Category Inclusion   Show all

  • ARMS: Strategies for Accessible and Inclusive Research Development Workshops

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    A black and white photo of Dr Maretta Mann and Dr Noni Creasey standing in front of their PowerPoint presentation, which has the title Strategies for Accessible and Inclusive Research Development Workshops.Dr Maretta Mann (Griffith University) and Dr Noni Creasey (University of Queensland) at the ARMS Annual Convention.

    Last week, Inclusive Futures team member Dr Maretta Mann, together with Dr Noni Creasey from the University of Queensland (UQ), presented “Disability Inclusive Research Management” at the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) annual convention in Darwin (#ARMS24).


    The presentation gave an overview of disability in Australia, and introduced the terms accessibility, inclusion and belonging in the context of a research organisation.

    The presenters shared some practical strategies for including people with disability in research development activities. The benefits for inclusive research management range from supporting pathways for academics in your own research institution to contributions to a more equitable and just society. Why wouldn’t anyone want to do that?!

    The talk was well received by research managers from other universities being inspired to adopt disability inclusive practice in their own settings. If you would like to know more, please contact our team!

    Find out more about hosting Inclusive and Accessible Events and access our Inclusive Events Checklist: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-and-accessible-events

    Email us:

    inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

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

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    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


  • Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series

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    Left to right: Attendees of the Brisbane Workshop and Dr. Talitha Kingsmill.


    The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) recently hosted the Disability Research Strategy Engagement and Co-Design Workshop Series, bringing together individuals with disability, citizen scientists, researchers, government agencies, and key disability advocacy organisations across Queensland. These invitation-only, fully accessible workshops aimed to collaboratively shape the research agenda for the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services’ Disability Research Strategy 2025-2030.

    Facilitated by Dr. Talitha Kingsmill (GU), Professor Kate Ames (CQU), Dr. Corey Bloomfield (CQU), and Professor Charlotte Brownlow (USQ), the workshops were held both in-person at Brisbane and Toowoomba, and online. The focus was on identifying research priorities and projects to support Queensland’s Disability Plan, the Disability Royal Commission, NDIS Review recommendations, Elevate 2042 Legacy Strategy, and the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    Key stakeholders gathered at Griffith University’s Southbank campus, University of Southern Queensland’s Toowoomba campus and online to discuss a wide range of topics, including employment and financial security, safety rights and justice, education and learning, community attitudes, and departmental regulatory functions. The discussions generated valuable insights and recommendations, which will inform policy and decision-making for the upcoming Disability Research Strategy.

    The engagement and co-design workshops are an ongoing effort, with multiple sessions held across Queensland and online. These workshops are crucial for ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping the research priorities that will guide future policies. The QDRN invites interested parties to connect and participate in this important work.

    We extend our sincere gratitude to the Queensland Government Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services for their unwavering support of this research. We also wish to thank Griffith University's Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability team members, Rebekah Barker, Joe-Anne Kek-Pamenter, Dr Kelsey Chapman, Dr Maretta Mann and Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM, for their invaluable assistance in organising these events, and the wider QDRN team for their continuous dedication and support.


    For more information or to become involved, please contact:
    Dr. Talitha Kingsmill, Research Fellow and QDRN Lead

    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University

    Email: qdrn@griffith.edu.au


    Dr Talitha Kingsmill addresses the Brisbane workshop.


  • Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland

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    Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland (Final Report)

    Project Aims
    The Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DSDSATSIP) requested a high-level proposal to examine employment experiences of people with disability in Queensland.

    A group of diverse people in a professional office collaborating on a work project. Some individuals hold up papers to share whilst others have a laptop in their lap.

    The project aimed to identify insights unique to Queensland and provide evidence that could improve experiences of people with disability (both with and without NDIS funding) in relation to employment. Specifically, the project:

    • Investigated employment experiences of people with disability in Queensland (formal, unpaid and supported);
    • Explored the nature of financial security for Queenslanders with disability;
    • Examined the drivers for satisfaction or dissatisfaction for those who have, or have previously had, employment and the challenges to success in employment; and
    • Explored employment and work aspirations, including preferred career pathways, hours of work and locations.

    This project was conducted in three phases:

    • Phase 1: Literature review and statistical analysis;
    • Phase 2: Project Co-development;
    • Phase 3: Data collection and analysis by Citizen Scientists.

