Category Elizabeth Kendall Show all
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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.auDirector, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
Director, Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre
k.marriott@monash.edu
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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
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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
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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/10.1080/10810730.2025.2462679How 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.auProf. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD
e.kendall@griffith.edu.au
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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.
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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
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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/
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Inclusive Futures: Celebrating Cultural Wisdom and FASD Innovations with Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Cultural Steward and Research Advisor
Aunty Lauraine Barlow presents the FASD team with a very special painting 'ngabi wugu gabar' (many working arms). Pictured L-R: Prof. Dianne Shanley, Dr. Erinn Hawkins, Dr. Wei Liu, Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Dr. Leda Barnett and Prof. Elizabeth Kendall.This week, the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability team welcomed Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Cultural Steward and Research Advisor to an afternoon tea in her honour, along with the amazing team of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) researchers, led by Professor Dianne Shanley.
The team, including Prof. Elizabeth Kendal, Director of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, together with Prof. Dianne Shanley, Dr. Leda Barnett, Dr. Wei Liu and Dr. Erinn Hawkins had a lovely afternoon with Aunty Lauraine, who presented us with a very special painting that represents inclusive futures.
The FASD team have been working on a groundbreaking, no barriers new healthcare model – The Yapatjarrathati Projects. Find out more here: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/impact/yapatjarrathati-projects
Artist and Cultural Steward Aunty Lauraine BarlowABOUT THE ARTIST
Aunty Lauraine Barlow is a descendant of Mandingalpa Clan, Yidiny tribe and Rimanggudinhma Clan, Lama Lama tribe in North Queensland. Her Aboriginal name is Jana-n Mandingalbay / Jigiddirri Jigiddirri, which means “standout willy wagtail”. Recently, she was honoured with a third name, Buligud, which means Grandmother.
Aunty Lauraine has experience of chronic illness and disability both personally and in her family members. She has always participated in research, but as more than a ‘subject’ of research. She is a community researcher who takes control of the way in which research is conducted so it remains respectful of her people and the land of her ancestors.
She promotes the use of art as a medium for sharing healing stories. She is a healer herself, and has completed her qualifications as a Health Worker, a telephone counsellor, a community health promotion consultant and peer leader of self-management courses. She has helped hundreds of Indigenous women with illnesses and disabilities to regain their strength and culture.
Aunty Lauraine has a long history with Griffith University, having first advised on a research project in 2003. Since that time, she has continued to support research projects and ensure that proper protocols are followed.
Pictured L-R: Prof. Dr. Leda Barnett, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall, Aunty Lauraine Barlow, Dianne Shanley, Dr. Erinn Hawkins, and Dr. Wei Liu.ARTIST STATEMENT
ngabi wugu gabar (Many working arms)
Pronounced ngaa-bee woo-goo kubb-a from Yidinji Language
This painting represents the research at Griffith Inclusive Futures and was painted to celebrate the commitment of the program to improving the lives of First Nations (and all Australian) people with disability.
The four handprints mean ownership by energetic, clever and confident individuals with leadership skills who are dedicated to advancing knowledge. They signify story telling, gathering of stories and keeping them safe.The Ocyopus has eight arms that symbolise movement and pathways of energy.
Each Octopus arm works independently of each other but also together. All researchers are walking and journeying together on the one path.
The circles each consist of seven women and men all sitting together to reach positive solutions. They are great communicators, laying down weapons and sharing work tools. The circles represent the completeness that is reached through collaboration and agreement.
The footprints travel in an anti-clockwise direction which means a place for rethinking, re-working ideas, revisiting, and recycling solutions.
The octopus is an intelligent being that shines in all forms of thoughts, ideas, and dreams. It denotes authority, self-confidence, inner-strength, inner wisdom, and social status.
The Octopus is a positive thinker, sincere, understanding, and spiritual. It has three hearts (all 3 are used for swimming but only 2 used for walking) meaning the Octopus has great love for humanity and desire for peace.
The red tracks with white corals and foam represent the impact the Octopus has as it swims and walks around in the ocean. It leaves a foamy trail, especially when swimming fast.The single red mark is a mermaid’s purse which represents deep waters. Deep waters that are not yet fully understood attract the attention of this inquisitive being.
Professor Elizabeth Kendall (Director - Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability) and Aunty Lauraine Barlow (Cultural Steward and Research Advisor.CONTACT
Aunty Lauraine J. Barlow JP (Qual)
Jana-n Mandingalbay / Jigiddirri Jigiddirri BulugudElder, Aboriginal Steward and Knowledge Bearer
Cultural Weaver, Story and Cultural Space Feeler
+61 0488 121 686 | gnullbin@yahoo.com.auor email inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
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Humanising Healthcare: A Futurist's Perspective on Disability and Pharmacies
A montage of images from APP 2024 including Morris Misel, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall, Julia Robertson, Julie Rogan and Dr. Chris Edwards.Last Friday at APP 2024 the Australian Pharmacy Professional's Annual Conference on the Gold Coast, Morris Misel had the privilege of chairing a powerful panel discussion on disability and community pharmacists.These conversations are critical to shaping the future of healthcare, and this session was a shining example of why.The panel, drawn from Griffith University's Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability community (a network of 500+ incredible individuals with lived experience of disability), featured Dr Chris Edwards, Julia Robertson and Julie Rogan each sharing their unique perspective on navigating community pharmacies.From sensory overload for individuals with autism to medication delays due to unnecessary concerns, their stories highlighted the importance of human connection in healthcare.When pharmacists took the time to understand their needs, the experience was positive. When communication faltered, frustration arose.The best part? The audience, both in-person and online, fostered a fantastic atmosphere of acceptance. Pharmacists felt comfortable asking insightful questions and the panellists were thrilled to share their experiences.Honest dialogue, where everyone is heard without fear of offense, is the cornerstone of progress.Here's the exciting part: APP offered practical solutions!From government programs allowing for more pharmacist-patient interaction to readily implemented processes, there are tangible steps we can take today.The Takeaway: Disability Impacts EveryoneDisability affects 1 in 4 Australians, if you include those with chronic pain, as well as carers & families the figure jumps to 7 in 10 Australians are directly impacted by disability.Imagine if any other business ignored such a significant, loyal customer base?Pharmacies have a golden opportunity to improve access and care for a vast demographic.By listening to the voices of lived experience, we will create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system for all.Ready to Start a Conversation?If you're looking to integrate lived experience disability voices into your industry or business, we can help! Whether it's a chat, panel discussion, keynote address, or strategy workshop, let's create impactful conversations that pave the way for a more inclusive future.A huge thank you to #APP24 for providing a platform for this crucial conversation, and to Dr. Chris Edwards, Julia Robertson, and Julie Rogan for bravely sharing their stories and insights. Your openness paves the way for a more understanding and inclusive healthcare system!
Video and Transcript
If you missed this exciting Guild APP panel session, view the video recording on our Inclusive Futures YouTube Account here. A written transcript is also available, please contact j.kek-pamenter@griffith.edu.au or inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au for an accessible copy.