Category Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Show all
-
Celebrating Lisa Cox OAM: Advocate, Changemaker, and Trailblazer
Share Celebrating Lisa Cox OAM: Advocate, Changemaker, and Trailblazer on Facebook Share Celebrating Lisa Cox OAM: Advocate, Changemaker, and Trailblazer on Twitter Share Celebrating Lisa Cox OAM: Advocate, Changemaker, and Trailblazer on Linkedin Email Celebrating Lisa Cox OAM: Advocate, Changemaker, and Trailblazer link
Lisa Cox, a dedicated advocate for disability inclusion and a member of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division. This prestigious recognition honours her outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people with disability and advancing societal understanding of inclusion.
A Journey of Advocacy and Resilience
Lisa’s journey as an advocate began after experiencing a severe stroke in her early 20s, which led to multiple complications, including amputations and an acquired brain injury. These life-altering events became the foundation for her mission to challenge stereotypes about disability and promote awareness of the realities faced by people with disability.
Through her work, Lisa has tirelessly campaigned for better representation of disability in media and advertising, accessibility improvements, and the breakdown of societal barriers. Her efforts aim to shift perceptions and create systemic change to ensure that individuals with disability are valued and included in all aspects of life.
Championing Inclusion at Griffith University
Since joining Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures Engagement Council in 2021, Lisa has played a pivotal role in advancing accessibility across the university. Her contributions include improving physical access, enhancing digital inclusivity, and fostering equitable learning environments for students with disability. Lisa’s involvement exemplifies the council’s mission of working alongside individuals with disability, researchers, industry leaders, and health practitioners to create a more inclusive society.
Driving Change in Media and Advertising
A trailblazer in inclusive media, Lisa is also a model and advocate for authentic representation of people with disability. Her work on the Media Diversity Australia Disability Reporting Handbook has set a new benchmark for respectful and accurate reporting, equipping media professionals with the tools to tell stories that reflect the diversity of our society.
Researching Disability Representation
Lisa’s dedication to disability advocacy extends to her academic pursuits. She is currently undertaking a PhD with Griffith University, exploring the topic: "Visibility of Disability: Exploring how the representation of disability in advertising impacts employment outcomes for people with disability." Supervised by Dr. Monique Lewis, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM and Dr. Marita Heck, her research seeks to uncover the influence of media portrayals on employment opportunities and societal perceptions.
TEDx Speaker and Thought Leader
As a TEDx speaker, Lisa has shared her insights and experiences on global platforms, inspiring audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about disability and inclusion. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences highlights her impact as a thought leader and changemaker.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Lisa’s OAM is a testament to her unwavering commitment to reimagining disability and promoting inclusion in every space she touches. This award not only celebrates her tireless advocacy but also underscores the importance of her work in creating a more inclusive future for all.
Congratulations to Lisa Cox OAM on this remarkable achievement. Her efforts continue to pave the way for a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and be represented authentically.
Read more in the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/01/25/australia-day-honours-awarded/
Find out more on Lisa’s website: https://lisacox.co
-
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
Madi de Rozario OAM PLY - Paralympic Athlete, Inclusive Futures Engagement Council Member and Griffith alumnus EVENT OVERVIEW
Hosted online on Friday, 8 November 2024, this symposium, hosted by Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, as a member of the Queensland Para Sport Network, brought 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 explored 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 was a key opportunity for participants to incorporate the pillars of equity and diversity into their performance programs and research to drive performance.SYMPOSIUM SUMMARY
by Dr Georgia Munro-CookKeynote: Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity
Our keynote address for Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity was provided by Natalie Charlton. Natalie is the current Pathway Specialist for Paralympics Australia, with a legacy of building and delivering a variety of sports programs from grassroots community development through to performance pathways.
Natalie discussed the importance of thinking inclusively to ensure we meet our medal targets for Brisbane 2032. At the moment, we do not have enough athletes at the bottom of the talent pipeline or the sporting environments for athletes to grow and developments. By accessing a broader demographic of people and opening our sport system to everyone, we can grow our talent pool, but it is essential to create environments that centre athletes and their needs. Natalie provided her experience with the Northern Territory Sports Academy: Para Futures Program as an example of good practice.
Gender Inequity and Paralympic Sport
Dr Georgia Munro-Cook presented on the importance of gender equity and Paralympic Sport. Georgia has successfully represented Australia in Wheelchair Basketball and is now a champion of promoting intersectional approaches to create positive experiences for women in disability sport.
