Latest News | Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

Category Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Show all

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

Share Recognising Excellence: Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM honoured at the Government House Investiture Ceremony on Facebook Share Recognising Excellence: Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM honoured at the Government House Investiture Ceremony on Twitter Share Recognising Excellence: Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM honoured at the Government House Investiture Ceremony on Linkedin Email Recognising Excellence: Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM honoured at the Government House Investiture Ceremony link

We're thrilled to congratulate our Director, Professor Elizabeth Kendall, on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List!
On 19 September, Elizabeth attended the Government House Investiture Ceremony, where she was presented with this prestigious award by Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland.
For over 40 years, Elizabeth has been a trailblazer in disability and rehabilitation research, making groundbreaking contributions that have truly transformed lives. Her leadership at The Hopkins Centre and Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability has driven impactful, user-centered research and policy reforms, all while mentoring the next generation of researchers.
We're incredibly proud of Elizabeth's tireless advocacy and commitment to creating a more inclusive world. This recognition is so well-deserved!

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

IF Hub News: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/honoring-excellence-prof-elizabeth-kendall-appointed-member-of-the-order-of-australia-in-2024-king-s-birthday-honours

Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2024/06/10/leading-disability-advocate-honoured-in-kings-birthday-list/
Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports

Share Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports on Facebook Share Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports on Twitter Share Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports on Linkedin Email Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports link
Griffith Inclusive Futures, a proud member of the Queensland Para Sport Network for Performance Enhancement and Applied Research (QPSN) is thrilled to host:
Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity: A symposium championing equity and diversity in Paralympic sports
Friday, 8 November 2024, 9 am–3:30 pm, Online Event
This symposium, hosted by Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, as a member of the Queensland Para Sport Network, brings together interdisciplinary researchers, community partners, and athletes to amplify the vital role equity and diversity can play in improving the performance of Paralympic teams and enabling athletes to compete at the highest possible standard.
The symposium will explore equity and diversity in elite paralympic sport through the lens of exercise and sport science, social justice, tourism and leisure, sport management, disability rehabilitation and inclusion. Building toward the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, this is a key opportunity for participants to incorporate the pillars of equity and diversity into their performance programs and research to drive performance.

