Category Research Show all
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Disability Action Week 2025: Communicate. Connect. Create.
Disability Action Week is a statewide celebration of accessibility, inclusion and the simple actions we can all take to make Queensland a place where everyone can participate fully. This year’s theme — Communicate. Connect. Create.— encourages all of us to put accessible communication into practice and recognise its role in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Small changes matter. By making information easier to understand, offering alternative formats, improving event accessibility, or taking the time to ask someone about their communication preferences, we help create environments where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported.
Shining a Spotlight on Hopkins Research
The Hopkins Centre is a leading translational research centre in disability and rehabilitation, based at Griffith University and Princess Alexandra Hospital. Our work focuses on finding practical solutions to complex challenges through interdisciplinary, collaborative and responsive research that is embedded directly in practice.
While disability and rehabilitation research rarely makes headlines in the same way that medical breakthroughs do, it is essential work. Because we work alongside people with disability, their families, clinicians, policymakers and service organisations, we see firsthand where innovation is needed — and we act on it.
We are committed to valuing the voice of people with disability in every stage of decision-making and discovery. Their insights shape our research, guide our priorities and ensure we develop solutions that genuinely improve quality of life.
We regularly produce accessible and alternative-format resources, co-design tools with end users, and embed accessibility in all engagement — from Easy Read and plain language materials to inclusive events, captioning, Auslan, and culturally appropriate communication approaches.
This year, we are highlighting three impactful projects: co-designing communication tools for people with spinal cord injury, developing accessible sleep resources for people with SCI, and strengthening mental health support pathways for PhD students through inclusive, evidence-based approaches.
We need your support to continue designing high-quality solutions, services and systems that make a real difference.
To get involved or explore current research opportunities, visit hopkinscentre.edu.au/participate-research or email hopkinscentre@griffith.edu.au.SPOTLIGHT PROJECTS FOR DISABILITY ACTION WEEK
1. Co-designing Communication Tools in the Spinal Injuries Unit
Clear and respectful communication is essential in healthcare, especially for people with complex communication needs. We are partnering with people with spinal cord injury, families, clinicians and lived-experience researchers to co-design a new communication resource for the Metro South Health Spinal Injuries Unit.
Join our online co-design workshops (Microsoft Teams):
- Patients & Families: Thursday 4 December, 12pm
- Staff: Monday 8 December, 10am
Register your interest: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/siu-info
Contact: Dr Kelsey Chapman (Research Fellow) – dignityproject@griffith.edu.au
2. Sleep and Spinal Cord Injury
Poor sleep affects two in three people with spinal cord injury, yet many do not receive the support they need. Dr Emily Bray and her team at The Hopkins Centre, together with Spinal Life Australia, the Institute for Breathing and Sleep and QSCIS, have co-designed new evidence-based resources to help people understand sleep changes and explore strategies that support better rest and wellbeing.
Communicate: This project aims to raise awareness of sleep issues following SCI and to share the best ways to manage them from the perspectives of people with SCI and healthcare professionals.
Connect: Researchers, clinicians, and people with SCI collaborated through a series of co-design workshops to identify how to address SCI-specific sleep issues and their preferred approaches to managing them.
Create: The main result of this project has been the creation of co-designed sleep management resources tailored to the needs and preferences of people with SCI.
Key findings and solutions include:
Sleep issues following SCI emerge early after the injury and persist throughout life. It is crucial to raise awareness among people with SCI and clinicians about the harmful effects of poor sleep quality, the causes of sleep disturbances, and possible solutions. Participants suggested various solutions, including early and routine assessments, as well as educational resources that researchers and clinicians could explore to address these issues.
Learn more and access the resources:
https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/seed-project-sleep-disturbances-following-spinal-163Contact Dr Emily Bray:
https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/people-view/emily-bray-177
3. Creating Supportive Pathways for PhD Student Mental Health
Behind the prestige of a PhD lies a hidden mental health crisis. Many candidates face severe distress, driven by isolation, financial pressure, and perfectionism, with research suggesting up to one-third meet suicide-risk criteria. PhD researcher Ali Khan at The Hopkins Centre focuses on better mental health support and adjustments for PhD students, particularly those with psychosocial disabilities.