Georgia pointed out the gender disparities on the Australian Paralympic team, which only comprised of 44% women, much lower than the Olympic team which had 55.9% women athletes. She discussed some of what makes para-sport more difficult for women, including poor pathways, fast-tracked development, mixed-gender training and games, challenges with coaches, and the role of the media.
Optimising Performance and Participation for Indigenous and CALD athletes
Dr Kerry Hall gave us an insight into how Indigenous ways of learning can created culturally safe spaces in para-sport. Dr Hall offered a way of transforming sport cultures to centre athlete voice and ensure cultural safety. Dr Hall is a proud descendant of the Kuku Thaypan, Kuku Warra and Lama Lama Peoples from Cape York Peninsula, whose 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 revealed some of the issues that face Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people in sport. She challenged the taken-for-granted assumptions organisations have about CALD diverse people, for example, the notion that CALD athletes are expected to be role models. Instead, she stressed the importance of cultural safety. Dr Bhattachyarya’s research relates to how sporting practices and fitness cultures can be used as a social conduit through which marginalised communities experience a sense of belonging and community.
Paradox of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Paralympic Classification
Professor Sean Tweedy is the Principal Investigator for the International Paralympic Committee’s Classification Research and Development Centre. He works to develop best practice and evidence-based methods for allocating athletes to classed. Professor Tweedy gave an excellent overview of why classification is important to enable para-sport, even if it is sometimes exclusive.
Equity and Design Thinking in Technology
Laurent Frossard is a bionic limb specialist passionate about developing ground-breaking prosthetic solutions. Laurent discussed how technology like bionic limbs can be both inclusive—allowing people with disability to engage with sport—and exclusive, as their incredible expense benefits high-income countries.
Matt McShane is an Australian Paralympian and an Industrial Designer with a passion for co-designing technologies to improve the lives of individuals with a disability. Matt again emphasised the inequities in access to technology, while also stressing the importance of centreing the athlete voice in technology design.
Panel Discussion
We had a fantastic panel discussion in which Michael Dobbie-Bridges, Robyn Smith, and Ben Newton had an illuminating debate centred around the following questions:
- 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?
Michael Dobbie-Bridges is a celebrated Paralympian, representing Australia in wheelchair tennis. In addition to Michael’s considerable sporting achievements, he is an advocate for promoting inclusion and support for individuals with a disability, across multiple sectors including health care and employment opportunities and wheelchair sports. His expertise includes high-level policy development and driving meaningful change within the government administration industry.
Robyn Smith has worked at the National level in Sports Administration for the past 3 decades as Chief Executive Officer of Sport Inclusion Australia. Her role includes working closely with Government Agencies, Paralympics Australia and National Sporting Organisations, including School Sport Australia to develop appropriate inclusive services and opportunities for athletes with an impairment into the mainstream community. In 2022, Robyn was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to people with disability through sport.
Ben Newton is a respected Paralympian, coach, and accessibility advocate. He represented Australia in wheelchair rugby for two decades. In 2014 Ben was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to sport and is now Head Coach of the Queensland Academy of Sport High Performance Program and Assistant Coach for the Australian Steelers Development Program. Prior to his coaching roles Ben worked at Queensland Rail for ten years as the Principal Accessibility Adviser.
Wrap Up
In the last session of the day, to provide concluding remarks we invited Simone Fullagar on behalf of Griffith Inclusive Futures and Brendan Burkett on behalf of Queensland Para Sport Network for Performance Enhancement and Applied Research.
More information: Please contact inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
-
Empowering People with Developmental Language Disorder: A Push for Greater Inclusion
Share Empowering People with Developmental Language Disorder: A Push for Greater Inclusion on Facebook Share Empowering People with Developmental Language Disorder: A Push for Greater Inclusion on Twitter Share Empowering People with Developmental Language Disorder: A Push for Greater Inclusion on Linkedin Email Empowering People with Developmental Language Disorder: A Push for Greater Inclusion link
Imagine you’re traveling in a country where you don’t speak the language and you order a coffee. You might get a bit tongue tied or can’t quite remember what the barista said to you. These language difficulties occur every single day for the 2 million Australians with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
DLD is a common but often overlooked disability, affecting 1 in 14 people globally (Norbury et al., 2016). In Australia, recent studies estimate that approximately 6.4% of children aged 10 have DLD (Calder et al., 2022). Despite its prevalence, DLD remains largely invisible, with less than 20% of Australians aware of the condition (Kim et al., 2022). This lack of awareness contributes to stigma, leaving many with DLD feeling isolated and unsupported.