EVENT SCHEDULE
9.00 am – 9:10 am
Opening Remarks/ Housekeeping
Master of Ceremonies: Ella Sablijak
9:10 am - 9.40 am
Keynote Introduction: Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity
Presenter: Natalie Charlton
9:40 am - 9:50 am
Questions
9:50 am – 10:00 am
10-minute break
10.00 am – 12.30 pm
Performance Priorities Lightning Round
10:00 am – 10:25 am
Gender Equity and Paralympic Sport
Presenters: Dr Georgia Munro-Cook and A/Prof. Adele Pavlidis
10:25 am – 10:30 am
Questions
10:30 am – 10:55 am
Optimising Participation and Performance for First Nations and CALD Athletes
Presenter: Dr Kerry Hall and Dr Diti Bhattacharya
10:55 am – 11:00 am
Questions
11:00 am – 11:25 am
The Paradox of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Paralympic Classification
Presenter: Prof. Sean Tweedy
11:25 am – 11:30 am
Questions
11:30 am – 11:55 am
Equity and Design Thinking in Technology Innovation for Improved Performance
Presenters: Prof. Laurent Fossard and Matthew McShane
11:55 am – 12:00 pm
Questions
12:00 pm – 12:25 pm
Creating Environments to Optimise Performance of Athletes with High Support Needs
Presenters: Sharon Hill and Rachel Watson
12:25 pm – 12:30 pm
Questions
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
45-minute lunch break
1:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Performance priority poll
1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
Panel Discussion: “Ethical Decision Making - Inclusion Versus Equity?”
Panel Members: Michael Dobbie-Bridges; Ben Newton; Robyn Smith
- How can we create a cohesive sport system and strong pathways for para-athletes by centring inclusion?
- How do inclusion and equity factor into our legacy planning?
- What is the role of policy in driving inclusion and equity?
- Brisbane 2032 – quality or quantity?
3.00 pm–3.30 pm
Closing remarks: Best Practice in Equity and Diversity to Drive Performance / Building Environments to Optimise Performance
Presenters: Prof. Simone Fullagar and Prof. Brendan Burkett
3.30 pm
Event concludes
Concluding poll
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Meet our Master of Ceremonies — Ella Sablijak
Fresh off her bronze medal performance with the Australian Steelers, Ella has graciously agreed to be the Master of Ceremony for our symposium. Ella has more than 15 years’ experience in elite sport at an international level – representing Australia in both Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby. She is the current Education Manager for Paralympics Australia, with positions on the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Athlete Steering Committee, Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission and WADA’s Athlete Committee.
Gender Equity and Paralympic Sport
Presenters: Dr Georgia Munro-Cook and A/Prof. Adele Pavlidis
During our Performance Priorities Lightening Round we will be discussing the important issue of gender equity and paralympic sport. Our presenters on this topic are Dr Geogia Munro-Cook and A/Prof. Adele Pavlidis, from the Sport and Gender Equity Research Hub. Georgia has successfully represented Australia in Wheelchair Basketball and is now a champion of promoting intersectional approaches to promoting positive experiences for women in disability sport. Adele’s work focuses on gender and power relations, specifically connecting social, cultural and health concepts in sport to drive inclusion. She is currently leading an international team to investigate mega-sport event sport participation legacies and experimenting with ways of co-creating knowledge with girls, women and non-binary people.
Optimising Participation and Performance for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Athletes
Presenters: Dr Kerry Hall and Dr Diti Bhattacharya
During our Performance Priorities Lightening Round we will be discussing how to optimising participation and performance for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Athletes. Tackling this important issue is Dr Kerry Hall and Dr Diti Bhattacharya. Dr Kerry Hall is a proud descendant of the Kuku Thaypan, Kuku Warra and Lama Lama Peoples from Cape York Peninsula. Her work aims to address access, engagement and inequity issues specific to First Nations Peoples through collaboration and prioritising community voices and perspectives. Dr Diti Bhattachyarya’s research relates to how sporting practices and fitness cultures can be used as a social conduit through which marginalised communities as experience a sense of belonging and community. Her current expertise in sporting geographies and social inclusion is being applied to her Postdoctoral Research Fellow role working on an ARC Discovery Project titled 'Engaging Outsiders in Sport: Transforming Major Sport Event Legacy Planning Through a Co-Creation Approach'.
The Paradox of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Paralympic Classification
Presenter: Prof. Sean Tweedy
During our Performance Priorities Lightening Round we will be discussing the balance between equity, inclusion and fair competition during our “Paradox of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Paralympic Classification” session. We are very fortunate to have Professor Sean Tweedy, the Principal Investigator for the International Paralympic Committee’s Classification Research and Development Centre (physical impairments) available to reflect on his decades long career developing best practice and evidence-based methods for allocating athletes to classes. Sean leads the Para Sport and Adapted Physical Activity Research Group in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland and is a proud member of the Queensland Para Sport Network for Performance Enhancement and Applied Research board.
Equity and Design Thinking in Technology Innovation for Improved Performance
Presenters: Prof. Laurent Fossard and Matthew McShane
Technology has unlimited potential to optimise performance – it also has the potential to create inequities due to issues with access, acceptability and affordability. During our Performance Priorities Lightening Round we will be discussing Equity and Design Thinking in Technology Innovation for Improved Performance. Tackling this important issue is Laurent Frossard and Matt McShane. Laurent is a bionic limbs scientist passionate about developing ground-breaking prosthetic solutions to improve life of individuals suffering from limb loss. Prof Frossard was the Sport Biomechanist for the Australian Para-athletic team between the Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic games. Internationally recognised as independent expert, he approaches bionic solutions from an all-rounded perspective integrating prosthetic biomechanics, clinical benefits, service delivery and health economics. Matt is an Industrial Designer with a passion for co-designing technologies to improve the lives of individuals with a disability. He is an Australian Paralympian and World Champion with more than 8 years’ experience in elite sport.
Creating Environments to Optimise Performance of Athletes with High Support Needs
Presenters: Sharon Hill and Rachel Watson
An individual’s environment can either be a positive and enabling force or a barrier for participation and performance. So how do we ensure an individual’s environment enables maximal participation, particularly for individuals with high support needs? Tackling this important issue is Sharon Hill. Sharon Hill is a volunteer who is passionate about driving the expansion of inclusive sport on the Sunshine Coast through Reverse Inclusion to encourage more social interaction between able-bodied people and those with disabilities. Sharon is a recipient of an Honorary Senior Fellow Award from the University of the Sunshine Coast for her dedication to inclusive sport. Sharon has tripled the Suncoast Spinners membership and created opportunities to employ people with disabilities for programs such as coaching local school children to play wheelchair basketball irrespective of their abilities.
SAVE THE DATE
Friday, 8 November 2024
9 am–3.30 pm
The symposium will be hosted online on Microsoft Teams.
This is an accessible event with live captions. Auslan interpreting is available upon request.
Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/LBHEY9iktm