Communicate: The project aims to break the silence around PhD mental health, fostering open communication between students, supervisors, and institutions to remove bureaucratic barriers to support.
Connect: By bringing together all the key stakeholders, the research builds connections to combat isolation and create a collaborative, supportive academic community.
Create: The goal is to create practical, systemic solutions and more inclusive policies that support the mental well-being and academic success of all PhD students.
Key findings and solutions include:
- Key Risks: Loneliness, impostor syndrome, financial instability, and supervisor-student misalignment are major predictors of distress.
- Effective Strategies: Digital mental health tools, peer financial mentoring, and therapeutic approaches like music therapy show significant promise as accessible, low-cost interventions.
Learn more and access resources:
The Research Project: Improving Mental Health Accommodations for PhDs
Contact Ali Khan: ali.khan3@griffithuni.edu.au
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New Research on Supporting Neurodivergent University Students
Dr Kathy Gibbs, Griffith UniversityDr Kathy Gibbs, Senior Lecturer and researcher from Griffith University has published important new research sharing the voices of neurodivergent students studying at an Australian university. These students talked about what helps them learn well, what gets in the way, and what universities can do better.
The study shows three big things matter most:
• feeling understood and supported
• clear, flexible and well-designed learning
• real connections with tutors and peers.Many students said that one-size-fits-all support doesn’t work. They succeed when learning is designed in inclusive ways and when support is tailored to their needs and strengths.
This research is a great reminder that simple changes — clearer instructions, flexible options, and building strong relationships — can make university more inclusive for everyone.
📘 You can read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-025-00828-2
More information:
Dr Kathy Gibbs
k.gibbs@griffith.edu.au -
Inclusive Transport Futures: A National Invitation to Partner in Research and Innovation
Why Inclusive Transport Matters
Transport is essential for independence, health and wellbeing, and social and economic participation. Yet, it remains one of the most reported forms of disability discrimination in Australia. Despite decades of reform, 35% of people with disability still face barriers to public transport.
With the rise of digital technologies (including AI, smart glasses and autonomous vehicles); growing expectations for inclusive infrastructure (e.g. Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games), and the push for more sustainable urban planning in our cities and regions - now is the time to radically transform transport systems through inclusive innovation.
We invite industry, government, and community organisations to join us in shaping a national research agenda that delivers real-world impact for inclusive transport.
Our Collaborative Strength
This initiative brings together leading researchers from three universities with deep expertise in inclusive design, transport equity, digital innovation, and lived experience research.
Professor Elizabeth Kendall – Griffith University
Director of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. A national leader in disability and rehabilitation research, citizen science and consumer-led research. Elizabeth established and was the founding Director of The Hopkins Centre, a partnership between Griffith University, Queensland Health and the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland, leading translational research in disability inclusion and rehabilitation.
Dr Lisa Stafford – Griffith University
Australian Research Council Future Fellow and recognised leader in planning inclusive communities. Lisa leads research across disability participation, planning and transport equity including trips not made, whole-of-journey mapping, planning strategies and co-creation with lived experience.
Professor Kim Marriott – Monash University
Expert in digital assistive technologies, Kim’s research focuses on emerging technologies, such as AI and smart glasses for accessible information access and wayfinding.
Professor Graham Currie – Monash University
Internationally recognised leader in public transport planning and policy. Graham brings deep expertise in transport equity, infrastructure reform, and strategic planning.
Professor Simon Darcy – University of Technology Sydney
Global leader in inclusive tourism and transport. Simon’s work spans universal design, accessibility innovation, and lived experience research, with a focus on systems change.
Potential Project Areas
We are seeking partners to co-design and pilot research in areas such as:
- Inclusive Journey Mapping: Understanding the full travel experience for people with disability, from planning to arrival.
- Trips Not Made: Investigating the impact of inaccessible travel on tourism, wellbeing, and social and economic participation.
- Navigation within transport hubs: Addressing signage, navigation in complex, stressful environments, and unexpected hazards.
- Handling Disruptions: Creating accessible communication systems for real-time updates and alternative routing.
- Accessible journey planning: Developing an AI-powered travel assistant for whole of journey support starting with pre-journey planning.
- Passenger Assistance Mechanisms: Designing scalable support systems for regional and remote travel.
- Consumer-Led Innovation: Engaging people with lived experience to identify priorities and test new service models.
