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IDPwD 2025: Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress (online panel)
Post-IDPwD 2025 Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD 2025). Our online forum—co-hosted by The Hopkins Centre, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, and the Griffith Business School—brought together an outstanding panel: Lisa Cox OAM, Dr Maria Golubovskaya, Brad Kinsela GAICD and A/Prof Popi Sotiriadou, moderated by Dr Kelsey Chapman.
Our speakers unpacked this year’s theme, Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, exploring opportunities for education, employment, business and community inclusion as we look ahead to Brisbane 2032.
If you missed the event, you can now watch the accessible recording and read the full transcript: https://youtu.be/1CtIb3MjHd0?si=dwtxovMtF3_I4Ffl
We also invite you to explore our HDR Scholars with Disability blog, showcasing lived-experience research shaping more inclusive futures at Griffith. https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/idpwd-celebrating-our-griffith-university-hdr-disability-scholars
👉 View the video, transcript, and event recap: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-538
More information:
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.auFostering disability inclusive societies
for advancing social progressJoin us to mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 (12:00–1:00pm AEST) in our online forum hosted by Griffith Business School’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Inclusive Futures Reimagining Disability, and The Hopkins Centre.
This year’s theme Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, offers an important opportunity to explore how we can create more inclusive communities as we head towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In Australia, one in five people experience disability and related barriers to meaningful employment. In this discussion, our panel will consider both the opportunities and challenges of fostering disability inclusion in Southeast Queensland—particularly in the areas of education, employment, volunteering, and business. We’ll also explore how mega-sporting events like Brisbane 2032 can be leveraged as tools for long-term social and economic progress, rather than producing only short-term, event-based opportunities.
You will hear from:
Lisa Cox OAM is an author, university researcher, TEDx speaker and internationally awarded thought leader. Her work is focused on epistemic disruption, leveraging the power and influence of industries like media and advertising to change social attitudes about disability while positively impacting social outcomes, like employment.
Dr. Maria Golubovskaya, Lecturer, Griffith Business School – researching youth and disability employment, hospitality work, and service worker wellbeing.
Brad Kinsela GAICD brings an extensive background as disability and social inclusion champion, qualified access consultant and board member/company director, Adjunct Industry Fellow at Griffith University, as well as an extensive career as a 'former' senior executive in the Government for over 26 years, including the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority. Coming from a background of disability and human rights advocacy, lobbying, and community-based human services and practice, it is not surprising that Brad has maintained his connections, profile, and commitment to living in a society that values, services and embraces all members of communitySeparate from his public policy life, his love for family and friends and embracing the outdoor wonders of the world has seen Brad take his passion to have accessibility and inclusion as the 'norm' rather than the exception has taken him to many places, most notably Barcelona and Paris in 2025 during the Paralympic Games.
Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou is a lecturer and researcher with the Griffith Business School and a distinguished international expert in managing high-performance sport and sports education. Her work focuses particularly on advancing women in sport, accessibility, and inclusive practices that ensure equitable participation and representation. Popi is the founder of Vision for Motion, an innovative app that promotes physical activity, wellbeing, and community connection for people with visual impairments.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr Kelsey Chapman, Research Fellow with Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, whose work explores effective service delivery for people with disability, particularly in transport and health.
Accessibility will be a priority, with live captions available throughout the session. This event will also be recorded and shared post-event, along with a full transcript for those who could not attend via YouTube and our website.
More information
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.auDr Millicent Kennelly – Griffith Business School
m.kennelly@griffith.edu.au -
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 -
IDPwD Panel Discussion: Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress
Join us to mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 (12:00–1:00pm AEST) in our online forum hosted by Griffith Business School’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Inclusive Futures Reimagining Disability, and The Hopkins Centre.