CONTACT US
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
Dr Kelly Clanchy
Program Director – Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Griffith University
k.clanchy@griffith.edu.au
ARMS: Strategies for Accessible and Inclusive Research Development Workshops

Share ARMS: Strategies for Accessible and Inclusive Research Development Workshops on Facebook Share ARMS: Strategies for Accessible and Inclusive Research Development Workshops on Twitter Share ARMS: Strategies for Accessible and Inclusive Research Development Workshops on Linkedin Email ARMS: Strategies for Accessible and Inclusive Research Development Workshops link

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
Inclusive Futures Book Club Guest: Dr Sarah Brooker, author of My Lucky Stroke

Share Inclusive Futures Book Club Guest: Dr Sarah Brooker, author of My Lucky Stroke on Facebook Share Inclusive Futures Book Club Guest: Dr Sarah Brooker, author of My Lucky Stroke on Twitter Share Inclusive Futures Book Club Guest: Dr Sarah Brooker, author of My Lucky Stroke on Linkedin Email Inclusive Futures Book Club Guest: Dr Sarah Brooker, author of My Lucky Stroke link

Summary by Dr Maretta Mann
I had the great pleasure of hosting Dr. Sarah Brooker, author of "My Lucky Stroke” at our recent Inclusive Futures Book Club online event on Tuesday 13 August 2024. Having just finished reading Sarah’s book before our event, I found her presentation to contain the same honesty, insight and humour that I enjoyed when reading her story. Here is my summary of our event.
Dr Sarah Brooker and Dr Maretta Mann.

A life-saving accident
Sarah shared her story about her life journey pre- and post-stroke. She began by telling us about her fascination as a young child with the brain and her ambition to become a neuroscientist. She was about to begin her Honours degree, when an accident changed the course of her life. While driving with her two sisters in the car, she had a stroke causing her to crash into a pole. That car accident, while giving her multiple serious injuries, probably also saved her life by preventing a sub arachnoid haemorrhage.
Visible and invisible injuries
Sarah explained that whilst she suffered broken bones and other serious injuries from the car accident, the biggest effects on her life, caused by trauma to her brain, were not apparent for days, months and years afterwards. The first of these changes was the discovery that her pituitary gland was missing, and later she learnt that she was deaf in one ear and had lost her sense of smell. These diagnoses took time because Sarah’s brain injury meant that she had no knowledge or recollection of what it meant to hear or to smell from before her accident.
The ”new” Sarah
Sarah’s rehabilitation journey involved learning again how to eat, walk, dress, cook and to socialise with others. In some ways she was like a child learning about “the new Sarah” and the world around her. However, some parts of her memory were functioning very well. Remarkably, Sarah could remember every fact that she had learnt about the human brain and she was still really passionate about neuroscience.
Trying to fit in was the biggest challenge
Once Sarah left the rehabilitation unit, she found it very difficult to fit into the outside world. Her occupational therapist recommended getting a therapy dog, and so Harvey the fluffy Maltese terrier entered her life. He helped her by providing her with another being to care for and in her interactions with other people. So, with Harvey in her life she went back to university and finished her Honours degree in neuropharmacology, and later a PhD. But the ”new Sarah” found that she didn’t fit into the scientific world. She found it difficult to make friends other than with other people with disability.
A friend and a diagnosis
Two important things happened gave Sarah purpose and a feeling of belonging. She met Alan, who became her friend and later her husband. Alan did not make excuses for her and helped her to navigate a social world. Also, she finally got a diagnosis for her brain injury – orbitofrontal syndrome. Sarah told us how powerful it was to have this diagnosis. It helped her to explain and to manage her own behaviour.
The importance of disability disclosure
Sarah tried several career paths but eventually found happiness as a teacher. She recounted a time when she was studying to become a teacher and someone from the university’s Disability Liaison Unit said to her class:
“‘If you need our help, we are here and don't worry, we won't disclose anything.’ And I was so offended. In my mind, a failure to disclose perpetuates ignorance and ignorance only made it harder to survive.”
In Sarah’s view, disclosure was important both for protecting her from harm in her job, as well as helping others to understand that “the silly little foibles that are Sarah” are due to the golf ball-sized hole in her brain.
Sharing experiences of brain injury
In the discussion following Sarah’s presentation, some attendees shared their own experiences of life after brain injury. As always with these events, I sensed a warmth and connection in the virtual room, where people felt safe to be open, and support each other.
'My Lucky Stroke'
My Lucky Stroke is sadly out of print. I was fortunate to find a second-hand copy, but otherwise you can purchase the e-book on Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com.au/My-Lucky-Stroke-Sarah-Brooker-ebook/dp/B084ZTG7BH
The book is available as an accessible 16pt large print paperback edition from Better Read Than Dead Bookstore in Newtown, purchase here: https://www.betterread.com.au/book/my-lucky-stroke-16pt-large-print-edition.do
Watch the Author talk on YouTube (An accessible transcript in large print or other formats is available upon request): https://youtu.be/DTPWXlcW7Ao?si=Lg709dg8-zx_4vbm
You can also listen to Sarah’s 2018 interview with Richard Fidler on ABC Conversations here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/conversations-sarah-brooker-rpt/9926380
More Information:
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
Pathways to Care: Celebrating Strength, Skill, and Sportsmanship in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League Grand Final

