Category IDPwD Show all
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IDPwD: Celebrating Our Griffith University HDR Disability Scholars
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY 2025
Celebrating Our Griffith University HDR Disability Scholars
Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress
Every year, the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) calls us to imagine what our communities could look like if inclusion wasn’t an afterthought, but the foundation of progress.
At Griffith University, we see this future every day in the work of our HDR Disability Scholars—researchers with disability who are reshaping how society thinks, designs, and acts. These scholars lead research that challenges outdated systems, advances accessibility, and centres lived experience as a vital source of knowledge.
Launched in 2023 through Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and supported by The Hopkins Centre, the HDR Disability Scholars Program now supports a dynamic, growing cohort of talented PhD candidates across fields including health, technology, media, mental health, workplace equity, disaster communication, and identity studies.
The program complements the Griffith University Disability Scholars Research Scholarship (GUDSRS)—co-developed and administered by Professor Rebecca Ford, Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School—which enhances opportunities for emerging researchers with disability by providing dedicated support for accessible and inclusive research pathways.
With mentorship, peer learning, accessibility support and a thriving community, the program reflects Griffith’s commitment to building disability-inclusive research environments—spaces where scholars not only participate, but lead.
As the world celebrates IDPwD 2025 and its theme Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, we proudly showcase the remarkable researchers driving this mission forward.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1CtIb3MjHd0Download a copy of the Transcript: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-538
Read more in the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/11/26/a-thriving-community-is-driving-inclusive-research-at-griffith/
From top left to right: Daniel Clarke; Pallav Pant (Middle) together with his PhD supervisors Dr Feb Dwirahmadi and Dr Monique Lewis; Lisa Cox; and Jim Hogan.MEET OUR SCHOLARS
Allan (Ali) KhanAllan (Ali) Khan
Topic: Mental Health Distress and Disability Adjustments for PhD Students with Psychosocial Disabilities
Ali’s research shines a light on the mental health challenges faced by PhD students—particularly depression, anxiety, and suicidality—and how structural issues such as funding insecurity, academic culture and institutional policy can exacerbate distress. His work seeks to co-design stronger disability adjustments and support systems across Australian universities.
Ali says:
“PhD students are the backbone of Australia’s university workforce… Universities must provide inclusive structures that support students and researchers with disabilities, ensuring all PhD students can thrive.”
His research directly contributes to disability-inclusive learning environments—an essential foundation for social progress.
Find out more: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/mental-health-distress-and-disability-adjustments-178
Aron MercerAron Mercer
Topic: Neurodivergent Employees, Workplace Disclosure and Belonging
Aron explores the workplace experiences of neurodivergent employees, particularly the complexities of disclosure and the impact on belonging, career pathways and wellbeing. With 15–20% of people being neurodivergent, his research addresses one of the most significant—and least understood—equity challenges in employment.
Aron shares:
“It was daunting at first, but I could not recommend the Griffith University HDR program strongly enough… I have valued the support and connections with other doctoral candidates.”
His work advances the IDPwD theme by advocating for workplaces where neurodivergent employees can contribute without fear or stigma.
Lisa Cox OAMLisa Cox OAM
Topic: The Visibility of Disability — Representation, Identity and Advocacy
Award-winning author, advocate and media professional Lisa Cox OAM is investigating how representation shapes disability identity, advocacy, and employment. Through a practice-led approach combining memoir writing, critical disability studies and media analysis, she explores the tension between visibility and invisibility—and why the risk of being unseen is far greater.
Her research challenges industries to adopt inclusive, authentic representation that supports both social and economic participation.
Find out more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/celebrating-lisa-cox-oam-advocate-changemaker-and-trailblazer
Pallav PantPallav Pant
Topic: Advancing Accessible Emergency Communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities
Pallav’s internationally recognised work tackles one of the most urgent equity issues in disaster response: inaccessible emergency communication. His research co-designs digital, two-way communication tools with Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities and emergency services to ensure no one is left behind in a crisis.
This research exemplifies disability-inclusive innovation and has the potential to save lives across Australia and globally.
Find out more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/congratulations-to-pallav-pant-on-his-phd-confirmation-seminar
Julia RobertsonJulia Robertson
Topic: WATCH — Wearable AI Technology for Cognitive Health
Julia examines how wearable AI technologies can support real-time mental health monitoring for people with brain tumours—populations with significantly elevated risks of depression and suicidality. Her framework integrates biometric data, AI prediction models and patient-reported outcomes to create proactive, personalised mental health care.