This year’s theme Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, offers an important opportunity to explore how we can create more inclusive communities as we head towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In Australia, one in five people experience disability and related barriers to meaningful employment. In this discussion, our panel will consider both the opportunities and challenges of fostering disability inclusion in Southeast Queensland—particularly in the areas of education, employment, volunteering, and business. We’ll also explore how mega-sporting events like Brisbane 2032 can be leveraged as tools for long-term social and economic progress, rather than producing only short-term, event-based opportunities.
You will hear from:
Lisa Cox OAM is an author, university researcher, TEDx speaker and internationally awarded thought leader. Her work is focused on epistemic disruption, leveraging the power and influence of industries like media and advertising to change social attitudes about disability while positively impacting social outcomes, like employment.
Dr. Maria Golubovskaya, Lecturer, Griffith Business School – researching youth and disability employment, hospitality work, and service worker wellbeing.
Brad Kinsela GAICD brings an extensive background as disability and social inclusion champion, qualified access consultant and board member/company director, Adjunct Industry Fellow at Griffith University, as well as an extensive career as a 'former' senior executive in the Government for over 26 years, including the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority. Coming from a background of disability and human rights advocacy, lobbying, and community-based human services and practice, it is not surprising that Brad has maintained his connections, profile, and commitment to living in a society that values, services and embraces all members of communitySeparate from his public policy life, his love for family and friends and embracing the outdoor wonders of the world has seen Brad take his passion to have accessibility and inclusion as the 'norm' rather than the exception has taken him to many places, most notably Barcelona and Paris in 2025 during the Paralympic Games.
Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou is a lecturer and researcher with the Griffith Business School and a distinguished international expert in managing high-performance sport and sports education. Her work focuses particularly on advancing women in sport, accessibility, and inclusive practices that ensure equitable participation and representation. Popi is the founder of Vision for Motion, an innovative app that promotes physical activity, wellbeing, and community connection for people with visual impairments.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr Kelsey Chapman, Research Fellow with Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, whose work explores effective service delivery for people with disability, particularly in transport and health.
Accessibility will be a priority, with live captions available throughout the session. This event will also be recorded and shared post-event, along with a full transcript for those who could not attend via YouTube and our website.
👉 Register now to be part of this important conversation: https://shorturl.at/Nx5Qk
More information
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.auDr Millicent Kennelly – Griffith Business School
m.kennelly@griffith.edu.au
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Celebrating Lisa Cox OAM: Advocate, Changemaker, and Trailblazer
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
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ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media
EVENT RECAP:
Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the MediaPresented by: Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University
Last week’s ICA preconference, "The Inaugural Disability Communications and Media Preconference 2024: Emerging or Emerged?", brought together scholars from 17 countries to delve into media discourse, participatory research, and disability representation.
On Friday, we were inspired by a roundtable led by Dr. Monique Lewis from Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University. Monique's skillful moderation highlighted critical issues, fostering meaningful change in inclusive media representation.
In this roundtable discussion, we contemplated the overarching landscape of disability representations in news and popular media forms, and how these portrayals work to construct notions of ‘disability’ and the ‘disabled person’. Invisibility and erasure of disability have been ongoing concerns for everyone involved in advocacy work, activism, community engagement and academic scholarship, with dignity as a paramount focus. We heard from panel members about their lived experiences of both invisibility and visibility in the media context, as well as insights into their own perspectives, advocacy, and contributions to disrupting, creating, and producing media content about disability.The session also unpacked some of the broader social, cultural, political, and economic implications of ableism and disablism in the media, as well as the wealth of creative opportunities for social transformation, with inclusivity at its heart.
Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester, Lisa Cox, Sara Shams, Tina (Captioner) and Dr Monique Lewis.PANELISTS
Dr. Monique Lewis: A senior lecturer in media and communication and a member of Inclusive Futures at Griffith University. Her research spans media, health and medicine, and risk sociologies, with a particular interest in news media landscapes, framing, and practice. She is the lead editor of Communicating COVID-19: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (2021) and Communicating COVID-19: Media, Trust and Public Engagement (2024) published by Palgrave.
