Category Julia Robertson Show all
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Reimagining Deaf Belonging at Griffith: Communicate. Connect. Create.
When Griffith University closed its Mt Gravatt campus, we lost more than buildings. We lost a Deaf space. A place where Auslan was spoken, where Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, staff and allies gathered in community and culture.The Disability Advocacy and Empowerment Society is rebuilding that space one coffee meet at a time.
We currently host weekly Auslan Coffee Meets on the Nathan campus. These are relaxed, inclusive gatherings where Deaf and hard-of-hearing students and staff, Auslan learners and allies come together to communicate in Auslan, connect across experiences and create a new sense of belonging.
It is not just about coffee. It is about reclaiming visibility, rebuilding community and honouring Deaf culture on campus. It is about making sure that when we say inclusive university, we mean it in every language, including Auslan.
We would love to extend these meetings to the Gold Coast and other Griffith campuses. If you are a student or staff member keen to co-host with the Disability Advocacy and Empowerment Society, we would love to hear from you.
Let us Communicate. Connect. Create.
MORE INFORMATION:
Julia Robertson
PhD Candidate and Co-Chair of the Higher Degree Research Candidate Representative Consultant Committee (HDRCRCC) -
IDPwD: Celebrating Our Griffith University HDR Disability Scholars
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY 2025
Celebrating Our Griffith University HDR Disability Scholars
Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress
Every year, the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) calls us to imagine what our communities could look like if inclusion wasn’t an afterthought, but the foundation of progress.
At Griffith University, we see this future every day in the work of our HDR Disability Scholars—researchers with disability who are reshaping how society thinks, designs, and acts. These scholars lead research that challenges outdated systems, advances accessibility, and centres lived experience as a vital source of knowledge.
Launched in 2023 through Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and supported by The Hopkins Centre, the HDR Disability Scholars Program now supports a dynamic, growing cohort of talented PhD candidates across fields including health, technology, media, mental health, workplace equity, disaster communication, and identity studies.
The program complements the Griffith University Disability Scholars Research Scholarship (GUDSRS)—co-developed and administered by Professor Rebecca Ford, Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School—which enhances opportunities for emerging researchers with disability by providing dedicated support for accessible and inclusive research pathways.
With mentorship, peer learning, accessibility support and a thriving community, the program reflects Griffith’s commitment to building disability-inclusive research environments—spaces where scholars not only participate, but lead.
As the world celebrates IDPwD 2025 and its theme Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, we proudly showcase the remarkable researchers driving this mission forward.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1CtIb3MjHd0Download a copy of the Transcript: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-538
Read more in the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/11/26/a-thriving-community-is-driving-inclusive-research-at-griffith/
From top left to right: Daniel Clarke; Pallav Pant (Middle) together with his PhD supervisors Dr Feb Dwirahmadi and Dr Monique Lewis; Lisa Cox; and Jim Hogan.MEET OUR SCHOLARS
Allan (Ali) KhanAllan (Ali) Khan
Topic: Mental Health Distress and Disability Adjustments for PhD Students with Psychosocial Disabilities
Ali’s research shines a light on the mental health challenges faced by PhD students—particularly depression, anxiety, and suicidality—and how structural issues such as funding insecurity, academic culture and institutional policy can exacerbate distress. His work seeks to co-design stronger disability adjustments and support systems across Australian universities.
Ali says:
“PhD students are the backbone of Australia’s university workforce… Universities must provide inclusive structures that support students and researchers with disabilities, ensuring all PhD students can thrive.”
His research directly contributes to disability-inclusive learning environments—an essential foundation for social progress.
Find out more: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/mental-health-distress-and-disability-adjustments-178
Aron MercerAron Mercer
Topic: Neurodivergent Employees, Workplace Disclosure and Belonging
Aron explores the workplace experiences of neurodivergent employees, particularly the complexities of disclosure and the impact on belonging, career pathways and wellbeing. With 15–20% of people being neurodivergent, his research addresses one of the most significant—and least understood—equity challenges in employment.
