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  • Disability Action Week: Sleep and Spinal Cord Injury: What You Need to Know

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    Social media tile for The Hopkins Centre - Disability Action Week 2025: 23-30 November | Communicate. Connect. Create. Research Spotlight: Sleeping better after Spinal Cord Injury – Dr Emily Bray. Vector illustration of a woman with long hair asleep in a bed with her head resting on the pillow. Footer: Our partners Spinal Life Australia and the Institute of Breathing and Sleep. Tagline: Bold ideas. Better solutions.

    Good sleep is vital for health and wellbeing—yet research shows that two in three people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) experience poor sleep, and most haven’t sought support.

    As part of Disability Action Week, we’re highlighting important work led by Dr Emily Bray and her team at The Hopkins Centre, who have partnered with clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience to explore this issue and bridge the information gap.

    Together, they’ve co-developed new, evidence-based resources to help people with SCI better understand sleep changes and find strategies that work for them.

    View the graphics below to learn more about this important research and how it supports the SCI community.

    We would like to thank our partners Spinal Life Australia, Institute for Breathing and Sleep and the Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service (QSCIS) for their support.

    Contact Dr Emily Bray for more information:
    https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/people-view/emily-bray-177

    Visit our website to find out more: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/seed-project-sleep-disturbances-following-spinal-163


    Infographic titled “Why is sleep important?” It explains that sleep helps us think clearly, feel good, and stay healthy. Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep, but this varies. After spinal cord injury (SCI), poor sleep is common — 2 out of 3 experience it. Poor sleep can affect focus and memory, health (heart disease and diabetes), mental wellbeing, and social and work life.

    Infographic titled “The 3 B’s of Sleep.” It explains that many factors can affect sleep and influence one another. The 3 B’s — My Body, My Brain, and My Bedroom — may help identify causes of poor sleep. The text encourages readers to explore more graphics or scan QR codes to complete the Sleep Diaries and 3 B’s of Sleep Worksheet. At the bottom, there’s an illustration of two people beside a large clipboard labelled “3 B’s activity” and two QR codes labelled “Sleep Diaries” and “3 B’s Worksheet.”

    Infographic titled “My Body.” It explains that our body and health play a big role in how well we sleep. Factors such as age, hormones, diet, and medical conditions can affect sleep quality. Common body-related challenges include sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnoea, nasal congestion, obstructed airways), spasms, pain (nerve, musculoskeletal, visceral), bladder and bowel issues, hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), and positioning and pressure relief. The design features a smiling person illustration and icons beside each challenge.

    Infographic titled “My Bedroom.” It explains that a calm, safe bedroom helps your mind and body relax for better sleep. Things to check within your sleep environment include: Bright lights and loud noises, equipment comfort (e.g., bed, mattress, pillows, splints), room temperature (too hot or cold), Distractions (screens and devices), physical safety, overnight help and support, family routines (e.g., co-sleeping, shift work). The design features an illustration of a bed and icons beside each point.

    Infographic titled “My Brain.” It explains that your brain controls your body clock, body temperature, hormones, thoughts and emotions – all of which impact sleep. Brain-related sleep disruptors include - Worries and stress (e.g., thinking about the past, finances and parenting), mental health (e.g., depression or anxiety), disrupted body clock (circadian rhythm), and medication, alcohol or drug use. The design features an illustration of a brain and icons beside each point.

    An infographic titled: Finding a solution. Solving sleep problems after SCI isn’t always easy. You might have to try a few things before you find what works best for you, but stick with it. Some sleep problems might be fixed with simple changes, like going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine late in the day, limiting screen time, and reading a book before bed. Others might need more support. In this case: Track your sleep for 2 weeks to see if there are any patterns; map out the causes of your poor sleep using the 3 B’s exercise; seek advice from health professionals, your spinal outreach team or community organisation. The design features illustrations of a clock, document with a magnifying glass and a mobile device with speech bubbles.

    More information: Dr Emily Bray, Research Fellow, The Hopkins Centre. Email: Emily.bray@griffith.edu.au or visit our website http://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au – Scan the QR code or visit our project page at https://shorturl.at/zcF1i.The design features an illustration of a woman with long hair sleeping with her head on a pillow.


  • New Research on Supporting Neurodivergent University Students

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    Dr Kathy Gibbs from Griffith University smiles at the camera while standing in a bright hallway. She has short blonde hair and wears black-framed glasses, a black top, a gold necklace, and red earrings.Dr Kathy Gibbs, Griffith University

    Dr Kathy Gibbs, Senior Lecturer and researcher from Griffith University has published important new research sharing the voices of neurodivergent students studying at an Australian university. These students talked about what helps them learn well, what gets in the way, and what universities can do better.

