Category Kate Ames   Show all

• That's a Wrap - QDRN 2025 End of Year Final Events

  

  Last week, Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) stakeholders came together for our final catch-up of the year at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Petrie campus.

  In just a few years, early discussions led by Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD, Charlotte Brownlow, and Ruth Barker have grown into a network making a real impact, supported by Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and the leadership of Dr Talitha Kingsmill.

  From 2024 co-design workshops for DCSSDS that shaped the Queensland Disability Research Agenda (https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/queensland-disability-research-agenda), to recent presentations by Dr Rebecca Shipstone and panel discussions featuring Denise Wood AM, Nerine Williams, and Dr Olivia Gatfield, QDRN is influencing policy and projects across Queensland.

  With representation from eight universities, QDRN continues to demonstrate a truly collaborative approach. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our 2025 QDRN Advisory Group and Sector Stakeholder Committee members. The QDRN unites researchers, advocates, and stakeholders to advance inclusive research through quality co-design and collaboration across universities, government, and community sectors.

  Our vision: to improve the lives and participation of people with disability through sustainable, impactful research partnerships.

  Stay tuned for updates throughout the new year!

  To learn more or get involved, email us at qdrn@griffith.edu.au or connect with Dr Talitha Kingsmill directly at t.kingsmill@griffith.edu.au.

  Let’s make 2026 a year of transformative progress for disability inclusion and research!

  

  
  

• Unlocking Inclusive Futures: A Roundtable on Disability, Higher Education and Career Pathways

  

  Unlocking Inclusive Futures: A Roundtable on Disability, Higher Education and Career Pathways

  The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) invites you to join an important online symposium exploring how we can create more inclusive pathways to higher education and professional careers for students with disability.

  This event brings together leaders from universities, government, and the disability sector to share research, lived experience, and practical strategies for building equitable, accessible learning and working environments.

  Featured Speakers:

  • Prof. Kate Ames – Torrens University
  • Dr. Fiona Rillotta – Flinders University
  • Mr. Darren Britten - Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education & Training
  • Mr. Aron Mercer – Griffith University
  • Prof. Caroline Rueckert – Griffith University

  
  

  Event Highlights:

  • Expert panel discussions and workshops
  • Live captioning and Easy to Read materials
  • Opportunities to connect with educators, advocates, and policy makers

  
  

  📅 26^th November 2025

  🕓 4:00 – 5:30pm AEST

  💻 Online Event – Free Registration

  
  

  Together, we can drive systemic change and strengthen pathways to inclusion across Australia’s tertiary sector.

  🔗 Register now: Click Here

  
  

  

  
  

• Exciting Start to 2025 with QDRN!

  

  

  Happy New Year! We're thrilled to bring you the first Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) update for 2025.

  
  

  A big thank you to everyone who expressed interest in serving on the 2025 QDRN Advisory Group and Sector Stakeholder Committee. Your support drives our mission to foster impactful disability research and inclusive collaboration.

  
  

  We’re proud to announce the members of these groups, representing diverse expertise and lived experience:

  
  

  2025 QDRN Advisory Group

  • Professor Kate Ames (Torrens University)
  • Adjunct Professor Ruth Barker (James Cook University)
  • Professor Charlotte Brownlow (University of Southern Queensland)
  • Sasha Job (CQUniversity)
  • Professor Byron Keating (Queensland University of Technology)
  • Professor Elizabeth Kendall (Griffith University)
  • Dr. Talitha Kingsmill (QDRN Lead)
  • Professor Sean Tweedy (The University of Queensland)
  • Adjunct Professor Denise Wood (University of the Sunshine Coast)

  
  

  2025 QDRN Sector Stakeholder Committee

  • Jesse Althaus (Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion - QAI)
  • Simon Clough (Queensland Alliance for Mental Health - QAMH)
  • Nina Carr, Kate Dufty, Maria O’Hara, Belinda Thompson, Peter Tully, Nerine Williams (Advocates & Citizen Scientists)
  • Ewan Filmer (Capricorn Citizen Advocacy)
  • Dr. Olivia Gatfield (Autism CRC)
  • Katie Grehan (Outback Independent Living Inc.)

  
  

  The QDRN unites researchers, advocates, and stakeholders to advance inclusive research through quality co-design and collaboration across Queensland universities, government, and community sectors.

  
  

  Our vision? To improve the lives and participation of people with disability through sustainable, impactful research partnerships.

  
  

  Stay tuned for updates on our work throughout the year!

  
  

  To learn more or get involved, reach out to us at qdrn@griffith.edu.au or connect directly with Dr. Talitha Kingsmill at t.kingsmill@griffith.edu.au.

  
  

  Let’s make 2025 a year of transformative progress for disability inclusion and research.