Aron shares:
“It was daunting at first, but I could not recommend the Griffith University HDR program strongly enough… I have valued the support and connections with other doctoral candidates.”
His work advances the IDPwD theme by advocating for workplaces where neurodivergent employees can contribute without fear or stigma.
Lisa Cox OAMLisa Cox OAM
Topic: The Visibility of Disability — Representation, Identity and Advocacy
Award-winning author, advocate and media professional Lisa Cox OAM is investigating how representation shapes disability identity, advocacy, and employment. Through a practice-led approach combining memoir writing, critical disability studies and media analysis, she explores the tension between visibility and invisibility—and why the risk of being unseen is far greater.
Her research challenges industries to adopt inclusive, authentic representation that supports both social and economic participation.
Find out more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/celebrating-lisa-cox-oam-advocate-changemaker-and-trailblazer
Pallav PantPallav Pant
Topic: Advancing Accessible Emergency Communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities
Pallav’s internationally recognised work tackles one of the most urgent equity issues in disaster response: inaccessible emergency communication. His research co-designs digital, two-way communication tools with Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities and emergency services to ensure no one is left behind in a crisis.
This research exemplifies disability-inclusive innovation and has the potential to save lives across Australia and globally.
Find out more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/congratulations-to-pallav-pant-on-his-phd-confirmation-seminar
Julia RobertsonJulia Robertson
Topic: WATCH — Wearable AI Technology for Cognitive Health
Julia examines how wearable AI technologies can support real-time mental health monitoring for people with brain tumours—populations with significantly elevated risks of depression and suicidality. Her framework integrates biometric data, AI prediction models and patient-reported outcomes to create proactive, personalised mental health care.
Julia reflects:
“The unwritten rules of academia… are often inaccessible by design. When you live with disability, you learn to navigate these spaces creatively.”
Her work pushes the boundaries of inclusive digital health and human-centred AI.
Samantha CroninSamantha Cronin
Topic: Undiagnosed Neurodiversity in Australian Defence Force Medical Transitions
Samantha’s research investigates whether undiagnosed neurodiversity contributes to the challenges veterans face when transitioning from the ADF to civilian life. Her work connects military culture, mental health, disability identity and reintegration—areas historically overlooked.
Samantha says:
“Griffith’s HDR program empowers researchers with disability to turn lived experience into leadership.”
Her research supports more responsive, neuroinclusive veteran services.
Hannah SimmondsHannah Simmonds
Topic: Leisure Access and Social Inclusion for Young People with Disability
Hannah explores how young people with disability experience leisure spaces, what barriers they face, and what inclusive design looks like from their perspective. Her work informs future planning for accessible, welcoming, community-building leisure environments.
Hannah shares:
“I love learning and feel like I am contributing with my lived experience expertise.”
Her research highlights that inclusion is not only a right—it enriches community life.
Find out more: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/social-access-and-social-inclusion-outcomes-for-179
Janine Shepherd AMJanine Shepherd AM
Topic: Narratives in Liminal Spaces — Identity, Disability and Resilience
Janine’s autoethnographic research introduces Conscious Liminality™, a framework for using personal narrative as a tool for rebuilding identity and resilience after trauma. Her work demonstrates how lived experience can reshape scholarly knowledge and challenge dominant assumptions about disability.
Janine says:
“As a disabled scholar, I’ve learned that research is not separate from lived experience—it’s born through it.”
She represents the power of storytelling in advancing social understanding and change.
Find out more: https://janineshepherd.com/conscious-liminality/
Jim HoganJim Hogan
Topic: Reimagining Agile for Neuroinclusion
Jim is developing a new neuroinclusive “Agile” playbook—one that centres epistemic justice, inclusive collaboration, and innovation. His work challenges traditional organisational structures and opens new pathways to accessible, creative, high-performing workplaces.