    The study shows three big things matter most:
    • feeling understood and supported
    • clear, flexible and well-designed learning
    • real connections with tutors and peers.

    Many students said that one-size-fits-all support doesn’t work. They succeed when learning is designed in inclusive ways and when support is tailored to their needs and strengths.

    This research is a great reminder that simple changes — clearer instructions, flexible options, and building strong relationships — can make university more inclusive for everyone.

    📘 You can read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-025-00828-2

    More information:
    Dr Kathy Gibbs
    k.gibbs@griffith.edu.au

  • IDPwD Panel Discussion: Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress

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    Flyer advertising the online IDPwD Panel: Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress. Wednesday 3 December 2025, 12 pm to 1 pm (AEST) Online. Headshots of Lisa Cox, Dr Maria Golubovskaya, Brad Kinsela GAICD, A/Prof Popi Sotiriadou and Dr Kelsey Chapman together with a hero image of diverse people with laptops and documents. The Hopkins Centre and Griffith University Logos follow.

    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.

    👉 Register now to be part of this important conversation: https://shorturl.at/Nx5Qk

    More information

    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
    inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

    Dr Millicent Kennelly – Griffith Business School
    m.kennelly@griffith.edu.au


    All copy in the caption above including the registration URL Link.


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

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    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


    All text in caption above.

    All text in caption above.


  • Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability joins the World Health Organisation Disability Health Equity Network

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    Flyer advertising the livestreamed opening ceremony of the inaugural meeting of the WHO Disability Health Equity Network on 12 November 2025, 9:00-10:30am CET.

    We’re proud to announce that Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University, led by Professor Elizabeth Kendall OAM GAICD (Director) has officially become a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Disability Health Equity Network — a landmark global initiative driving action to achieve health equity for the 1.3 billion people worldwide with disability.

    Representing Inclusive Futures at the Network’s Inauguration this week (12–13 November) at WHO Headquarters, Geneva, are Dr Kelsey Chapman (Research Fellow, The Dignity Project) and Dr Kelly Clanchy (Program Director, Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology).

    This global collaboration recognises that people with disability continue to face significant and avoidable health inequities—including shorter life expectancy and higher risk of disease—due to systemic barriers in and beyond health systems.

    Investing in disability-inclusive health is not only a human rights obligation—it’s smart policy, with research showing a tenfold return on investment in inclusive health care.

    We’re honoured to contribute to this international movement working to ensure Health for All truly means all.


    Dr Kelly Clanchy (brunette) and Dr Kelsey Chapman (blonde) wearing business pants suits and attending the WHO Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.Dr Kelly Clanchy together with Dr Kelsey Chapman at the WHO Conference in Geneva.

    Dr Kelsey Chapman a young white woman with long blonde hair and wearing a navy pinstripe pants suit and lanyard stands in front of the WHO photowall at the conference.Dr Kelsey Chapman




  • Two New Ways to Support Wellbeing After Spinal Cord Injury

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    Dr Marita Heck, Adjunct Research Fellow at The Hopkins Centre, has two exciting new contributions aimed at enhancing the lives of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI)—from evidence-based research to practical guidance on intimacy and pleasure.

    1. New insights into sexual rehabilitation support after spinal cord injury

    In “Sexual rehabilitation support experiences of Australian adults living with a spinal cord injury” (Allen, Heck, Doig, Cudmore, Lawrence & Mason, 2025), the team explored the lived experiences of nine Australian adults (8 men; 1 woman) with spinal cord injury (SCI). Guided by Material–Discursive–Intrapsychic Theory, the study revealed how physical functioning, relational identity and broader disability-stigma discourses combine to shape sexual quality of life after SCI.

    Key findings:

    • Rehabilitation tends to focus strongly on physical function (e.g., erection, ejaculation) while giving less attention to emotional, relational and identity-aspects of sexuality.
    • Participants described loss of autonomy, feelings of shame or stigma, and challenges in partner communication / relational connection as major influences on sexual wellbeing.
    • When sexual rehabilitation support attends to emotional connection, personalised equipment and partner-/relationship-oriented goals, outcomes for sexual wellbeing improve.

    Why it matters:

    • Because sexuality is a fundamental component of wellbeing, addressing it in rehabilitation is critical — yet often under-addressed for people with SCI.
    • By broadening support beyond just “physical functioning” to include relational, psychological and identity dimensions, clinicians and services can help people living with SCI experience fuller, more meaningful sexual lives.

