Category International Day of People with Disability Show all
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International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 2)
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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.
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International Day of People with Disability 2023 – Matt Levy: From Premature Birth to Paralympic Gold
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International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day held on 3 December each year. 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.’ This year, we introduce IDPwD Ambassador, Matt Levy OAM, Patron of the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship at Griffith University.
In 1987, Matt Levy was born prematurely at 25 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairment and has undergone 40-50 surgeries on various vital organs. Matt's determination and resilience led him to a career in swimming, where he proudly clinched gold for Australia at the Paralympic Games.
Representing his nation at five consecutive Paralympic Games, Matt has won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals. His dominance extends further, having graced the pools at five World Swimming Championships, securing an 20 international medals and holding 4 World Records.
Matt’s contributions to sport were honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2014 for ‘service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. In 2015 Matt was named Athlete of the Year with a Disability at the New South Wales Sports Awards and in 2018 he was named Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year. In November 2021, he received a New South Wales Institute of Sport Academic Excellence Award and was named the 2021 Sport NSW Athlete of the Year with a Disability.
Yet, Matt's achievements aren't confined to the pool. He has earnt a degree in Business Management, an Australian Institute of Company Directors qualification, and an MBA in Leadership. He is a passionate inclusion advocate, motivational speaker and holds multiple board, advisory and ambassadorial roles with sporting, community and humanitarian organisations including Ability Options, Life Little Treasures and BlindSports Australia.
Since retiring from the pool, Matt has authored 3 books, including: ‘Keeping your head above water’ (2020), ‘Brandon Dreams Big: 7 easy steps to get where you want’ (2021), and ‘Going the distance: Identify and create your own lane to success’ (2023).
More recently, Matt has turned his hand to philanthropy and supporting young people with disability to achieve their own dreams and goals through education.
“Education has allowed me to grow and enhance what I've been able to learn and, how I can use my lived experience of disability to influence others. As part of this, it was also my mission to help other people with disability to obtain a university education.”
To Matt, International Day of People Disability (IDPwD) is “about having a sense of responsibility and belonging. A chance to give people an insight into what we go through on a daily basis. Not to feel bitter, but to help raise awareness of what can be done. I know how hard it is for someone living with a disability, so I wanted to give people opportunities that I was given”.
As a result, Matt established the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship to support students with disability to achieve their potential at Griffith University. Open to Australian, domestic commencing students (full time or part time) enrolled in an undergraduate program, the scholarship provides up to $20,000, payable over the duration of the degree.
This year the Matt Levy Scholarship supported two (2) commencing students with disability; including Lilje Schluter, who is studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
"Being a recipient of this scholarship has allowed me to afford regular access to psychology and psychiatry sessions. Not only has this greatly aided me in learning and adjusting to my first year of tertiary studies, but the support of the scholarship continues to help me move forward each and every day, which is an invaluable gift".
Matt Levy's life stands as a testament to determination, inspiring individuals worldwide to overcome adversity and achieve goals. On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, Matt will be the guest speaker at our Inclusive Futures Book Club – Author Talk event, where he will share his story, and discuss his latest book ‘Going the Distance’ with students and guests during O-Week (Nathan Campus). If you are interested in attending, please email us at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au.
You can also sign up for our newsletter, or keep an eye on our website for announcements.
Find out more about our Inclusive Futures Book club:
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-futures-book-club