DLD is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental condition that impacts the ability to understand and use language, often hindering educational and employment opportunities (Cronin, 2017). Unlike some other conditions, people with DLD do not look different to their peers, which can make it challenging to diagnose and even harder to advocate for necessary support.
A Call for Greater Awareness and Support
The international consensus on DLD, established by the CATALISE consortium, emphasises the need for unified terminology and greater public awareness (Bishop et al., 2016; Bishop et al., 2017). While DLD is recognised as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the World Health Organization's ICD-11, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) still uses the outdated term "Language Disorder," with narrower criteria. This inconsistency complicates public understanding and hampers efforts to secure appropriate support for individuals with DLD (McGregor, 2020).
In Australia, Speech Pathology Australia has endorsed the term DLD, but challenges remain in ensuring individuals receive the intervention and support they need. Diagnosis often occurs only when children reach school age, and inconsistent access to speech pathology services across states makes it difficult for families to get timely help (Calder et al., 2022).
Challenges in Education and Employment
For children with DLD, early and consistent intervention is crucial. Without it, they are at higher risk of experiencing difficulties in reading, spelling, and mathematics. Statistics reveal that students with DLD are six times more likely to struggle with these skills, putting them at a disadvantage in the classroom (Young et al., 2002).
Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz (Lecturer, School of Health Sciences and Social Work) has investigated the educational needs and supports of school-aged students with DLD in Australia during his recently completed doctorate. He found students with DLD face challenges across the entire school curriculum, particularly in literacy and numeracy (Ziegenfusz et al., 2022). A national survey involving teachers, allied health professionals, and parents/caregivers highlighted that literacy, behaviour, and communication were the most significant areas of need for students with DLD. To address these challenges, participants suggested that additional time, visual supports, and individualised approaches would be beneficial. Teenagers with DLD echoed these sentiments, identifying literacy and numeracy as their biggest areas of need. They also agreed with the suggested supports from adults but emphasised the potential benefits of integrating technology into their learning experience. In response to teacher feedback, Shaun developed a 90-minute webinar which enhanced teachers’ knowledge, promoted supportive attitudes, and encouraged the use of evidence-based educational practices when working with students with DLD.
The long-term impacts of DLD extend beyond education. Adults with DLD are twice as likely to go over a year without employment compared to their peers (Law et al., 2009). This disparity highlights the need for better support systems that provide targeted skills development and workplace accommodations to ensure that people with DLD can thrive in professional environments.
The Push for National Support
Currently, DLD is not included on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) lists, which makes it challenging for individuals with DLD to access comprehensive support. For example, more than 200,000 Autistic individuals (<1% of the population) access the NDIS compared to 150 DLD individuals. Advocates argue that inclusion in the NDIS would streamline access to resources, reducing the burden on families and ensuring those with DLD receive the necessary support to reach their potential.
Speech pathologists, psychologists, and educators stress the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to intervention, particularly for children in school settings (Toseeb et al., 2017). Adjustments and accommodations to learning and assessment in the classroom are essential for helping students with DLD succeed academically. For adults, ongoing access to speech pathology services and other therapies can improve communication skills, enhance employability, and reduce social isolation often associated with DLD.
Looking to the Future
Advocates and researchers recommend several steps to improve outcomes for those with DLD:
- Increased Awareness Campaigns: Public health initiatives should aim to educate the public about DLD to reduce stigma and increase understanding.
- Improved Access to Support Services: A unified funding approach in Australia would help ensure individuals with DLD receive adequate speech pathology services, exceeding the current limit of five subsidised sessions under the Chronic Disease Management plan.
- Education and Training for Professionals: Training educators, GPs, and NDIS planners in recognizing and supporting DLD is vital to creating a more inclusive environment for those affected.
- Research Funding: More funding is needed to understand the long-term impacts of DLD and to develop effective interventions that can be implemented across different stages of life (McGregor et al., 2020).
Conclusion
DLD is a hidden disability that affects many Australians, yet awareness and support remain insufficient. By addressing these gaps through education, improved access to services, and policy changes, Australia can foster a more inclusive society where individuals with DLD are empowered to achieve their goals. Positive disability inclusion is about recognizing invisible challenges like DLD and ensuring that those affected are given every opportunity to thrive.
