  Professor Kendall has dedicated her life, professionally and personally, to improving the lives of people with disability, for more than 40 years. She is a pioneer of disability and rehabilitation research, making extensive seminal contributions in peer reviewed journals, books, and industry reports.

  As the Foundation Director of The Hopkins Centre (a collaborative between Griffith University, Metro South Healthand the Motor Accident Insurance Commission), Elizabeth was instrumental in embedding consumer engagement and practitioner capacity, resulting in impactful research designed and conducted in collaboration with end users. Under Professor Kendall’s leadership, research has been translated into sustainable components of the service system for people with disability.

  Under Professor Kendall’s leadership of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Professor Kendall is leading innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to creating inclusive places for people with disability to live, work and play. The Inclusive Futures Hub, an online, accessible consumer engagement platform, has grown to over 700 members, who have contributed to state and national policy reforms for people with disability.

  Elizabeth is a tireless advocate and champion for people with disability. She has also mentored many research students and staff to lead successful careers of their own.

  We are so proud of Elizabeth and delighted to see her receive this deserving recognition.

  Read more in the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2024/06/10/leading-disability-advocate-honoured-in-kings-birthday-list/

  

  Visit the Inclusive Futures Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability

  Register to become a member: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/