    Practical tip:
    If you work in rehabilitation (or support someone who does), embed a simple “relationship check-in” into the routine: ask “How has your /intimacy /connection changed since the injury?” and then include a follow-up question “What aspect of this would you like to change/restore?” Use that to guide discussion of equipment, partner communication, self-identity and expectations — not just physical sexual function.

    📄 Citation:
    Allen, A., Heck, M., Doig, C., Cudmore, T., Lawrence, K., & Mason, J. (2025). Sexual rehabilitation support experiences of Australian adults living with a spinal cord injury. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 1–10.
    https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2025.2496567

    Photo of an open hard cover book, with middle pages forming the shape of a heart, with the quote “What if your body’s worth wasn’t defined by what it can or can’t do?” Dr Marita Heck.

    2. Exploring Intimacy and Pleasure

    Off the back of research findings and clinical work, Dr Heck has also released The Sensuality of Connection: An Erotic Playbook to Intimacy After Spinal Cord Injury, to bridge the gap. Whilst the guide is designed for people living with SCI—it is truly suitable for everyone! This resource encourages exploring connection, intimacy, and pleasure in new, playful ways.

    Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, or someone interested in living well after SCI, Dr Heck’s latest work offers insights and practical tools to support recovery, wellbeing, and connection.

    Get in touch / learn more:

    Dr Marita Heck
    The Hopkins Centre
    marita.heck@griffith.edu.au



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

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    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


    A montage of four images from the roundtable event from top left: Panel discussion; A/Prof. Margaret Gibson addresses the audience; program booklet and name tag with a pen and a folded Griffith University banner; participants in the workshop collaborate on activities.

  • Celebrating our HDR Disability Scholars

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    Building inclusive research pathways at Griffith University

    Education is more than a privilege—it’s a pathway to possibility.

    At Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, we’re proud to support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students with disability to reach their goals and contribute to bold, innovative research that reimagines inclusion in action.

    Since launching in 2023, our HDR Disability Scholars Program has grown into a thriving community of ten (10) diverse researchers at different stages of their PhD journeys. The program provides more than just academic support—it builds meaningful connections through peer learning, mentoring, and shared experience in an environment where accessibility and inclusion are built into everything we do.

    This thriving community is championed by Professor Rebecca Ford, Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School, and Dr Lisa Stafford, ARC Future Fellow—both strong advocates and mentors for the Scholars, in addition to their supervisors. Julia Robertson, newly appointed Co-Chair of the Higher Degree Research Candidate Representative Consultant Committee (HDRCRCC)—a sub-committee of the Board of Graduate Research (BGR)—also plays a key role in championing inclusive research pathways and student representation. Together, their leadership and commitment to accessibility and inclusion have been instrumental in creating an environment where our scholars can thrive.

    Last week, we celebrated this community at the Disability Scholars Day 2025: A Showcase of Excellence, held at Griffith University’s Logan campus and online. The hybrid event brought together students, supervisors, and researchers for a day of inspiration and connection.

    Highlights included milestone presentations from Lisa Cox OAM, Aron Mercer, and Samantha Cronin (Early Career Research Milestones), and Ali Khan (Thesis Confirmation Research Milestone). Their presentations sparked lively discussion and showcased the breadth of disability-focused research being undertaken at Griffith—research that’s challenging assumptions and creating real-world impact. Events like this highlight the incredible progress and potential of our HDR scholars. They remind us that when we design for inclusion, we enable excellence.

    A montage of four images in black and white. Griffith University HDR Students with Disability (Clockwise from top left) - Daniel Clark; Pallav Pant (middle age man with black hair) standing together with his supervisors Dr Feb Dwirahmadi (middle aged man with short dark hair and glasses) and Dr Monique Lewis (middle aged woman with mid length wavy hair wearing a long coat); Lisa Cox (a young woman and wheelchair user with long blonde hair in a pony tail); and Jim Hogan (middle age man with short hair standing with arms outstretched.Griffith University HDR Students with Disability (Clockwise from top left) - Daniel Clark; Pallav Pant together with his supervisors Dr Feb Dwirahmadi and Dr Monique Lewis; Lisa Cox; and Jim Hogan.

    We’re also excited to offer HDR Disability Scholarships for future students. These scholarships provide financial support, research allowances, and flexibility for candidates with a permanent disability who demonstrate exceptional research potential. Multiple scholarships will be available in 2026, with announcements coming at the end of the year. It’s one more way we’re ensuring talented researchers have the opportunity to thrive and lead change.