Share Pathways to Care: Celebrating Strength, Skill, and Sportsmanship in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League Grand Final on Facebook Share Pathways to Care: Celebrating Strength, Skill, and Sportsmanship in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League Grand Final on Twitter Share Pathways to Care: Celebrating Strength, Skill, and Sportsmanship in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League Grand Final on Linkedin Email Pathways to Care: Celebrating Strength, Skill, and Sportsmanship in the Queensland Wheelchair Football League Grand Final link

This weekend, the excitement is palpable as the AFL Wheelchair Morningside Panthers prepare to compete in the Grand Final at Nissan Arena. Their journey to the Queensland Wheelchair Football League (QWFL) Grand Final is a testament to their unwavering strength, remarkable skill, and exemplary sportsmanship.
AFL Wheelchair: A New Era in Sports
AFL Wheelchair, which emerged from a series of "come and try" events, has rapidly gained momentum since the Queensland Wheelchair Football League's inception in 2023. Played as a five-a-side game on a basketball court, this adaptation of Australian Rules Football redefines the sport, promoting inclusivity and equity. In AFL Wheelchair, a kick is performed with a handball, and a handball is an underarm throw, offering a unique twist that challenges players to adapt and excel.
Foundation and Growth
The inaugural season saw teams from Beenleigh, Morningside, Ormeau, and Redcliffe lay the foundation for the league. The QWFL not only provides a competitive platform but also serves as a pathway for players to be drafted into the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS AFL Wheelchair squads for a two-game QClash series which acts as a selection ground for the Queensland State team for the Toyota National Wheelchair AFL Championship.
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
As a proud sponsor of the Morningside Panthers AFL Wheelchair Team in 2024, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and the opportunities that AFL Wheelchair creates for athletes. The support from organisations like Pathways to Care, acting as AFL Queensland’s Inclusion Partner, and Claro Aged Care & Disability is instrumental in fostering an inclusive environment that empowers all players.
Join the Action
This Sunday, the action kicks off with the Pathways to Care Kids Come n Try Clinic at 9:45 am on the center court. Following this, the curtain raiser featuring the Morningside Panthers begins at 11:00 am. Captain Michael Dobbie-Bridges will lead the team into the Grand Final, and spectators are welcome to join in cheering them on at Nissan Arena.
The AFL Wheelchair Grand Final is more than just a game; it is a celebration of strength, skill, and sportsmanship. Come along and witness the rousing performances of these athletes as they redefine what it means to compete with passion and equity in sports. Everyone is welcome to be part of this groundbreaking event!