Sara Shams: A pharmacist, model, speaker, creator, actor and formidable disability advocate. As a bilateral above knee amputee, her mission is to raise awareness on what it takes to be truly and authentically inclusive within the fashion and media industry, and beyond.
Lisa Cox: A TEDx speaker and internationally acclaimed disability advocate, and co-author of Media Diversity Australia’s ‘Disability Reporting Handbook’. Combining her professional background in advertising and media, with a lived experience of disability, Lisa is committed to changing public perceptions of disability by empowering professionals in some of the world’s most influential industries, like media. Her solutions-focused approach is helping professionals better navigate the nuances of disability inclusion through their content and workplace practices.
Dr. Faith Valencia Forrester: An expert in work-integrated learning and social change initiatives like Project Open Doors. Faith has combined her media experience, degrees in Arts, Law and Business, and completed her PhD in inclusive work-integrated learning with a view to developing an inclusive and diverse media cohort capable of changing the media landscape for the better.
Dr Maretta Mann (Strategic Development Manager, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability) together with Lisa Cox, Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester and Sara Shams; Panel Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester and Sara Shams; Moderator Dr Monique Lewis.WHY MEDIA REPRESENTATION MATTERS
Media representation of people with disability fosters more inclusive societies. As Mark Deuze noted in 2011, we live in media, not just with it. Our panellists discussed how media often portrays disability, along with its influence on societal perceptions, and the power relations involved.
PERSONAL STORIES AND PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
Sara Shams shared a poignant story illustrating misconceptions about disability. A public bathroom encounter highlighted how deeply ingrained biases and microaggressions are, stressing the need to normalise disability and break down societal and self-imposed barriers.
Lisa Cox and Monique Lewis discussed the impact of media representations on education and employment. Lisa’s experiences after acquiring her disabilities highlighted the social attitudes that hinder employment opportunities, despite unchanged qualifications and experience.
Dr. Faith Valencia Forrester's contribution was a profound exploration of the intersection between work-integrated learning (WIL), social change initiatives like Project Open Doors, and media representation of disability. She emphasised the transformative impact of WIL in enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disability, bridging the gap between education and workplace readiness. Dr. Forrester highlighted Project Open Doors as a pioneering effort to foster inclusive work environments through collaborative partnerships with businesses. Her discussion underscored the crucial role of media in shaping perceptions of disability, advocating for dignified and respectful portrayals to promote societal inclusion. Dr. Forrester championed the importance of inclusive practices across sectors to drive meaningful social change and create more equitable opportunities for people with disability.
Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester; Professor Kuansong Victor Zhuang and Professor Katie Ellis; Attendees at the event listen to the panel discussion.MEDIA DIVERSITY AUSTRALIA DISABILITY REPORTING HANDBOOK
The discussion on the Disability Reporting Handbook, led by co-authors Lisa Cox and Faith Valencia Forrester, highlighted its pivotal role in guiding journalists towards more accurate and respectful reporting on disability issues. Developed in collaboration with Griffith University's Inclusive Futures, the handbook stands as a comprehensive resource shaped by input from individuals with lived experiences of disability and disability advocates. Lisa emphasised the handbook's practical utility in newsrooms, providing clear guidelines to counter prevailing biases and misconceptions in media representations of disability. Faith underscored the importance of inclusive language and perspectives in journalistic practices, urging newsrooms to adopt these principles to foster a more inclusive media landscape. The handbook's development process and its potential impact in reshaping media narratives were central to their discussion, reflecting a collective effort to promote greater understanding and sensitivity towards disability in journalism.
The addition of a marketing and advertising section within the Disability Reporting Handbook represents a pivotal enhancement aimed at extending its influence beyond traditional journalism. Led by Lisa Cox and designed by Jo Kek-Pamenter, this chapter addresses a crucial void by embedding disability perspectives into media and communication strategies. It equips journalists, advertising professionals, government entities, businesses, and individuals alike with the tools needed to communicate inclusively. By furnishing practical guidance on language use and sensitivity, this section empowers stakeholders to authentically engage with the diverse experiences within the disability community, thereby catalysing significant social change and nurturing a more inclusive media environment.