Julia reflects:
“The unwritten rules of academia… are often inaccessible by design. When you live with disability, you learn to navigate these spaces creatively.”
Her work pushes the boundaries of inclusive digital health and human-centred AI.
Samantha CroninSamantha Cronin
Topic: Undiagnosed Neurodiversity in Australian Defence Force Medical Transitions
Samantha’s research investigates whether undiagnosed neurodiversity contributes to the challenges veterans face when transitioning from the ADF to civilian life. Her work connects military culture, mental health, disability identity and reintegration—areas historically overlooked.
Samantha says:
“Griffith’s HDR program empowers researchers with disability to turn lived experience into leadership.”
Her research supports more responsive, neuroinclusive veteran services.
Hannah SimmondsHannah Simmonds
Topic: Leisure Access and Social Inclusion for Young People with Disability
Hannah explores how young people with disability experience leisure spaces, what barriers they face, and what inclusive design looks like from their perspective. Her work informs future planning for accessible, welcoming, community-building leisure environments.
Hannah shares:
“I love learning and feel like I am contributing with my lived experience expertise.”
Her research highlights that inclusion is not only a right—it enriches community life.
Find out more: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/social-access-and-social-inclusion-outcomes-for-179
Janine Shepherd AMJanine Shepherd AM
Topic: Narratives in Liminal Spaces — Identity, Disability and Resilience
Janine’s autoethnographic research introduces Conscious Liminality™, a framework for using personal narrative as a tool for rebuilding identity and resilience after trauma. Her work demonstrates how lived experience can reshape scholarly knowledge and challenge dominant assumptions about disability.
Janine says:
“As a disabled scholar, I’ve learned that research is not separate from lived experience—it’s born through it.”
She represents the power of storytelling in advancing social understanding and change.
Find out more: https://janineshepherd.com/conscious-liminality/
Jim HoganJim Hogan
Topic: Reimagining Agile for Neuroinclusion
Jim is developing a new neuroinclusive “Agile” playbook—one that centres epistemic justice, inclusive collaboration, and innovation. His work challenges traditional organisational structures and opens new pathways to accessible, creative, high-performing workplaces.
Find out more: https://tedxbrisbane.com.au/our-talks/jim-hogan/
Daniel ClarkeDaniel Clarke (HDR Applicant for 2026)
Topic: Transforming Community Transport
Daniel, 2021 Queensland Young Australian of the Year and co-founder of Tears in the Jungle, has completed influential research on community transport, revealing how funding models and system gaps create barriers for people with mobility challenges.
He has applied to join the HDR Disability Scholars Program in 2026, proposing a PhD on transport disadvantage and the economic and social costs of inadequate accessible transport. With Transitcare as an industry partner, his future research aims to drive large-scale change across Queensland and beyond.
Find out more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/have-your-say-in-transforming-community-transport
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS FOR IDPWD 2025
The theme of IDPwD 2025—Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress—is not just a goal. It is the everyday practice of our scholars.
Their research:
- redesigns unjust systems
- expands accessibility
- amplifies lived experience
- challenges stereotypes
- innovates new technologies
- builds more inclusive policy and practice.
Their leadership shows that when people with disability lead research—not just participate in it—societies advance.
LOOKING AHEAD: HDR DISABILITY SCHOLARSHIPS 2026
We are excited to announce that multiple 2026 HDR Disability Scholarships will open soon. These scholarships provide financial support, research allowances, and inclusive flexibility for PhD candidates with disability.
More information will be released at the end of the year—follow us to stay updated.
BE PART OF THIS MOVEMENT
If you're a person with disability interested in pursuing research, we would love to hear from you. Join a growing network of scholars driving change locally, nationally, and internationally.
Together, we’re building a future where inclusion drives progress—and where researchers with disability shape the world we all share.