- Workforce Development: Training transport staff in inclusive service delivery and accessibility awareness.
- Policy and Standards Engagement: Supporting implementation of disability standards and creating user-friendly guides.
Funding Pathways
We are actively preparing proposals under two major Australian Research Council grant schemes:
ARC Linkage Project
Proposed focus on supporting navigation and information access in transport hubs.[MM5] [LS6]
- Deadline: 18 March 2026
- Funding: $300,000–$400,000 over 2-3 years
- Partner Contributions: Cash and/or in-kind
- Optional: Co-fund PhDs via the National Industry PhD Program
ARC Collaborate Centre
A large-scale national consortium grant to drive long-term transformation in inclusive transport.
- Expected Deadline: Late 2026
- Funding: Up to $5 million over 5 years
- Focus: Whole-of-journey accessibility, inclusive technologies, systems reform, and workforce development
Contact Us
To express interest or explore partnership opportunities, please contact the team at:
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.auDirector, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
Director, Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre
k.marriott@monash.edu
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Two New Ways to Support Wellbeing After Spinal Cord Injury
Dr Marita Heck, Adjunct Research Fellow at The Hopkins Centre, has two exciting new contributions aimed at enhancing the lives of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI)—from evidence-based research to practical guidance on intimacy and pleasure.
1. New insights into sexual rehabilitation support after spinal cord injury
In “Sexual rehabilitation support experiences of Australian adults living with a spinal cord injury” (Allen, Heck, Doig, Cudmore, Lawrence & Mason, 2025), the team explored the lived experiences of nine Australian adults (8 men; 1 woman) with spinal cord injury (SCI). Guided by Material–Discursive–Intrapsychic Theory, the study revealed how physical functioning, relational identity and broader disability-stigma discourses combine to shape sexual quality of life after SCI.
Key findings:
- Rehabilitation tends to focus strongly on physical function (e.g., erection, ejaculation) while giving less attention to emotional, relational and identity-aspects of sexuality.
- Participants described loss of autonomy, feelings of shame or stigma, and challenges in partner communication / relational connection as major influences on sexual wellbeing.
- When sexual rehabilitation support attends to emotional connection, personalised equipment and partner-/relationship-oriented goals, outcomes for sexual wellbeing improve.
Why it matters:
- Because sexuality is a fundamental component of wellbeing, addressing it in rehabilitation is critical — yet often under-addressed for people with SCI.
- By broadening support beyond just “physical functioning” to include relational, psychological and identity dimensions, clinicians and services can help people living with SCI experience fuller, more meaningful sexual lives.
Practical tip:
If you work in rehabilitation (or support someone who does), embed a simple “relationship check-in” into the routine: ask “How has your /intimacy /connection changed since the injury?” and then include a follow-up question “What aspect of this would you like to change/restore?” Use that to guide discussion of equipment, partner communication, self-identity and expectations — not just physical sexual function.📄 Citation:
Allen, A., Heck, M., Doig, C., Cudmore, T., Lawrence, K., & Mason, J. (2025). Sexual rehabilitation support experiences of Australian adults living with a spinal cord injury. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 1–10.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2025.2496567
2. Exploring Intimacy and Pleasure
Off the back of research findings and clinical work, Dr Heck has also released The Sensuality of Connection: An Erotic Playbook to Intimacy After Spinal Cord Injury, to bridge the gap. Whilst the guide is designed for people living with SCI—it is truly suitable for everyone! This resource encourages exploring connection, intimacy, and pleasure in new, playful ways.- 📘 English edition: Amazon AU link
- 📗 German edition: Sinnlichkeit der Verbundenheit Amazon AU link
Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, or someone interested in living well after SCI, Dr Heck’s latest work offers insights and practical tools to support recovery, wellbeing, and connection.
Get in touch / learn more:
Dr Marita Heck
The Hopkins Centre
marita.heck@griffith.edu.au -
Celebrating our HDR Disability Scholars
Building inclusive research pathways at Griffith University
Education is more than a privilege—it’s a pathway to possibility.
At Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, we’re proud to support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students with disability to reach their goals and contribute to bold, innovative research that reimagines inclusion in action.