Find out more: https://tedxbrisbane.com.au/our-talks/jim-hogan/
Daniel ClarkeDaniel Clarke (HDR Applicant for 2026)
Topic: Transforming Community Transport
Daniel, 2021 Queensland Young Australian of the Year and co-founder of Tears in the Jungle, has completed influential research on community transport, revealing how funding models and system gaps create barriers for people with mobility challenges.
He has applied to join the HDR Disability Scholars Program in 2026, proposing a PhD on transport disadvantage and the economic and social costs of inadequate accessible transport. With Transitcare as an industry partner, his future research aims to drive large-scale change across Queensland and beyond.
Find out more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/have-your-say-in-transforming-community-transport
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS FOR IDPWD 2025
The theme of IDPwD 2025—Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress—is not just a goal. It is the everyday practice of our scholars.
Their research:
- redesigns unjust systems
- expands accessibility
- amplifies lived experience
- challenges stereotypes
- innovates new technologies
- builds more inclusive policy and practice.
Their leadership shows that when people with disability lead research—not just participate in it—societies advance.
LOOKING AHEAD: HDR DISABILITY SCHOLARSHIPS 2026
We are excited to announce that multiple 2026 HDR Disability Scholarships will open soon. These scholarships provide financial support, research allowances, and inclusive flexibility for PhD candidates with disability.
More information will be released at the end of the year—follow us to stay updated.
BE PART OF THIS MOVEMENT
If you're a person with disability interested in pursuing research, we would love to hear from you. Join a growing network of scholars driving change locally, nationally, and internationally.
Together, we’re building a future where inclusion drives progress—and where researchers with disability shape the world we all share.
📩 Contact: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
🌐 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability/?viewAsMember=true
📰 Subscribe to our eNews: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/monthly-roundup📰 Subscribe to The Hopkins Centre Wrap Up: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/wrapup
🤝 Join the Inclusive Futures community: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au -
Brain Awareness Week
Brain Awareness Week (11-15 March), initiated by the Brain Foundation, is a time when we encourage you to think more about your brain health and help raise awareness for brain diseases, disorders and injuries, including brain tumours.
Every day in Australia, six people are diagnosed with a brain tumour and four will die. Brain tumour is a complex illness with the combined effects of cancer and brain injury. People with brain tumour and their families experience considerable distress related to the diagnosis, threat to life and changes in the person’s abilities and lifestyle.
Research led by Professor Tamara Ownsworth from Griffith University demonstrated the positive impact of the telehealth Making Sense of Brain Tumour (Tele-MAST) for improving mental health and quality of life of individuals with brain tumour, as the well as the potential for this program to ease the financial burden on the healthcare system . Tele-MAST is now being adopted by the Cancer Council Queensland as the statewide model of psychosocial support for people with brain tumour and their families.
Griffith University researchers (Professor Tamara Ownsworth, Dr Kasia Lion and Julia Robertson) are now collaborating with Metro South Health (Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital), The Mark Hughes Foundation and Peace of Mind Foundation to tackle further challenges faced by people with brain tumour and their families.
Funded by the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer, the first project partners with people with brain tumour and family members to develop and trial a communication and emotional support skills training program for medical, nursing, and allied health professionals working with people with brain tumour and their families.
"There was nothing but a cold hard clinical diagnosis....no offer of pre-surgery counselling to deal with the human side of it....we were left swinging pretty wildly in the wind.” (Ownsworth et al., 2011, p. 129)
Health professionals' (HPs) approach to communicating the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, and response to questions and distress has an immeasurable impact on the emotional wellbeing of people with a brain tumour and their family members. HPs report gaps in their knowledge and skills and often lack confidence with communication and providing emotional support. In the first phase, we will seek input from consumers and HPs on the focus and approach to training with a view to understanding the priority areas to include in training programs and optimal approach (i.e., what and how to train HPs). For the second phase, we will focus on evaluating the impact of this training on HPs' knowledge, skills and confidence.