    If you’re a person with disability interested in pursuing higher degree research, we’d love to hear from you. Join a growing network of passionate scholars who are shaping the future of inclusive research.

    📩 Contact us: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au


    🌐 Follow us on LinkedIn, subscribe to our eNews or become a member of our Inclusive Futures community to stay updated on scholarship announcements, research highlights, codesign and citizen science opportunities and upcoming events.

  • ASAPD Sport and Disability Forum - Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations

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    Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations - EOI Guidelines

    Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability 2026 Conference

    We invite expressions of interest for a 3 minute research presentation showcase at the Alliance forum in Sydney on Friday 20th March, 2026.

    Selected presenters will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative, impactful, or emerging research that explores access, inclusion, participation, and equity in sport and active recreation for people with disabilities at this key industry forum.



    Who Can Apply:

    Academic and practice-based researchers, including honours/masters/PhD students from diverse disciplines related to disability, sport, recreation, health, or community development

    Presenters of all experience levels are welcome and we strongly encourage presenters with lived experience of disability to apply.


    Presentation Format:

    Duration: 3 minutes

    Visuals: One static slide (optional but encouraged)

    Delivery: In-person

    Focus: Clear, engaging summary of your research and implications for practice. Creative approaches are encouraged.

    Example Topics: Community-led initiatives and storytelling in research; Barriers to and enablers of participation in sport and recreation; Inclusive program design methodologies; Gender, culture, sexuality, age and disability intersections

    You can watch Megan Taylor presenting her research in a 3 Minute Thesis presentation here https://vimeo.com/749858975


    Selection Criteria for 3-Minute Research Presentations

    Relevance to Theme and Impact

    The topic clearly aligns with the theme of Disability Sport and Active Recreation. It highlights actionable recommendations or future policy, practice, or community engagement.

    Clarity of Research Focus

    The EOI presents a clear and concise summary of the research or project. Objectives, methods, and key findings (or anticipated outcomes) are well-articulated.

    Contribution to Knowledge or Practice

    The presentation offers new insights, practical applications, or challenges existing assumptions.

    Inclusivity and Representation

    The research considers diverse perspectives, especially those of people with lived experience of disability. Intersectional factors (e.g., gender, culture, age) are acknowledged where relevant.

    Key Dates:

    EOI Deadline: Monday 10th November, 5pm 2025

    Notification of Acceptance: 28th November 2025 Forum Presentation Date: Friday 20th March, 2026

    How to Submit:

    Email your EOI to Georgia Munro-Cook - g.munro-cook@griffith.edu.au and Katie Kelly - engagement@asapd.org

    The selection panel for EoI submissions will be convened by Professor Simone Fullagar, Griffith University, Inclusive Futures research hub, with representatives from ASAPD and Griffith University.


    Please include:

    • Your name and affiliation
    • Presentation title
    • 100-word summary of your topic
    • 100-word biography
    • Contact details


    For those selected, presenter profiles will be promoted before the forum and the registration cost of the forum will be waived.

  • Inclusive Futures Book Club Wrap-Up: A Conversation with Ken Brandt

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    Photo of Ken Brandt, a bald man with a white moustache, standing outdoors in front of green trees, wearing a black Nike zip-up hoodie. In the top right corner is the cover of his book Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight by Ken Brandt. Ken Brandt, author of 'Positive Vision'.

    It was a delight to host Ken Brandt, author of Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventure and Advantages of Poor Eyesight, at our recent Inclusive Futures Book Club event.

    Ken opened with a powerful reflection on how medical advances at the time of his premature birth allowed him to retain some vision—an outcome shaped by the evolving understanding of oxygen therapy in newborns.

    Ken’s story is one of courage, humour, and a zest for life. He shared how his mother’s unwavering support instilled in him an attitude to give anything a go, encouraging him to pursue adventure while being kind to himself when things didn’t go as planned. From learning to parachute to navigating life with low vision, Ken offered a refreshing perspective on how disability can shape, but not limit, one’s experiences.

    Attendees were clearly engaged, asking thoughtful questions about community perceptions of disability. Ken responded with insight and warmth, furthering our collective understanding of how embracing diversity leads to a more inclusive world.

    Ken’s book Positive Vision is available in hard copy, electronic, and audio formats at many online and physical bookstores. He is also available for public speaking engagements. For more information, visit www.kenbrandt.com.

    A heartfelt thank you to Ken for sharing his story and helping us continue the conversation around disability, inclusion, and positive living.

    Read more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/inclusive-futures-book-club-ken-brandt-author-of-positive-vision

    View on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XWfJiHEZFTw?si=fYJWO5Ej9O45n-ca