Since launching in 2023, our HDR Disability Scholars Program has grown into a thriving community of ten (10) diverse researchers at different stages of their PhD journeys. The program provides more than just academic support—it builds meaningful connections through peer learning, mentoring, and shared experience in an environment where accessibility and inclusion are built into everything we do.
This thriving community is championed by Professor Rebecca Ford, Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School, and Dr Lisa Stafford, ARC Future Fellow—both strong advocates and mentors for the Scholars, in addition to their supervisors. Julia Robertson, newly appointed Co-Chair of the Higher Degree Research Candidate Representative Consultant Committee (HDRCRCC)—a sub-committee of the Board of Graduate Research (BGR)—also plays a key role in championing inclusive research pathways and student representation. Together, their leadership and commitment to accessibility and inclusion have been instrumental in creating an environment where our scholars can thrive.
Last week, we celebrated this community at the Disability Scholars Day 2025: A Showcase of Excellence, held at Griffith University’s Logan campus and online. The hybrid event brought together students, supervisors, and researchers for a day of inspiration and connection.
Highlights included milestone presentations from Lisa Cox OAM, Aron Mercer, and Samantha Cronin (Early Career Research Milestones), and Ali Khan (Thesis Confirmation Research Milestone). Their presentations sparked lively discussion and showcased the breadth of disability-focused research being undertaken at Griffith—research that’s challenging assumptions and creating real-world impact. Events like this highlight the incredible progress and potential of our HDR scholars. They remind us that when we design for inclusion, we enable excellence.
Griffith University HDR Students with Disability (Clockwise from top left) - Daniel Clark; Pallav Pant together with his supervisors Dr Feb Dwirahmadi and Dr Monique Lewis; Lisa Cox; and Jim Hogan. We’re also excited to offer HDR Disability Scholarships for future students. These scholarships provide financial support, research allowances, and flexibility for candidates with a permanent disability who demonstrate exceptional research potential. Multiple scholarships will be available in 2026, with announcements coming at the end of the year. It’s one more way we’re ensuring talented researchers have the opportunity to thrive and lead change.
If you’re a person with disability interested in pursuing higher degree research, we’d love to hear from you. Join a growing network of passionate scholars who are shaping the future of inclusive research.
📩 Contact us: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
🌐 Follow us on LinkedIn, subscribe to our eNews or become a member of our Inclusive Futures community to stay updated on scholarship announcements, research highlights, codesign and citizen science opportunities and upcoming events. -
ASAPD Sport and Disability Forum - Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations
Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations - EOI Guidelines
Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability 2026 Conference
We invite expressions of interest for a 3 minute research presentation showcase at the Alliance forum in Sydney on Friday 20th March, 2026.
Selected presenters will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative, impactful, or emerging research that explores access, inclusion, participation, and equity in sport and active recreation for people with disabilities at this key industry forum.
Who Can Apply:Academic and practice-based researchers, including honours/masters/PhD students from diverse disciplines related to disability, sport, recreation, health, or community development
Presenters of all experience levels are welcome and we strongly encourage presenters with lived experience of disability to apply.
Presentation Format:Duration: 3 minutes
Visuals: One static slide (optional but encouraged)
Delivery: In-person
Focus: Clear, engaging summary of your research and implications for practice. Creative approaches are encouraged.
Example Topics: Community-led initiatives and storytelling in research; Barriers to and enablers of participation in sport and recreation; Inclusive program design methodologies; Gender, culture, sexuality, age and disability intersectionsYou can watch Megan Taylor presenting her research in a 3 Minute Thesis presentation here https://vimeo.com/749858975
Selection Criteria for 3-Minute Research PresentationsRelevance to Theme and Impact
The topic clearly aligns with the theme of Disability Sport and Active Recreation. It highlights actionable recommendations or future policy, practice, or community engagement.
Clarity of Research Focus
The EOI presents a clear and concise summary of the research or project. Objectives, methods, and key findings (or anticipated outcomes) are well-articulated.
Contribution to Knowledge or Practice
The presentation offers new insights, practical applications, or challenges existing assumptions.
Inclusivity and Representation
The research considers diverse perspectives, especially those of people with lived experience of disability. Intersectional factors (e.g., gender, culture, age) are acknowledged where relevant.