Download a copy: https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/disability-reporting-handbook/THE FUTURE
Katie Ellis warned against the pitfalls of "inspiration porn," advocating for normalised, diverse representation of the disability community. The panel called for increased visibility and representation to drive social change and create inclusive media landscapes.
The roundtable’s rich discussion, led by the the passionate moderation by Monique, showcased the transformative power of inclusive dialogue and the necessity of dignified media representation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Inclusive Futures team would like to thank our hosts, the International Communications Association (ICA), Professor Kuansong Victor Zhuang, Professor Katie Ellis and Professor Gerard Goggin organisers for inviting us to participate in this impactful event.
#InclusiveFutures #DisabilityRepresentation #MediaMatters #ICAPreconference2024 #InclusiveDialogue #DisabilityInMedia
Lisa Cox together with Sara Shams; Pallav Pant; Professor Kuansong Victor Zhuang and Professor Katie Ellis; Professor Gerard Goggin. -
Book Club: Sexual Health, Wellbeing and Disability
INCLUSIVE FUTURES BOOK CLUB
A conversation with authors Dr. Marita Heck (author of Secret Forces) and conversation partners Lisa Cox and Chantelle Otten.
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University hosted our latest #BookClub event on #SexualHealth, #wellbeing and #disability, with author Marita Heck and conversation partners Lisa Cox and Chantelle Otten online, on Wednesday, 23 August on Microsoft Teams.
It is a human right to experience positive #SexualHealth and wellbeing, yet it is a topic that is often neglected and ignored. Please join us (via our online recording) for an open, honest discussion about challenges experienced by #PeopleWithDisability and how we can increase awareness, education and support.
Dr Marita Heck (PhD, Master of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing Science) is an Adjunct Research Fellow with The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Dr Heck is further a member of the Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures task force. In this space, Dr Heck is leading a consumer-led multidisciplinary research project in collaboration with five Australian universities promoting holistic sexual health support for people living with a spinal cord injury.
In addition, Dr Heck conducts research into supporting women living with an SCI in pre-pregnancy, antenatal, birth and postnatal support. Dr Heck is further a very experienced #clinician working with people living with a disability in the sexuality and fertility, and antenatal, birth and postnatal period in the Australian community. Besides her work in the research and the clinical setting, Dr Heck is a vivid romance novel author and published her first suspense romance novel Secret Forces in 2020.
Lisa Cox is an Internationally awarded thought leader, TEDx speaker, #authorand consultant who is working with business, government, Griffith University and others to help create solutions and change social attitudes towards disability. Her work has been recognised around the globe and featured in media like FOX, NBC News, Huffington Post, Smart Company, Vogue and AdNews Australia.
Chantelle Otten is a Melbourne based Psycho-Sexologist who is passionate about empowering people to feel great about their sexual health, self-esteem, communication and education. With a background in scientific research, sexual medicine, and counselling, she believes that sexuality and self-esteem are an integral part of life, which everyone is entitled to. Good sexual health should always be enjoyable, pain free and without prejudice.
For those who missed the event, you can access the recording here https://youtu.be/11DP3nz_Tn4 - A full and accessible transcript can be provided upon request.For more information about the author Dr. Marita Heck:https://www.amazon.com.au/Secret-Forces-Marita-Heck-ebook/dp/B08KTSLM2G
https://www.sexpositivecommunity.com/
For more information about Lisa Cox:
https://www.instagram.com/lisacox.co/
For more information about Chantelle Otten:
https://chantelleotten.com/https://www.instagram.com/chantelle_otten_sexologist/
If you would like to stay up to date with upcoming events and join the Inclusive Futures book club community, you can join up here: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-futures-book-club?tool=survey_tool#tool_tab
If you have any questions or would like a copy of the transcript, please do not hesitate to contact the team at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au.