📩 Contact: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
🌐 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability/?viewAsMember=true
📰 Subscribe to our eNews: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/monthly-roundup📰 Subscribe to The Hopkins Centre Wrap Up: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/wrapup
🤝 Join the Inclusive Futures community: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au -
IDPwD Panel Discussion: 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 communitySeparate 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.auDr Millicent Kennelly – Griffith Business School
m.kennelly@griffith.edu.au
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Inclusive Futures Disability Research Writing Competition 2024
🌟 Celebrating Inclusive Futures and Outstanding Research! 🌟
On this International Day of People with Disability, we’re thrilled to announce the winner of the Inclusive Futures Disability Research Writing Competition 2024—a celebration of research that reimagines a world where disability is no barrier.
Judges' Choice Winner:
Ms Casey Doherty, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
Her paper, Reimagining Protest: Artivism in the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) Community, demonstrates how art and activism intersect to drive inclusion and understanding. Casey’s compelling narrative and accessible communication earned her the AUD$500 prize and a feature in our annual digital compendium.
✨ Short-listed entrants:
- Mrs Rhonda Beggs, Metro South Health
- Ms Belinda Coleman, RMIT / Aurecon
- Sarah Fulton, Redland Hospital, Metro South Health
- Dr Catherine Maitland, Australian Disability Network
- Mrs Laura Ryan, University of Queensland
- Dr Rebecca Soole, University of Queensland
- Ms Jane Wardlaw, University of Tasmania
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Mrs Louise White, Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University
Communicating complex research in an accessible way, is a challenging but essential skill. This competition highlights the importance of not only advancing academic knowledge, but also ensuring it reaches those who can benefit most.
We encourage all participants to continue honing their communication skills alongside their research. Accessible storytelling is a powerful tool for driving understanding and advancing disability inclusion.
A heartfelt thank you to all entrants for their impactful contributions. Together, we’re breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future. 💡
We would like to thank our sponsor The Hopkins Centre, who kindly donated the prize money, and our esteemed judges Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Dr Monique Lewis, Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester, Lisa Cox, Sara Shams and our moderator Delena Amsters.Interested in next year’s competition? Learn more about how your research could make a difference!
Follow us on social media and join our Inclusive Futures Mailing List for updates:
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.auVisit our Inclusive Futures Hub to read the Judges’ Choice and short listed entries.
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-futures-research-writing-competition
For more information email: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
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Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) established in 2023!
The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) is a cross-institutional alliance uniting disability researchers from Queensland universities and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration for disability research in Queensland.
The QDRN will partner with statewide peak disability organisations, government, industry, and community in projects focused on inclusive research with quality co-design at every stage of the research process.
QDRN members are committed to the long-term goal of improving the lives, social and economic participation of people with disability, by working together in sustainable, collaborative research partnerships.
QDRN Researcher Spotlight: Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Research Fellow
Dr Talitha Kingsmill is a Non-Executive Director, consultant, educator and solicitor with 25 years’ experience across the private, public and NFP sectors in law, education, educational leadership, research, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and policy development.Talitha is a Research Fellow in the Inclusive Futures Team at Griffith University and is the Queensland Disability Research Network Lead.
"For me, IDPwD represents a day for global reflection and informed action on achieving authentic inclusion. It’s an opportunity to amplify possibilities – to reimagine accessible, inclusive, co-designed communities. The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) is committed to the long-term goal of improving the lives, social and economic participation of people with disability, by working together in sustainable, collaborative research partnerships. The QDRN is an impactful way to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals for inclusive, quality, sustainable education, employment and communities for all people. "
Dr Kingsmill is working with Prof. Elizabeth Kendall to establish and develop the Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN).
For more information or to see how you or your organisation can become involved, email qdrn@griffith.edu.au or t.kingsmill@griffith.edu.au
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International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 1)
Join us as we celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)!
This week, on 3 December, we acknowledge IDPwD, a significant day recognised by the United Nations. The IDPwD program aligns with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. The United Nations Theme for IDPwD 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability – the Griffith University disability research beacon, addresses the core United Nations principle of Leave No-one Behind that underpins all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We reduce inequalities through partnerships with community and industry to provide inclusive infrastructure and innovation that can improve quality of life for people with disability.
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability draws on dozens of research experts who specialise in disability across all stages of life and societal levels. They bring expertise in all types of disabilities, chronic conditions and a wide array of methods and practices.
To mark this occasion, we shine a spotlight on researchers and projects dedicated to uniting in action, striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disability.