Key Dates:
EOI Deadline: Monday 10th November, 5pm 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 28th November 2025 Forum Presentation Date: Friday 20th March, 2026
How to Submit:
Email your EOI to Georgia Munro-Cook - g.munro-cook@griffith.edu.au and Katie Kelly - engagement@asapd.org
The selection panel for EoI submissions will be convened by Professor Simone Fullagar, Griffith University, Inclusive Futures research hub, with representatives from ASAPD and Griffith University.
Please include:
- Your name and affiliation
- Presentation title
- 100-word summary of your topic
- 100-word biography
- Contact details
For those selected, presenter profiles will be promoted before the forum and the registration cost of the forum will be waived.
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Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland
Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland (Final Report)
Project Aims
The Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DSDSATSIP) requested a high-level proposal to examine employment experiences of people with disability in Queensland.
The project aimed to identify insights unique to Queensland and provide evidence that could improve experiences of people with disability (both with and without NDIS funding) in relation to employment. Specifically, the project:
- Investigated employment experiences of people with disability in Queensland (formal, unpaid and supported);
- Explored the nature of financial security for Queenslanders with disability;
- Examined the drivers for satisfaction or dissatisfaction for those who have, or have previously had, employment and the challenges to success in employment; and
- Explored employment and work aspirations, including preferred career pathways, hours of work and locations.
This project was conducted in three phases:
- Phase 1: Literature review and statistical analysis;
- Phase 2: Project Co-development;
- Phase 3: Data collection and analysis by Citizen Scientists.
Visit the Project page on the Inclusive Futures Hub.
The Final Report contains the findings from the qualitative and quantitative data collection with citizen scientists, including strategies on how to improve meaningful employment for people with disability.
Summary of the findings
Meaningful employment for people with disability necessitates workplaces that foster growth, autonomy, flexibility, support, safety, and dignity. However, current practices often fall short of meeting these essential criteria, as highlighted in our study on disability employment in Queensland. Barriers to employment persist throughout individuals' lives, particularly for those with developmental disability or acquired disability later in life. These barriers encompass various stages of the employment process and require tailored interventions, including improved training and support during education, enhanced transition programs, and better accessibility in recruitment and workplace accommodations. Moreover, there's a pressing need to address misconceptions and stigma surrounding disability, foster inclusive workplaces, and provide education and resources for both employers and employees.Efforts to improve disability employment outcomes must prioritise meaningful work and acknowledge the diverse needs and abilities of individuals with disability. This involves empowering individuals through self-employment opportunities, promoting inclusive practices in the workforce, and advocating for policy changes to address financial disincentives and support mechanisms. Collaboration among stakeholders, including citizen scientists and diverse disability groups, is essential for developing comprehensive strategies that address systemic challenges and harness the strengths and contributions of people with disability in the workforce. Ultimately, a concerted effort to reshape attitudes, practices, and policies is vital to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for disability employment in Queensland and beyond.
The Final Report can be found on this link: https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/5090
Authors
Mowbray, Paula K
Kendall, Elizabeth
Chapman, Kelsey
Khan, Maria
Allen, Connie
Berridge, MarkPublished by
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith UniversityPlease contact Dr. Paula Mowbray for further information:
Phone: (07) 3735 4708
Email: p.mowbray@griffith.edu.auGriffith University Ethics Approval: 2022/894
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Unlocking Inclusive Futures Through Diverse Voices
Unlocking Inclusive Futures through Diverse Voices
Embrace the Power of Inclusivity
In a world striving for progress, true innovation comes from hearing and embracing diversity in all its forms.
We proudly present Inclusive Voices, a pioneering force driving forward inclusive thinking in community, in business and in government.
Our vibrant community of over 500 people with lived experience of disability, supported by decades of cutting-edge disability research, makes us the premier destination for corporations and governments seeking transformative disability-centric change.
Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian (CQU), Dwayne Fernandes, Dr Maretta Mann (Griffith University), and Timothy Lachlan address the audience at the Inclusivity In Play Pitch, 2022.Why Inclusive Voices?
The Numbers Don't Lie
With over 4 million Australians living with disability, representing 18% of our population, and even more people living with chronic disabling conditions, the potential for meaningful engagement and collaboration is vast.
Yet, the knowledge of people with disability remains vastly untapped by industry, offering us huge possibilities for creativity, and unparalleled insights waiting to be unlocked.