Who: AFL Wheelchair Morningside Panthers vs Redcliffe Tigers
Where: Nissan Arena
Date: Sunday, 21 July
Time: 11am (Gates open at 9.30am)
Clinic: 9.45am (Centre Court)
Cost: Free entry
Can’t make the game? Watch the Live stream: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialAFLQ

More information:
Michael Dobbie-Bridges
Captain, Morningside Panthers
michael.dobbiebridges@gmail.com
Jeff Neumann
AFLQ Participation and Programs Manager
Schools, Inclusion and Diversity
jeff.neumann@afl.com.au

Website: https://www.aflq.com.au/afl-wheelchair/

Get Social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFLQUEENSLAND
Twitter: https://x.com/AFLQ
Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon!

Share Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon! on Facebook Share Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon! on Twitter Share Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon! on Linkedin Email Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon! link

Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon!
A massive congratulations to the incredible team from Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and Griffith University! Our staff, students, and ambassadors showcased their exceptional spirit and athleticism at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon this weekend.
Celebrating success! IFRD team members Rebekah Barker and Maretta Mann proudly display their 10km Finishers' Medals.
Race day smiles from Bek, Adam Sheppard, and Maretta.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Geoff Trappett OAM Australian Paralympic legend and Inclusive Futures partner Geoff Trappett dominated the Men’s Open 10km event, clinching first place in his category with a phenomenal time of 30:28. Watching Geoff race is always a thrill!
Kudos to Adam Sheppard (10km, M40-44), Natasha Price (CPL Wheelchair 10km), and the winners: Jake Lappin (CPL Wheelchair Marathon), Emily Tapp (CPL Wheelchair 10km), and Joshua Brass (Wheelchair 4km).
A big shoutout to Garth Plank, CEO of Mentor4me, for his incredible behind-the-scenes efforts in launching the first-ever 4km Wheelchair Race this year! Garth's inspiration and coaching were pivotal for Emily Foster, who discovered her passion for wheelchair racing at a City of Gold Coast ‘come ‘n’ try’ event. Thank you, Garth, for all you do for the wheelchair racing community! Read more here: https://goldcoastmarathon.com.au/2024/07/07/race-report-wheelchair-4km-race-joins-the-gold-coast-marathon-presented-by-asics-suite-of-events/
Dr. Maretta Mann Our dynamic Inclusive Futures Strategic Development Manager, Maretta, blazed through the Southern Cross University 10km Run (F45-49) with a personal best of 51 minutes, securing 19th place in her category. Maretta also joined her family in the Gold Coast Airport 5km Run. Way to go, Maretta!
Rebekah Barker Inclusive Futures Project Support Officer - a newcomer to running, Rebekah tackled her first competitive 10km (F35-39) event, finishing strong with a personal best of 52:32 minutes, and 41st in her category. Fantastic effort, Bek!
Geoff Trappett OAM, Australian paralympic champion, powers past in his race chair.
Dr Maretta Mann together with Geoff post-race.

THE POWER OF INCLUSIVE SPORTS
“Play: Active and Engaged Citizens” is one of the core themes of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. This theme focuses on inclusive sport, recreation and access to safe and healthy environments throughout the lifespan. It will respond to the growing disparity in health outcomes for people with disability and aims to increase participation and performance in competitive sport in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

Inclusive sports play a crucial role in promoting equality, breaking down barriers, and fostering a sense of community. By providing opportunities for people of all abilities to compete and excel, we not only challenge stereotypes but also inspire others to embrace diversity and inclusivity. Events like the GC Marathon – which has expanded to include three wheelchair events – highlight the importance of making sport accessible to everyone, and showcase the talents and determination of athletes of all abilities.
Celebrate with Us!
Hats off to all athletes, including those with disability and chronic conditions, for their outstanding achievements. If you participated, let us know so we can celebrate your success together!
Amazing job, everyone!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability
Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series

Share Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series on Facebook Share Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series on Twitter Share Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series on Linkedin Email Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series link

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.
ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media

Share ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media on Facebook Share ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media on Twitter Share ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media on Linkedin Email ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media link

EVENT RECAP:
Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media
Presented by: Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University
Last week’s ICA preconference, "The Inaugural Disability Communications and Media Preconference 2024: Emerging or Emerged?", brought together scholars from 17 countries to delve into media discourse, participatory research, and disability representation.
On Friday, we were inspired by a roundtable led by Dr. Monique Lewis from Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University. Monique's skillful moderation highlighted critical issues, fostering meaningful change in inclusive media representation.