    Visit the Project page on the Inclusive Futures Hub.

    The Final Report contains the findings from the qualitative and quantitative data collection with citizen scientists, including strategies on how to improve meaningful employment for people with disability.

    Infographic displaying the findings of the report. Age Range: 18-70, Average age was 43. Highest level of education - PhD or higher doctoral degree 1.6%, Masters Degree 6.3%, Bachelors Degree 28.1%, Year 12 or Certificate 18%, Diploma, Adv. Diploma or Associate Degree 15.6%, Certificate, trade or under year 12 12.5%. Employment Currently employed 70.3%, Not currently employed 29.7%, Employed full time 25.6%, Employed casually 20.9%, Employed part-time 18.6%, Self Employed 20.9%. Gender - Female 35 (54.7%), Male 7 (42.2%), Non Binary 2 (3.1%), First Australian - No 93.8%, Aboriginal 4.7%, Aboriginal and TSI 1.6%. LGBTIQA - Yes 7.8%, No 87.5%, Prefer not to say 4.7%. First Language - English 96.9%, Language other than English 3.1%. Country of Birth - Overseas in a country where English is the main language 14.1%, overseas in a country where English is not the first language 0%, Australia 85.9%.

    Summary of the findings
    Meaningful employment for people with disability necessitates workplaces that foster growth, autonomy, flexibility, support, safety, and dignity. However, current practices often fall short of meeting these essential criteria, as highlighted in our study on disability employment in Queensland. Barriers to employment persist throughout individuals' lives, particularly for those with developmental disability or acquired disability later in life. These barriers encompass various stages of the employment process and require tailored interventions, including improved training and support during education, enhanced transition programs, and better accessibility in recruitment and workplace accommodations. Moreover, there's a pressing need to address misconceptions and stigma surrounding disability, foster inclusive workplaces, and provide education and resources for both employers and employees.

    Efforts to improve disability employment outcomes must prioritise meaningful work and acknowledge the diverse needs and abilities of individuals with disability. This involves empowering individuals through self-employment opportunities, promoting inclusive practices in the workforce, and advocating for policy changes to address financial disincentives and support mechanisms. Collaboration among stakeholders, including citizen scientists and diverse disability groups, is essential for developing comprehensive strategies that address systemic challenges and harness the strengths and contributions of people with disability in the workforce. Ultimately, a concerted effort to reshape attitudes, practices, and policies is vital to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for disability employment in Queensland and beyond.

    The Final Report can be found on this link: https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/5090

    Authors

    Mowbray, Paula K
    Kendall, Elizabeth
    Chapman, Kelsey
    Khan, Maria
    Allen, Connie
    Berridge, Mark

    Published by
    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University

    Please contact Dr. Paula Mowbray for further information:

    Phone: (07) 3735 4708
    Email: p.mowbray@griffith.edu.au

    Griffith University Ethics Approval: 2022/894

  • Unlocking Inclusive Futures Through Diverse Voices

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    Unlocking Inclusive Futures through Diverse Voices

    Embrace the Power of Inclusivity

    In a world striving for progress, true innovation comes from hearing and embracing diversity in all its forms.

    We proudly present Inclusive Voices, a pioneering force driving forward inclusive thinking in community, in business and in government.

    Our vibrant community of over 500 people with lived experience of disability, supported by decades of cutting-edge disability research, makes us the premier destination for corporations and governments seeking transformative disability-centric change.

    Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian (CQU), Dwayne Fernandes, Dr Maretta Mann (Griffith University), and Timothy Lachlan address the audience at the Inclusivity In Play Pitch, 2022.Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian (CQU), Dwayne Fernandes, Dr Maretta Mann (Griffith University), and Timothy Lachlan address the audience at the Inclusivity In Play Pitch, 2022.

    Why Inclusive Voices?

    The Numbers Don't Lie

    With over 4 million Australians living with disability, representing 18% of our population, and even more people living with chronic disabling conditions, the potential for meaningful engagement and collaboration is vast.

    Yet, the knowledge of people with disability remains vastly untapped by industry, offering us huge possibilities for creativity, and unparalleled insights waiting to be unlocked.

    Our Unique Approach

    We bring together a dynamic alliance:

    People with Disability: Our thriving community of 500+ individuals, each with a unique journey and invaluable perspective on disability.

    Researchers, Designers, and Educators: Experts who understand the transformative power of collaboration and empathy.

