Category Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Show all
-
International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 2)
Share International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 2) on Facebook Share International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 2) on Twitter Share International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 2) on Linkedin Email International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 2) link
Join us as we celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)!
This week, on 3 December, we acknowledge IDPwD, a significant day recognised by the United Nations. The IDPwD program aligns with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. The United Nations Theme for IDPwD 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability – the Griffith University disability research beacon, addresses the core United Nations principle of Leave No-one Behind that underpins all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We reduce inequalities through partnerships with community and industry to provide inclusive infrastructure and innovation that can improve quality of life for people with disability.
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability draws on dozens of research experts who specialise in disability across all stages of life and societal levels. They bring expertise in all types of disabilities, chronic conditions and a wide array of methods and practices.
To mark this occasion, we shine a spotlight on researchers and projects dedicated to uniting in action, striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disability.
Gold Coast Titans LeagueAbility participants and A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou (inset)Researcher Spotlight: A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou, Associate Professor of Sport Management (SFHEA)
Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou is a distinguished international expert in the field of “Managing High Performance Sport” and is a true pioneer in “Sports Education”.
To Popi, the “International Day of People with Disability represents a moment to celebrate achievements, raise awareness, advocate for change, and reinforce the commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society.”
“My research provides evidence that informs the development of policies and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the rights and well-being of people with disability. This relates to accessibility, employment, education, and healthcare. Also, it contributes to the development of accessible technologies, infrastructure, and environments through the promotion of universal design principles. This enhances accessibility and usability for individuals with diverse abilities.”
LeagueAbility: Transforming Lives, Breaking Barriers, and Building Inclusive Futures in Disability Rugby
"LeagueAbility" is a pioneering initiative led by the Gold Coast Titans, providing a unique platform for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to engage in Physical Disability Rugby League. Launched in 2018, the program aims to break down barriers to sports participation for people with disability, offering inclusive and accessible opportunities for them to participate in rugby league. Over the years, the program has witnessed remarkable growth, with a 425% increase in participant numbers. The initiative not only focuses on fostering physical activity but also emphasises the broader impact on participants' well-being, empowerment, and social inclusion.
Collaborative efforts with Griffith University and Playbk Sports underscore the commitment to expanding the program's reach, utilising technology to provide educational resources and creating a pathway for the establishment of a National Rugby League Competition for People with Disability. "LeagueAbility" is not just a sports program; it's a transformative force promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and a pathway for individuals with disabilities to fulfill their dreams.
The "LeagueAbility" research, led by A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou, is a collaborative effort between the Gold Coast Titans, Griffith University, and Playbk Sports, and stands at the intersection of inclusive sports, education, and technology, aligning with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing an exclusive Physical Disability Rugby League team and leveraging technology to create an online educational platform, the project directly addresses SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The program's holistic impact is evident in the surveyed improvements across cognitive, human capital, and behavioural aspects, contributing to the well-being and empowerment of participants. Furthermore, the collaboration exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), aiming to attract support for the expansion of the program and establish sustainable practices. In essence, "LeagueAbility" serves as a beacon for the inclusive integration of persons with disability, embodying the broader vision of a more equitable, healthy, and connected society.
For more information please contact Popi at p.sotiriadou@griffith.edu.au
Find out more:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/engage/professional-learning/content-centre/leagues-ability-to-lead-the-way
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Researcher Dr Maria KhanResearcher Spotlight: Dr Maria KhanDr Maria Khan is a research fellow in the Centre of Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW), working with the Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability (IFRD) Beacon at Griffith University.
“To me, the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is an opportunity to increase awareness around the inclusion of people with disability at work and in society. My research is aimed at fostering inclusion for PwD in the workplace to reiterate the importance of a more accessible and equitable society for everyone.”“By exploring how information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate the inclusion of employees with disability, my research aims to provide practical solutions for creating a more inclusive workplace. In addition, through exploring how the employment lifecycle of young PwD can be improved, my research aims to identify diverse needs of PwD and address systemic barriers to create sustainable inclusion at work.”
Technology-Driven Inclusion: Empowering Employees with Disabilities in the Workplace
Utilising her background in technology and employee voice, Dr Khan is researching how to create inclusion at work for people with disability (PwD). Her current projects include investigating how information and communication technology (ICT) can facilitate the inclusion of neurodivergent employees. The research emphasises how ICTs can be leveraged to cater to neurodivergent employees’ specific needs, which can help foster an inclusive culture at work.
Maria's research also includes exploring factors affecting the employment lifecycle of young people with disability (YPwD), wherein she aims to identify barriers and facilitators for YPwD as they navigate their employment journey. She is also interested in examining opportunities and possible concerns of using artificial intelligence (AI) to include PwDs at work and prepare them for employment.
Her work is closely aligned with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, as it is focused on leveraging technology and giving a voice to an undervalued group in society.
By proposing a technology-inclusion framework and highlighting pathways related to inclusive leadership and peer support, Maria's research discusses ways to create more equitable workplace opportunities. In doing so, she aims to explore how best to develop decent workplaces that prioritise dignity and meaningful participation of employees with disability.