Getting involved in DLD this 18 October and “Speak Up for DLD”. Visit TheDLDProject.com and RADLD.org to find out more. By participating, you can empower people with DLD to live a life of their own choosing.
DLD - Fast Facts
References
Bishop, D. V. M., Snowling, M. J., Thompson, P. A., Greenhalgh, T., & Schiller, N. O. (2016). CATALISE: A multinational and multidisciplinary Delphi consensus study. Identifying language impairments in children. PLOS ONE, 11(7).
Bishop, D. V. M., Snowling, M. J., Thompson, P. A., & Greenhalgh, T. (2017). Phase 2 of CATALISE: a Multinational and multidisciplinary Delphi consensus study of problems with language development: terminology. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(10), 1068-1080. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12721
Calder, S. D., Brennan‐Jones, C. G., Robinson, M., Whitehouse, A., & Hill, E. (2022). The prevalence of and potential risk factors for developmental language disorder at 10 years in the Raine Study. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 58(11), 2044-2050. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.16149
Conti‐Ramsden, G., Durkin, K., Toseeb, U., Botting, N., & Pickles, A. (2018). Education and employment outcomes of young adults with a history of developmental language disorder. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 53(2), 237-255. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12338
Cronin, P., Reeve, R., McCabe, P., Viney, R., & Goodall, S. (2017). The impact of childhood language difficulties on healthcare costs from 4 to 13 years: Australian longitudinal study. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19(4), 381-391. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2016.1216599
Kim, J.-H., Davies, B., & Xu Rattanasone, N. (2023). Have You Heard of Developmental Language Disorder? An Online Survey. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 44(4), 228-238. https://doi.org/10.1177/15257401221115822
Law, J., Dennis, J. A., & Charlton, J. J. V. (2017). Speech and language therapy interventions for children with primary speech and/or language disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(1).https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012490
Law, J., Rush, R., Schoon, I., & Parsons, S. (2009). Modeling developmental language difficulties from school entry into adulthood: Literacy, mental health, and employment outcomes. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 52(6), 1401-1416. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2009/08-0142)
McGregor, K. K. (2020). How we fail children with developmental language disorder. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 51(4), 981-992. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_LSHSS-20-00003
Norbury, C. F., Gooch, D., Wray, C., Baird, G., Charman, T., Simonoff, E., Vamvakas, G., & Pickles, A. (2016). The impact of nonverbal ability on prevalence and clinical presentation of language disorder: Evidence from a population study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(11), 1247-1257. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12573
Toseeb, U., Pickles, A., Durkin, K., Botting, N., & Conti-Ramsden, G. (2017). Prosociality from early adolescence to young adulthood: A longitudinal study of individuals with a history of language impairment. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 62, 148–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2017.01.018
Young, A. R., Beitchman, J. H., Johnson, C., Douglas, L., Atkinson, L., Escobar, M., & Wilson, B. (2002). Young adult academic outcomes in a longitudinal sample of early identified language impaired and control children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 43(5), 635-645. https://doi.org/10.1111/1469-7610.00052
Ziegenfusz, S., Paynter, J., Flückiger, B., & Westerveld, M. F. (2022). A systematic review of the academic achievement of primary and secondary school-aged students with developmental language disorder. Autism & developmental language impairments, 7, 1-33. https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415221099397
-
Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 2024
Share Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 2024 on Facebook Share Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 2024 on Twitter Share Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 2024 on Linkedin Email Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 2024 link
Research reimagining a world where disability is not a barrier.
Supported by The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University
What is the Inclusive Futures Writing Competition?
We are asking researchers to write about their research that contributes to an inclusive future for all. Entries must be written in easy-to-understand language and tell a compelling story about published or in-progress research that positively impacts the lives of people with disability.
Who can enter the competition?
The competition is open to individuals, not groups. To enter the competition, you must be a principal or associate investigator on the research you are writing about.
How do I enter the competition?
Register to enter the competition through the online entry form: https://forms.office.com/r/g3TEWh5frW.
Entries are to be submitted via email to: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
You will be required to provide:
- a photograph of yourself suitable for publication (headshot)
- a biography of 60 to 80 words
- a written piece about your research of 700 to 800 words, submitted as an Microsoft Word document
- a copyright-free image that complements your written piece (optional)
- some details about the research you are writing about e.g. ethics approval number, citation of a published article, funding acknowledgement, name of chief investigator–if this isn’t you.
What do I include in the written piece?