Dr Paula Mowbray, Senior Lecturer and ResearcherResearcher Spotlight: Dr Paula Mowbray
Dr Paula Mowbray is a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources at Griffith University. Paula’s research focuses on human resource management and the HR practices and leader behaviours that contribute to high performance cultures, employee engagement and inclusive environments that foster employee participation and involvement.
Paula has been involved in research and consultancy projects concerning employee voice and participation within high performance organisations; employee engagement; organisational culture; leadership development; executive performance management; and company values and behaviours' frameworks. Previously, Paula was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing.
Paula holds a PhD in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of International Business (Hons) from Griffith University. Prior to her academic career, Paula worked across a diverse range of organisations including the public sector, multinationals, management consulting, and small businesses. Paula has experience across a broad range of industries including energy, transport, agribusiness, food and beverage, manufacturing, education, aged care and online business.
“IDPwD is an important day to highlight the unique issues that PwD face on a daily basis within the workplace. For many PwD, finding and sustaining meaningful employment is a challenge due to the many barriers they face. Yet, meaningful employment and work without discrimination and stigma should be the experience of everyone, regardless of disability. My research on meaningful employment for people with disability in Queensland identifies ways we can promote decent work and economic growth, while ensuring we reduce inequalities for PwD. In doing so, it addresses several SDGs and ensures we can create more meaningful and inclusive work experiences for PwD.”
Meaningful Employment for Queenslanders with Disability
In 2023, we conducted a research project for the Queensland Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. This research aimed to understand the experience of employment, the barriers and success factors that can support Queenslanders with disability to work, and the way in which we can generate meaningful pathways to success and leadership.
Meaningful employment is a fundamental aspect of life for most people, but particularly for people with disability, as it can be a source of confidence, sense of purpose, and self-worth. Employment enables people to feel productive, fulfilled, and valued members of society, and provides a foundation for self-development and financial independence.
As a result of our research, we were able to identify strategies that could reduce the barriers to meaningful employment and practices that could enhance the employment experience of people with disability in Queensland.
This research contributes to SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic Growth) by promoting inclusive and accessible work environments that ensure decent work opportunities for individuals with disabilities, with ways to improve workplace policies and foster equal opportunities, ultimately fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
We also contributed to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by highlighting the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities and providing strategies to reduce inequalities in the workplace.
The report can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/5090
For more information, contact Dr Paula Mowbray: p.mowbray@griffith.edu.au
Griffith University PhD Candidate and Researcher Emily LuResearcher Spotlight: Emily Lu, PhD Candidate and Researcher
"International Day of People with Disability is a time to celebrate what people with disability have accomplished with respect to employment and career development; It is also a time to listen to people with disability about what we as researchers can do to empower their ability to thrive at work.
“My research explores the conditions which empower the ability of people with disability to thrive in the tourism and hospitality workforce. Through participatory action research in which workers with disability conduct research with me in an inclusive manner, an exhibition will be designed and hosted with workers with disability to create awareness of the unique capabilities and strengths of them to a wider audience and inform policymakers and relevant stakeholders to consider what people with disability can do in tourism and hospitality workforce and provide a more inclusive and supportive organisational environment for workers with disability.”
The Inclusive Voyage: Empowering People with Disabilities to Thrive in the Tourism and Hospitality Workforce
People with disability account for 1.3 billion individuals, representing 1 in 6 of the global population. With such a significant number worldwide, people with disability tend to experience higher levels of unemployment compared to people without disability. As such, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG 8.5 promotes full labour participation of people with disability on an equal basis with others, highlighting their rights for the opportunities to achieve decent work.
Following this recognition, the tourism and hospitality sectors are embracing the untapped human resource group of people with disability to promote sustainable tourism, and to address the long-term labour shortage challenges which have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, existing studies in tourism and hospitality have predominantly focused on stigma and discrimination of people with disability’s employment from employers’ perspectives, however the research which explicitly articulates the unique strengths and capabilities of people with disability is notably absent from existing discourses.
In response to the identified research gaps, this PhD research underpinned by the social model of disability, focuses on unearthing the invaluable traits and conditions which enable people with disability to thrive in the workforce, if social barriers are minimised. Specifically, this research will explore the meaning of thriving, from the perspective of workers with disability in the tourism and hospitality sectors by participatory action research.
Please email Emily Lu at emily.lu2@griffithuni.edu.au if you would like to participate in, or know more about the research project.