Our Unique Approach
We bring together a dynamic alliance:
People with Disability: Our thriving community of 500+ individuals, each with a unique journey and invaluable perspective on disability.
Researchers, Designers, and Educators: Experts who understand the transformative power of collaboration and empathy.
Industry and Government Bodies: Partners dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society through meaningful action.
What We Offer
Personalised Consultations: Gain invaluable insights through one-on-one sessions with people with lived experiences or immersive focus groups, where our community members offer first-hand perspectives and innovative solutions.
Captivating Keynotes and Workshops: Let our Inclusive Voices speaking bureau inspire and educate with their compelling stories, experiences of using your products and services, shedding light on the true essence of disability and its implications for your organisation.
Product and Service Enhancement and Testings: Collaborate with our experts to refine your offerings, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of all individuals and drive meaningful impact.
Research Collaborations: Dive into, or commission, ground-breaking studies conducted by our researchers, bridging theory and practice to shape a more inclusive future for all.
Inclusivity in Play Pitch, 2022 Top L to R: Kathleen O'Kelly-Kennedy and Dr Kerry Hall; Dwayne Fernandes an Sara Shams
Bottom L to R: Timothy Lachlan; Timothy Lachlan, Dr Maretta Mann, Dwayne Fernandes and Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian.Why Choose Inclusive Voices?
Unprecedented Access: We've streamlined the process, providing seamless access to our vibrant and unique community.
A Fresh Perspective: Shift your paradigm and see disability not as a limitation, but as a source of boundless creativity and resilience, inspiring innovative solutions.
Transformative Impact: By embracing inclusivity, you'll not only meet compliance standards but also unlock new avenues for innovation and growth, benefiting all of society.
A montage of images of Inclusive Futures events: From Left to Right - Madi de Rozario OAM and Daniel Clarke OAM at the Inclusivity In Play Pitch; Julia Robertson, Matt Levy OAM and Mark Berridge at the Inclusive Futures Book Club Author Talk; Audience at the Inclusivity in Play Pitch; Geoff Trappett; Geoff Trappett and Karin Swift at the Disability Reform Summit 2024.Join Us
As the leading force in Australian disability research, Griffith University is committed to and backs Inclusive Voices.
Visit Griffith Inclusive Futures to learn more about ground-breaking disability research. Join us on a journey where inclusion isn't just a buzzword—it's a way of life.
Together, let's build a future where everyone thrives by harnessing the power of each person’s unique abilities.
Unlock Inclusive Futures. Transform Lives.
Contact Us
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
Email: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au
Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability
Inclusive Futures Hub: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au
Follow Us
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/gu_incl_futures
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdzCWo_9R8XHDadRRVPnkw
Become an Inclusive Futures Member
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Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) established in 2023!
The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) is a cross-institutional alliance uniting disability researchers from Queensland universities and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration for disability research in Queensland.
The QDRN will partner with statewide peak disability organisations, government, industry, and community in projects focused on inclusive research with quality co-design at every stage of the research process.
QDRN members are committed to the long-term goal of improving the lives, social and economic participation of people with disability, by working together in sustainable, collaborative research partnerships.
QDRN Researcher Spotlight: Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Research Fellow
Dr Talitha Kingsmill is a Non-Executive Director, consultant, educator and solicitor with 25 years’ experience across the private, public and NFP sectors in law, education, educational leadership, research, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and policy development.Talitha is a Research Fellow in the Inclusive Futures Team at Griffith University and is the Queensland Disability Research Network Lead.
"For me, IDPwD represents a day for global reflection and informed action on achieving authentic inclusion. It’s an opportunity to amplify possibilities – to reimagine accessible, inclusive, co-designed communities. The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) is committed to the long-term goal of improving the lives, social and economic participation of people with disability, by working together in sustainable, collaborative research partnerships. The QDRN is an impactful way to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals for inclusive, quality, sustainable education, employment and communities for all people. "
Dr Kingsmill is working with Prof. Elizabeth Kendall to establish and develop the Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN).
For more information or to see how you or your organisation can become involved, email qdrn@griffith.edu.au or t.kingsmill@griffith.edu.au
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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 1)
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.
