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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 -
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 -
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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Disability Action Week: Sleep and Spinal Cord Injury: What You Need to Know
Good sleep is vital for health and wellbeing—yet research shows that two in three people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) experience poor sleep, and most haven’t sought support.
As part of Disability Action Week, we’re highlighting important work led by Dr Emily Bray and her team at The Hopkins Centre, who have partnered with clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience to explore this issue and bridge the information gap.
Together, they’ve co-developed new, evidence-based resources to help people with SCI better understand sleep changes and find strategies that work for them.
View the graphics below to learn more about this important research and how it supports the SCI community.
We would like to thank our partners Spinal Life Australia, Institute for Breathing and Sleep and the Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service (QSCIS) for their support.
Contact Dr Emily Bray for more information:
https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/people-view/emily-bray-177Visit our website to find out more: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/seed-project-sleep-disturbances-following-spinal-163
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Help Make National Parks Accessible
Your voice can help shape more inclusive and accessible parks across Australia.
Did you know that while 1 in 5 Australians live with disability, fewer than 1 in 10 visit national parks?
Public green spaces should be for everyone - But accessibility barriers often make them out of reach.
Dr Michael Norwood and his team are conducting vital research to understand these challenges and improve access to nature for all Australians.
If you have a disability or support someone who does, your experience could help make Australia's national parks and green space more accessible for everyone.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Take part in our National Park and Greenspace Accessibility Survey to share your experiences and ideas for change.
Participation will involve completing an online survey which will explore if you visited a national park as someone with a disability, as a support person or significant other of someone with a disability.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to take part: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/national-parks-study
Ethics approval number: Griffith University ref no: 2025/033
MORE INFORMATION
Dr Michael Norwood
BEEHive Research Team
hopkinscentre@griffith.edu.au
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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 -
Financial Toxicity and Quality of Life
May marks Brain Cancer Awareness Month—a time to spotlight not only the medical but also the financial and emotional toll of brain tumours. New honours research by Jasmine Luttrell reveals that over half of brain tumour survivors report significant financial hardship, which is closely linked to increased anxiety and reduced quality of life.
This study, led by Prof. Tamara Ownsworth was a NHMRC funded collaboration between Griffith University, Metro South Health (Radiation Oncology) and the Cancer Council Queensland.
Find out more:
https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/brain-cancer-financial-toxicity-and-quality-of-503
Read the full paper in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-025-01814-4
Citation
Luttrell, J., Lion, K., Pinkham, M. B., Collins, L. G., Ownsworth, T. The impact of financial toxicity on quality of life for survivors of primary brain tumour. Journal of Cancer Survivorship (2025).
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See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me.
Have your say – help shape better healthcare for people with disability in Queensland.
Griffith University researchers want to hear from people with disability and their supporters about healthcare experiences – what’s improved and what still needs to change.
This work is part of an evaluation of the "See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me." campaign — a Queensland Health initiative co-designed with people with disability to help health professionals and the community better understand, respect, and include people with disability.
You can take the survey even if you haven’t heard of the campaign.
🕒 It takes about 15–20 minutes
♿ Accessible formats are available
🎁 Go in the draw to win 1 of 3 $50 gift vouchersWho can do the survey?
People aged 18+
Living in Queensland
A person with disability, or a carer/family member/significant other of a person with disability📣 Your voice matters!
Your feedback will help improve healthcare and create more respectful, inclusive services across Queensland.
👉 Share your experience or learn more about the survey: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/evaluation?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Inclusive-Futures-April-Monthly-Roundup&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq
📩 More information:Dr Kelsey Chapman
Research Fellow
Griffith University
dignityproject@griffith.edu.auThis project is proudly supported by Queenslanders with Disability Network and the Queensland Government.
Let’s make sure everyone feels seen, heard and respected in healthcare.
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Moving Beyond Awareness: A Strengths-Based Approach to Autism Support
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the diversity and contributions of Australia’s autistic community. With over 290,900 autistic individuals across the country, the conversation is evolving—moving beyond awareness toward understanding, inclusion, and meaningful action.
On 2 April, World Autism Understanding Day (#WAUD2025), we are reminded that true inclusion starts with how we see, support, and empower autistic individuals. A growing body of research is challenging traditional models of autism assessment and support, advocating for a strengths-based approach.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
The National Autism Strategy (2025-2031)As Australia prepares to implement the National Autism Strategy (2025-2031), integrating research-backed, person-centered approaches like this framework is crucial. By shifting towards strengths-based assessments, we can create a more inclusive society—one where autistic individuals are supported to live the lives they choose.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Learn & Share – Amplify research that promotes strengths-based, individualised support.
Listen to Autistic Voices – Inclusion starts with understanding lived experience.
Advocate for Change – Support workplaces, schools, and communities in adopting strengths-based approaches.
Autism Awareness Month is about more than recognition—it’s about real change. By embracing research-driven, strengths-based approaches, we can build a future where every autistic person is valued and empowered.
👉 Please share this research to help shift the conversation beyond awareness to action!
MORE INFORMATION:
The Hopkins Centre
hopkinscentre@griffith.edu.au