Your written piece should:
- explain your research (or a specific aspect of your research)
- describe how your research will impact the lives of people with disability and contribute to an inclusive future for all
- explain why readers should care about your research.
What writing style do I use?
- Using plain language, your piece should target a non-scientific audience.
- A narrative or storytelling style that engages readers is preferred.
- Avoid exaggeration and overreach. Be open, honest and realistic.
- For guidelines on the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) please refer to the Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 'Terms and Conditions'.
When does the competition close, and when will the winner be announced?
Entries open Wednesday 23 October and close on Friday 22 November.
The winning entry will be announced on International Day of People with Disability, Tuesday, 3 December 2024.
How will my entry be judged?
Members of a judging panel will independently score entries.
The panel will consider:
- Has the writer explained the research in a way that is easy to understand?
- Has the writer made a clear case for how the research positively impacts the lives of people with disabilities and contributes to an inclusive future for all?
- Does the writer explain why the reader should care about the research?
- Is the piece compelling to read?
The judges are:
- Person (expert by experience)
- Person (expert by experience)
- Person (writing/journalism background)
- Person (professional in the disability and rehabilitation area)
What is the prize?
All short-listed entries will be published in ‘Research for Inclusive Futures’, a digital compendium prepared and hosted by Inclusive Futures, Griffith University. The compendium will be freely available and widely shared.
The entry voted the best by the judging panel will receive an AUD$500 cash prize and acknowledgement as the ‘Judges Choice’.
Please read the Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents on our website for more detailed information.
If you have any questions, please email inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
More information
Find out more and access all supporting documents on our website or by scanning the QR code below.
-
The Start Line: Calling all future Paralympians
Share The Start Line: Calling all future Paralympians on Facebook Share The Start Line: Calling all future Paralympians on Twitter Share The Start Line: Calling all future Paralympians on Linkedin Email The Start Line: Calling all future Paralympians link
Paralympics Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport are on the hunt for talented athletes with disability who dream of competing at the highest level. Whether you're passionate about sports, exercise, or already competing, this could be your moment to shine! 🌟
If you're 13 or older on or before 31 December 2024, why not see if you have what it takes to be a future Paralympian?
Wheelchair athletes for 100m to marathon events are in high demand, as well as seated throw athletes (discus, shot put, javelin, and club throw).
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
Find out more about The Start Line Program: https://www.paralympic.org.au/the-start-line/
👉 Apply now! Fill out the form via the link below and share this exciting news with your friends, family, and networks. Let's make dreams happen! 💫
Talent Search: https://shorturl.at/l5Grm
Athletes with disability at the recent Come n Try Day at Griffith University -
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 SCHEDULE9.00 am – 9:10 am
Opening Remarks/ Housekeeping
Master of Ceremonies: Ella Sablijak9:10 am - 9.40 am
Keynote Introduction: Winning Medals with Equity and Diversity
Presenter: Natalie Charlton9:40 am - 9:50 am
Questions9:50 am – 10:00 am
10-minute break10.00 am – 12.30 pm
Performance Priorities Lightning Round10:00 am – 10:25 am
Gender Equity and Paralympic Sport
Presenters: Dr Georgia Munro-Cook and A/Prof. Adele Pavlidis10:25 am – 10:30 am
Questions10:30 am – 10:55 am
Optimising Participation and Performance for First Nations and CALD Athletes
Presenter: Dr Kerry Hall and Dr Diti Bhattacharya10:55 am – 11:00 am
Questions11:00 am – 11:25 am
The Paradox of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Paralympic Classification
Presenter: Prof. Sean Tweedy11:25 am – 11:30 am
Questions11:30 am – 11:55 am
Equity and Design Thinking in Technology Innovation for Improved Performance
Presenters: Prof. Laurent Fossard and Matthew McShane11:55 am – 12:00 pm
Questions12:00 pm – 12:25 pm
Creating Environments to Optimise Performance of Athletes with High Support Needs
Presenters: Sharon Hill and Rachel Watson12:25 pm – 12:30 pm
Questions12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
45-minute lunch break1:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Performance priority poll1.30 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 Burkett3.30 pm
Event concludes
Concluding pollMEET 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 PavlidisDuring 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 BhattacharyaDuring 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 TweedyDuring 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 McShaneTechnology 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 WatsonAn 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 pmThe 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.auDr 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:
-
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.comJeff 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/AFLQUEENSLANDTwitter: https://x.com/AFLQ