    Industry and Government Bodies: Partners dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society through meaningful action.

    What We Offer

    Personalised Consultations: Gain invaluable insights through one-on-one sessions with people with lived experiences or immersive focus groups, where our community members offer first-hand perspectives and innovative solutions.

    Captivating Keynotes and Workshops: Let our Inclusive Voices speaking bureau inspire and educate with their compelling stories, experiences of using your products and services, shedding light on the true essence of disability and its implications for your organisation.

    Product and Service Enhancement and Testings: Collaborate with our experts to refine your offerings, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of all individuals and drive meaningful impact.

    Research Collaborations: Dive into, or commission, ground-breaking studies conducted by our researchers, bridging theory and practice to shape a more inclusive future for all.

    A montage of images from the Inclusivity in Play Pitch, 2022 featuring diverse people and speakers with disability.Inclusivity in Play Pitch, 2022 Top L to R: Kathleen O'Kelly-Kennedy and Dr Kerry Hall; Dwayne Fernandes an Sara Shams
    Bottom L to R: Timothy Lachlan; Timothy Lachlan, Dr Maretta Mann, Dwayne Fernandes and Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian.


    Why Choose Inclusive Voices?

    Unprecedented Access: We've streamlined the process, providing seamless access to our vibrant and unique community.

    A Fresh Perspective: Shift your paradigm and see disability not as a limitation, but as a source of boundless creativity and resilience, inspiring innovative solutions.

    Transformative Impact: By embracing inclusivity, you'll not only meet compliance standards but also unlock new avenues for innovation and growth, benefiting all of society.


    A montage of images of Inclusive Futures events: From Left to Right - Madi de Rozario OAM and Daniel Clarke OAM; Julia Robertson, Matt Levy OAM and Mark Berridge at the Inclusive Futures Book Club Author Talk; Inclusivity in Play Pitch; Geoff Trappett; Geoff Trappett and Karin Swift at the Disability Reform Summit 2024.A montage of images of Inclusive Futures events: From Left to Right - Madi de Rozario OAM and Daniel Clarke OAM at the Inclusivity In Play Pitch; Julia Robertson, Matt Levy OAM and Mark Berridge at the Inclusive Futures Book Club Author Talk; Audience at the Inclusivity in Play Pitch; Geoff Trappett; Geoff Trappett and Karin Swift at the Disability Reform Summit 2024.

    Join Us

    As the leading force in Australian disability research, Griffith University is committed to and backs Inclusive Voices.

    Visit Griffith Inclusive Futures to learn more about ground-breaking disability research. Join us on a journey where inclusion isn't just a buzzword—it's a way of life.

    Together, let's build a future where everyone thrives by harnessing the power of each person’s unique abilities.

    Unlock Inclusive Futures. Transform Lives.


    Contact Us

    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

    Email: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

    Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability

    Inclusive Futures Hub: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au

    Follow Us

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/gu_incl_futures

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdzCWo_9R8XHDadRRVPnkw

    Become an Inclusive Futures Member

    https://shorturl.at/huDHQ

  • Griffith Design Café is revolutionising access through co-design

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    Transforming Lives through Co-Design: Griffith University's Inclusive Futures initiative brings together a diverse alliance of designers, engineers, occupational therapists, and individuals with disability. The success of the Disability Design Café pilot project has led to the integration of its co-design blueprint into a course for design students. Our collaborative designs will soon be accessible to the public, promoting inclusivity and innovation. Join us in reimagining disability design and breaking barriers.

    Read the story in full on the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2023/11/28/griffith-design-cafe-is-revolutionising-access-through-co-design/

    Visit the Design Hub: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/hub-page/design-hub

    Find out more or get involved, by emailing Matt McShane: m.mcshane@griffith.edu.au

    A montage of colour photos from the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Design Cafe Pilot program, with Photo 1 (top left) showing the guest speakers including Matt McShane, a wheelchair user, paralympian and program lead on the far right, Photo 2 (top right) attendees sitting in groups around a large table participating in co-design activities, Photo 3 (bottom) all attendees assembled outside Griffith University ADaPT building on the Gold Coast, all smiling together for a group photo.