The second project is funded by the Metro South Health Research Support Scheme and aims to co-design and pilot a multimedia educational platform specific to the needs of people with benign brain tumour and lower-grade glioma
“We just wish that someone would have said to us right at the beginning here’s a very good guide, because when you have a brain tumour situation, oh you’re lost” (Ownsworth et al., 2015, p.7-18).
Benign or non-malignant brain tumours account for 70% of all brain and other CNS tumours. Yet, the information and support needs of this group are frequently overlooked despite them experiencing similar levels of distress and everyday impacts to those with malignant brain tumour. This project aims to improve people’s ability to find, understand and use information about brain tumour and share this knowledge with their support networks. In partnership with consumers and multidisciplinary healthcare providers, the project will result in new online resources that can be rapidly taken up in practice to improve the quality service provision and continuity of care for this population.
Professor Tamara Ownsworth, Research Director (Research Development) at The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, is a clinical neuropsychologist with more than 25-years’ experience in rehabilitation and psychosocial intervention for people with acquired brain injury, including traumatic brain injury, brain tumour, stroke and dementia.
More about Enhancing quality of life for brain tumour survivors: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2023/07/25/enhancing-quality-of-life-for-brain-tumour-survivors/
Find out more about Brain Awareness Week: https://brainfoundation.org.au/brain-awareness-week/
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Humanising Healthcare: A Futurist's Perspective on Disability and Pharmacies
A montage of images from APP 2024 including Morris Misel, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall, Julia Robertson, Julie Rogan and Dr. Chris Edwards.Last Friday at APP 2024 the Australian Pharmacy Professional's Annual Conference on the Gold Coast, Morris Misel had the privilege of chairing a powerful panel discussion on disability and community pharmacists.These conversations are critical to shaping the future of healthcare, and this session was a shining example of why.The panel, drawn from Griffith University's Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability community (a network of 500+ incredible individuals with lived experience of disability), featured Dr Chris Edwards, Julia Robertson and Julie Rogan each sharing their unique perspective on navigating community pharmacies.From sensory overload for individuals with autism to medication delays due to unnecessary concerns, their stories highlighted the importance of human connection in healthcare.When pharmacists took the time to understand their needs, the experience was positive. When communication faltered, frustration arose.The best part? The audience, both in-person and online, fostered a fantastic atmosphere of acceptance. Pharmacists felt comfortable asking insightful questions and the panellists were thrilled to share their experiences.Honest dialogue, where everyone is heard without fear of offense, is the cornerstone of progress.Here's the exciting part: APP offered practical solutions!From government programs allowing for more pharmacist-patient interaction to readily implemented processes, there are tangible steps we can take today.The Takeaway: Disability Impacts EveryoneDisability affects 1 in 4 Australians, if you include those with chronic pain, as well as carers & families the figure jumps to 7 in 10 Australians are directly impacted by disability.Imagine if any other business ignored such a significant, loyal customer base?Pharmacies have a golden opportunity to improve access and care for a vast demographic.By listening to the voices of lived experience, we will create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system for all.Ready to Start a Conversation?If you're looking to integrate lived experience disability voices into your industry or business, we can help! Whether it's a chat, panel discussion, keynote address, or strategy workshop, let's create impactful conversations that pave the way for a more inclusive future.A huge thank you to #APP24 for providing a platform for this crucial conversation, and to Dr. Chris Edwards, Julia Robertson, and Julie Rogan for bravely sharing their stories and insights. Your openness paves the way for a more understanding and inclusive healthcare system!
Video and Transcript
If you missed this exciting Guild APP panel session, view the video recording on our Inclusive Futures YouTube Account here. A written transcript is also available, please contact j.kek-pamenter@griffith.edu.au or inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au for an accessible copy.