Dr Paula Mowbray, Senior Lecturer and ResearcherResearcher Spotlight: Dr Paula Mowbray
Dr Paula Mowbray is a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources at Griffith University. Paula’s research focuses on human resource management and the HR practices and leader behaviours that contribute to high performance cultures, employee engagement and inclusive environments that foster employee participation and involvement.
Paula has been involved in research and consultancy projects concerning employee voice and participation within high performance organisations; employee engagement; organisational culture; leadership development; executive performance management; and company values and behaviours' frameworks. Previously, Paula was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing.
Paula holds a PhD in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of International Business (Hons) from Griffith University. Prior to her academic career, Paula worked across a diverse range of organisations including the public sector, multinationals, management consulting, and small businesses. Paula has experience across a broad range of industries including energy, transport, agribusiness, food and beverage, manufacturing, education, aged care and online business.
“IDPwD is an important day to highlight the unique issues that PwD face on a daily basis within the workplace. For many PwD, finding and sustaining meaningful employment is a challenge due to the many barriers they face. Yet, meaningful employment and work without discrimination and stigma should be the experience of everyone, regardless of disability. My research on meaningful employment for people with disability in Queensland identifies ways we can promote decent work and economic growth, while ensuring we reduce inequalities for PwD. In doing so, it addresses several SDGs and ensures we can create more meaningful and inclusive work experiences for PwD.”
Meaningful Employment for Queenslanders with Disability
In 2023, we conducted a research project for the Queensland Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. This research aimed to understand the experience of employment, the barriers and success factors that can support Queenslanders with disability to work, and the way in which we can generate meaningful pathways to success and leadership.
Meaningful employment is a fundamental aspect of life for most people, but particularly for people with disability, as it can be a source of confidence, sense of purpose, and self-worth. Employment enables people to feel productive, fulfilled, and valued members of society, and provides a foundation for self-development and financial independence.
As a result of our research, we were able to identify strategies that could reduce the barriers to meaningful employment and practices that could enhance the employment experience of people with disability in Queensland.
This research contributes to SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic Growth) by promoting inclusive and accessible work environments that ensure decent work opportunities for individuals with disabilities, with ways to improve workplace policies and foster equal opportunities, ultimately fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
We also contributed to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by highlighting the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities and providing strategies to reduce inequalities in the workplace.
The report can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/5090
For more information, contact Dr Paula Mowbray: p.mowbray@griffith.edu.au
Griffith University PhD Candidate and Researcher Emily LuResearcher Spotlight: Emily Lu, PhD Candidate and Researcher
"International Day of People with Disability is a time to celebrate what people with disability have accomplished with respect to employment and career development; It is also a time to listen to people with disability about what we as researchers can do to empower their ability to thrive at work.
“My research explores the conditions which empower the ability of people with disability to thrive in the tourism and hospitality workforce. Through participatory action research in which workers with disability conduct research with me in an inclusive manner, an exhibition will be designed and hosted with workers with disability to create awareness of the unique capabilities and strengths of them to a wider audience and inform policymakers and relevant stakeholders to consider what people with disability can do in tourism and hospitality workforce and provide a more inclusive and supportive organisational environment for workers with disability.”
The Inclusive Voyage: Empowering People with Disabilities to Thrive in the Tourism and Hospitality Workforce
People with disability account for 1.3 billion individuals, representing 1 in 6 of the global population. With such a significant number worldwide, people with disability tend to experience higher levels of unemployment compared to people without disability. As such, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG 8.5 promotes full labour participation of people with disability on an equal basis with others, highlighting their rights for the opportunities to achieve decent work.
Following this recognition, the tourism and hospitality sectors are embracing the untapped human resource group of people with disability to promote sustainable tourism, and to address the long-term labour shortage challenges which have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, existing studies in tourism and hospitality have predominantly focused on stigma and discrimination of people with disability’s employment from employers’ perspectives, however the research which explicitly articulates the unique strengths and capabilities of people with disability is notably absent from existing discourses.
In response to the identified research gaps, this PhD research underpinned by the social model of disability, focuses on unearthing the invaluable traits and conditions which enable people with disability to thrive in the workforce, if social barriers are minimised. Specifically, this research will explore the meaning of thriving, from the perspective of workers with disability in the tourism and hospitality sectors by participatory action research.
Please email Emily Lu at emily.lu2@griffithuni.edu.au if you would like to participate in, or know more about the research project.