    A montage of colour images from our Design Cafe Pilot held at Griffith University in the ADaPT building, Gold Coast. Image 1: Researcher Sam Canning notes down on butchers paper ideas devised by the group, 2: A participant shares his ideas for co-design, 3: The Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Team Jo Kek-Pamenter, Maretta Mann, Bek Barker together with Design Cafe Lead Matt McShane, a Paralympic basketball and wheelchair user, 4: Participants sit at a table brainstorming ideas, 5: Matt McShane addresses the Design Cafe cohort, 6: Members of the ADaPT engineering team standing and smiling for the camera.


  • Sport Access Foundation 2023 Grant Recipients Announcement

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    Sport Access Foundation (SAF) has announced the 2023 Sport Access Foundation grant recipients, helping Aussie kids with disability to play and participate in sport.

    14 Aussie kids with disability and 4 sporting clubs who provide programs to include children with a disability and/or enable children with a disability to be members of their clubs receive Sport Access Foundation grants.

    The four grant categories include:

    • No Barriers (aged 7-12 years) $500 x 8
    • Kick Start (aged 13-17 years) $1000 x 4
    • Pathway to Paralympics (aged 13-17 years) $1500 x 2
    • Sporting Club Grants (all registered sporting clubs) $2000 x 4

    Colour photo taken at the Sport Access Foundation Grant Announcement event at Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, in this photo Katie Kelly stands with grant recipients who are all smiling for the camera.

    Sport Access Foundation Founder and Director, and Paralympian Gold Medallist Katie Kelly OAM said the foundation aims to improve inclusion and access to sport and ensure no young Australian is left behind on the sporting sidelines.

    "Every year we receive applications from across the country, from young Australians with disability who are seeking support to achieve their sporting goals,” Ms Kelly said.

    “Their disability is not inspiring - rather it is their determination and resilience to achieve their goals, regardless of the many barriers and disablist attitudes that young people with disability experience.

    “While the grants provide financial support which helps to provide opportunities, they are mostly about empowering.

    “The grants ensure every young recipient knows that if they keep showing up, they will be rewarded.

    “If you want to know what overcoming adversity is, or how one builds character, then you have it here among our grant recipients.

    “Sport Access Foundation Honour Roll Members will not be defined by a disability, and they are determined to make a difference by leading through participation in sport to reach their potential, whatever their goals may be.”

    Ms Kelly is a founding member of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability council, providing an advocacy role for one of the key pillars, Play (Sport).

    In support of the Sport Access Foundation, Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability beacon hosted the SAF Grant award ceremony at the Gold Coast campus on 17 November 2023.

    “We are proud to host the 2023 SAF grant announcement which will help many young people with disability achieve their sporting goals,” said Inclusive Futures: Reimaging Disability Beacon Director Professor Elizabeth Kendall.

    “Young people with disability are so often directed away from sport, but these scholarships and initiatives such as the Griffith Sports College make an important difference.

    “Many of these young athletes will be holding our hopes for medals in the 2032 Paralympic events so we need to invest in their careers.”

    Sydney 2000 Gold medal Olympian, Australian Stingers Water polo team member and Griffith Sports College Manager Naomi McCarthy said the grants are exciting and important to improving access to sport.

    “At the Griffith Sports College we work hard to ensure all athletes are supported through their education while they compete in elite sport,” Ms McCarthy said.

    “The Sport Access Foundation’s grants will help to ensure young people with disability can access sport and overcome barriers to improve participation - from grassroots through to high performance.”

    Meet the 2023 Sport Access Foundation recipients:

    For more information or to donate visit: www.sportaccessfoundation.org.au



  • Specialist Disability Accommodation: Brisbane Conference

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    A colourful montage of photos taken at the Specialist Disability Accommodation conference. Photos from left to right: 1: Panelists address the audience, there is a screen behind the keynote speaker showing live captioning and a PowerPoint presentation. 2. An over the shoulder photo of the conference. 3. Guests mingle post event on the Webb Centre balcony.

    It was great to bring together 70 passionate people on 3 November at Griffith University Southbank Campus in Brisbane, to chat all things Specialist Disability Accommodation.

    With speakers and audience members joining us from interstate we welcomed open discussions around some of the hot topics facing the sector at present.

    The event was proudly supported by (Griffith University – Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Just SDA, Just Advisory Services, H’a’fele Australia and Archr Design) and covered important topics such as:

    How to build your own SDA

    • Accessing Appendix H
    • Updates and trends across the sector
    • Best practice design approaches for SDA
    • A personal journey through the NDIS


    A colour photo of Coral Gillet, from Griffith University wearing a technological headset and brightly coloured dress talking to another conference guest on the balcony post event.