Find out more: https://experts.griffith.edu.au/20971-maria-khan.
Please email Maria at maria.khan@griffith.edu.au if you would like to participate in, or know more about this research.
-
Sport Access Foundation 2023 Grant Recipients Announcement
Share Sport Access Foundation 2023 Grant Recipients Announcement on Facebook Share Sport Access Foundation 2023 Grant Recipients Announcement on Twitter Share Sport Access Foundation 2023 Grant Recipients Announcement on Linkedin Email Sport Access Foundation 2023 Grant Recipients Announcement link
Sport Access Foundation (SAF) has announced the 2023 Sport Access Foundation grant recipients, helping Aussie kids with disability to play and participate in sport.
14 Aussie kids with disability and 4 sporting clubs who provide programs to include children with a disability and/or enable children with a disability to be members of their clubs receive Sport Access Foundation grants.
The four grant categories include:
- No Barriers (aged 7-12 years) $500 x 8
- Kick Start (aged 13-17 years) $1000 x 4
- Pathway to Paralympics (aged 13-17 years) $1500 x 2
- Sporting Club Grants (all registered sporting clubs) $2000 x 4
Sport Access Foundation Founder and Director, and Paralympian Gold Medallist Katie Kelly OAM said the foundation aims to improve inclusion and access to sport and ensure no young Australian is left behind on the sporting sidelines.
"Every year we receive applications from across the country, from young Australians with disability who are seeking support to achieve their sporting goals,” Ms Kelly said.
“Their disability is not inspiring - rather it is their determination and resilience to achieve their goals, regardless of the many barriers and disablist attitudes that young people with disability experience.
“While the grants provide financial support which helps to provide opportunities, they are mostly about empowering.
“The grants ensure every young recipient knows that if they keep showing up, they will be rewarded.
“If you want to know what overcoming adversity is, or how one builds character, then you have it here among our grant recipients.
“Sport Access Foundation Honour Roll Members will not be defined by a disability, and they are determined to make a difference by leading through participation in sport to reach their potential, whatever their goals may be.”
Ms Kelly is a founding member of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability council, providing an advocacy role for one of the key pillars, Play (Sport).
In support of the Sport Access Foundation, Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability beacon hosted the SAF Grant award ceremony at the Gold Coast campus on 17 November 2023.
“We are proud to host the 2023 SAF grant announcement which will help many young people with disability achieve their sporting goals,” said Inclusive Futures: Reimaging Disability Beacon Director Professor Elizabeth Kendall.
“Young people with disability are so often directed away from sport, but these scholarships and initiatives such as the Griffith Sports College make an important difference.
“Many of these young athletes will be holding our hopes for medals in the 2032 Paralympic events so we need to invest in their careers.”
Sydney 2000 Gold medal Olympian, Australian Stingers Water polo team member and Griffith Sports College Manager Naomi McCarthy said the grants are exciting and important to improving access to sport.
“At the Griffith Sports College we work hard to ensure all athletes are supported through their education while they compete in elite sport,” Ms McCarthy said.
“The Sport Access Foundation’s grants will help to ensure young people with disability can access sport and overcome barriers to improve participation - from grassroots through to high performance.”
Meet the 2023 Sport Access Foundation recipients:
For more information or to donate visit: www.sportaccessfoundation.org.au
-
Towards Inclusive Digital Futures
Share Towards Inclusive Digital Futures on Facebook Share Towards Inclusive Digital Futures on Twitter Share Towards Inclusive Digital Futures on Linkedin Email Towards Inclusive Digital Futures link
Ethical Data and AI-Enabled Decisions in the Context of Accessibility and Urban Living, hosted by Professor Dian Tjondronegoro
On Thursday, 9 November, Professor Dian Tjondronegoro (“LIVE” theme leader) and Professor Elizabeth Kendall (Director) of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability hosted Toward Inclusive Digital Futures, a bilateral workshop to foster dialogue to advance collaboration between Australia and Indonesia in the area of ethical AI and inclusive urban environments.We heard from keynote speaker Dr Bahtia ("Bobby") Rifai (Economic Researcher for the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)) about the roles of and interplay between different actors generating, collecting and using data, in complex regulatory and institutional environments. Overlaid on this are the social inequalities that lead to people being underrepresented or having poor access to the digital world.
A panel moderated by Dr Amber Marshall (Griffith), and including Liz Antoine (Microsoft), Dr Nagesh Shukla (QUT), Tim Mitchell (RACQ) and Fiona Gaske (RDA) discussed data, AI and digital inclusion and ethics in different contexts including transport, supply chains, regions and education.
We broke out into groups for in-depth discussions exploring issues including data transparency and governance, smart and accessible cities, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
It was a very thought-provoking session, and we are looking forward to progressing ideas in future research collaboration.
For more information please contact us at:
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.auVisit our Inclusive Futures Hub to find out more about our research:
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au