In this roundtable discussion, we contemplated the overarching landscape of disability representations in news and popular media forms, and how these portrayals work to construct notions of ‘disability’ and the ‘disabled person’. Invisibility and erasure of disability have been ongoing concerns for everyone involved in advocacy work, activism, community engagement and academic scholarship, with dignity as a paramount focus. We heard from panel members about their lived experiences of both invisibility and visibility in the media context, as well as insights into their own perspectives, advocacy, and contributions to disrupting, creating, and producing media content about disability.
The session also unpacked some of the broader social, cultural, political, and economic implications of ableism and disablism in the media, as well as the wealth of creative opportunities for social transformation, with inclusivity at its heart.
Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester, Lisa Cox, Sara Shams, Tina (Captioner) and Dr Monique Lewis.

PANELISTS
Dr. Monique Lewis: A senior lecturer in media and communication and a member of Inclusive Futures at Griffith University. Her research spans media, health and medicine, and risk sociologies, with a particular interest in news media landscapes, framing, and practice. She is the lead editor of Communicating COVID-19: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (2021) and Communicating COVID-19: Media, Trust and Public Engagement (2024) published by Palgrave.
Sara Shams: A pharmacist, model, speaker, creator, actor and formidable disability advocate. As a bilateral above knee amputee, her mission is to raise awareness on what it takes to be truly and authentically inclusive within the fashion and media industry, and beyond.
Lisa Cox: A TEDx speaker and internationally acclaimed disability advocate, and co-author of Media Diversity Australia’s ‘Disability Reporting Handbook’. Combining her professional background in advertising and media, with a lived experience of disability, Lisa is committed to changing public perceptions of disability by empowering professionals in some of the world’s most influential industries, like media. Her solutions-focused approach is helping professionals better navigate the nuances of disability inclusion through their content and workplace practices.
Dr. Faith Valencia Forrester: An expert in work-integrated learning and social change initiatives like Project Open Doors. Faith has combined her media experience, degrees in Arts, Law and Business, and completed her PhD in inclusive work-integrated learning with a view to developing an inclusive and diverse media cohort capable of changing the media landscape for the better.
Dr Maretta Mann (Strategic Development Manager, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability) together with Lisa Cox, Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester and Sara Shams; Panel Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester and Sara Shams; Moderator Dr Monique Lewis.

WHY MEDIA REPRESENTATION MATTERS
Media representation of people with disability fosters more inclusive societies. As Mark Deuze noted in 2011, we live in media, not just with it. Our panellists discussed how media often portrays disability, along with its influence on societal perceptions, and the power relations involved.
PERSONAL STORIES AND PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
Sara Shams shared a poignant story illustrating misconceptions about disability. A public bathroom encounter highlighted how deeply ingrained biases and microaggressions are, stressing the need to normalise disability and break down societal and self-imposed barriers.
Lisa Cox and Monique Lewis discussed the impact of media representations on education and employment. Lisa’s experiences after acquiring her disabilities highlighted the social attitudes that hinder employment opportunities, despite unchanged qualifications and experience.
Dr. Faith Valencia Forrester's contribution was a profound exploration of the intersection between work-integrated learning (WIL), social change initiatives like Project Open Doors, and media representation of disability. She emphasised the transformative impact of WIL in enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disability, bridging the gap between education and workplace readiness. Dr. Forrester highlighted Project Open Doors as a pioneering effort to foster inclusive work environments through collaborative partnerships with businesses. Her discussion underscored the crucial role of media in shaping perceptions of disability, advocating for dignified and respectful portrayals to promote societal inclusion. Dr. Forrester championed the importance of inclusive practices across sectors to drive meaningful social change and create more equitable opportunities for people with disability.
Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester; Professor Kuansong Victor Zhuang and Professor Katie Ellis; Attendees at the event listen to the panel discussion.

MEDIA DIVERSITY AUSTRALIA DISABILITY REPORTING HANDBOOK
The discussion on the Disability Reporting Handbook, led by co-authors Lisa Cox and Faith Valencia Forrester, highlighted its pivotal role in guiding journalists towards more accurate and respectful reporting on disability issues. Developed in collaboration with Griffith University's Inclusive Futures, the handbook stands as a comprehensive resource shaped by input from individuals with lived experiences of disability and disability advocates. Lisa emphasised the handbook's practical utility in newsrooms, providing clear guidelines to counter prevailing biases and misconceptions in media representations of disability. Faith underscored the importance of inclusive language and perspectives in journalistic practices, urging newsrooms to adopt these principles to foster a more inclusive media landscape. The handbook's development process and its potential impact in reshaping media narratives were central to their discussion, reflecting a collective effort to promote greater understanding and sensitivity towards disability in journalism.
The addition of a marketing and advertising section within the Disability Reporting Handbook represents a pivotal enhancement aimed at extending its influence beyond traditional journalism. Led by Lisa Cox and designed by Jo Kek-Pamenter, this chapter addresses a crucial void by embedding disability perspectives into media and communication strategies. It equips journalists, advertising professionals, government entities, businesses, and individuals alike with the tools needed to communicate inclusively. By furnishing practical guidance on language use and sensitivity, this section empowers stakeholders to authentically engage with the diverse experiences within the disability community, thereby catalysing significant social change and nurturing a more inclusive media environment.

Download a copy: https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/disability-reporting-handbook/
THE FUTURE
Katie Ellis warned against the pitfalls of "inspiration porn," advocating for normalised, diverse representation of the disability community. The panel called for increased visibility and representation to drive social change and create inclusive media landscapes.
The roundtable’s rich discussion, led by the the passionate moderation by Monique, showcased the transformative power of inclusive dialogue and the necessity of dignified media representation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Inclusive Futures team would like to thank our hosts, the International Communications Association (ICA), Professor Kuansong Victor Zhuang, Professor Katie Ellis and Professor Gerard Goggin organisers for inviting us to participate in this impactful event.
#InclusiveFutures #DisabilityRepresentation #MediaMatters #ICAPreconference2024 #InclusiveDialogue #DisabilityInMedia
Lisa Cox together with Sara Shams; Pallav Pant; Professor Kuansong Victor Zhuang and Professor Katie Ellis; Professor Gerard Goggin.
Honoring Excellence: Prof. Elizabeth Kendall Appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 King's Birthday Honours

Share Honoring Excellence: Prof. Elizabeth Kendall Appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 King's Birthday Honours on Facebook Share Honoring Excellence: Prof. Elizabeth Kendall Appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 King's Birthday Honours on Twitter Share Honoring Excellence: Prof. Elizabeth Kendall Appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 King's Birthday Honours on Linkedin Email Honoring Excellence: Prof. Elizabeth Kendall Appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 King's Birthday Honours link

Congratulations to our Director, Professor Elizabeth Kendall, on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List.
Professor Kendall has dedicated her life, professionally and personally, to improving the lives of people with disability, for more than 40 years. She is a pioneer of disability and rehabilitation research, making extensive seminal contributions in peer reviewed journals, books, and industry reports.
As the Foundation Director of The Hopkins Centre (a collaborative between Griffith University, Metro South Healthand the Motor Accident Insurance Commission), Elizabeth was instrumental in embedding consumer engagement and practitioner capacity, resulting in impactful research designed and conducted in collaboration with end users. Under Professor Kendall’s leadership, research has been translated into sustainable components of the service system for people with disability.
Under Professor Kendall’s leadership of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Professor Kendall is leading innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to creating inclusive places for people with disability to live, work and play. The Inclusive Futures Hub, an online, accessible consumer engagement platform, has grown to over 700 members, who have contributed to state and national policy reforms for people with disability.
Elizabeth is a tireless advocate and champion for people with disability. She has also mentored many research students and staff to lead successful careers of their own.
We are so proud of Elizabeth and delighted to see her receive this deserving recognition.
Read more in the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2024/06/10/leading-disability-advocate-honoured-in-kings-birthday-list/
Visit the Inclusive Futures Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability
Register to become a member: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/
Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland

Share Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland on Facebook Share Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland on Twitter Share Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland on Linkedin Email Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland link
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.
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.
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

Thrilling News: Griffith Inclusive Futures Shines at the 2024 Gold Coast Marathon!

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES

Celebrate with Us!