    A great day was had by all, with post event celebrations hosted on the wonderful deck at the Southbank campus for some networking, canape’s and drinks.

    Everyone is ready for the next event in March 2024 (Brisbane) and May 2024 (Melbourne).

    More information, please email Justin MacDonald, Just Advisory Services on: pm@justsda.com.au

    Visit the Inclusive Futures Hub to see the impactful work we are doing around Disability, Accessibility and Inclusion: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au

    Contact us: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

  • Towards Inclusive Digital Futures

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    Ethical Data and AI-Enabled Decisions in the Context of Accessibility and Urban Living, hosted by Professor Dian Tjondronegoro

    A montage of colour images from the Towards Inclusive Digital Futures Conference. From left to Right: 1 - Professor Dian Tjondronegoro addresses the attendees; 2 - Keynote speaker Dr Bahita "Bobby" Rifai, an Economic Researcher for the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); 3 - Attendees from Griffith University and beyond.On Thursday, 9 November, Professor Dian Tjondronegoro (“LIVE” theme leader) and Professor Elizabeth Kendall (Director) of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability hosted Toward Inclusive Digital Futures, a bilateral workshop to foster dialogue to advance collaboration between Australia and Indonesia in the area of ethical AI and inclusive urban environments.

    We heard from keynote speaker Dr Bahtia ("Bobby") Rifai (Economic Researcher for the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)) about the roles of and interplay between different actors generating, collecting and using data, in complex regulatory and institutional environments. Overlaid on this are the social inequalities that lead to people being underrepresented or having poor access to the digital world.

    A montage of colour images from the Towards Inclusive Digital Futures Conference. From left to Right: 1 - Moderator DR Amber Marshall from Griffith University; 2 - Panelists Dr Amber Marshall, Dr Nagesh Shukla, Tim Marshall and Fiona Gaske; 3 - Breakout group engaging in discussion and brainstorming ideas on butchers paper.

    A panel moderated by Dr Amber Marshall (Griffith), and including Liz Antoine (Microsoft), Dr Nagesh Shukla (QUT), Tim Mitchell (RACQ) and Fiona Gaske (RDA) discussed data, AI and digital inclusion and ethics in different contexts including transport, supply chains, regions and education.

    We broke out into groups for in-depth discussions exploring issues including data transparency and governance, smart and accessible cities, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration.

    It was a very thought-provoking session, and we are looking forward to progressing ideas in future research collaboration.

    A montage of colour images from the Towards Inclusive Digital Futures Conference. From left to Right: 1 - Professor Elizabeth Kendall, Director of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability addresses the audience; 2 - Attendees engage in discussion in one of the breakout rooms; 3 - Attendees with disability stand chatting with their walkers and companion dog; 4 - Panellists Dr Amber Marshall, Dr Nagesh Shukla, Tim Mitchell and Fiona Gaske.

    For more information please contact us at:

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

    Visit our Inclusive Futures Hub to find out more about our research:

    https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au

  • Change 2023 Conference: Nothing About Us Without Us

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    A colour photo of the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability "Nothing About Us Without Us" Panellists. From left to right: Kevin Cocks (seated in power chair), standing at back Jim Hogan, Kelsey Chapman, Sharon Rundle-Thiele, seated at front Prof. Elizabeth Kendall and Brad Kinsela (seated in his manual wheelchair).


    CHANGE 2023 CONFERENCE

    Empower, Enable, Enact

    The Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability (IFRD) team had the pleasure to lead a session at Change 2023 last Friday, 20 October at Griffith University, Southbank Campus.

    Change 2023 is an annual 2-day conference in Brisbane, Queensland hosted by Social Marketing @ Griffith, especially for practitioners, professionals, researchers and experts with an interest in making change happen.

    In our session - Nothing About Us Without Us – Kelsey Chapman (IFRD Engagement Manager and PhD Candidate) lead a Q&A panel discussion with Professor Elizabeth Kendall (Director), Kevin Cocks, Brad Kinsela and Jim Hogan.

    In this impactful discussion, they candidly shared their experiences as disability advocates and outlined challenges they have experienced in their decades of fighting for inclusion.

    To find out more about Inclusive Futures and the research we do, visit our website:

    https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability