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

What does it take to support people with complex needs — and what do support workers need to do their jobs well?

These were the big questions explored at a roundtable held on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Ship Inn, Southbank, Brisbane, led by Prof. Barbara Pini, A/Prof. Margaret Gibson and Dr. Clarissa Carden from Griffith University’s School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science.

The event, which was a first of this kind, brought together disability support workers, researchers and sector representatives to discuss how to strengthen training, safety and workplace support.

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability joined the discussion, represented by Prof. Elizabeth Kendall and Dr. Talitha Kingsmill, contributing to the shared goal of improving outcomes for workers and the people they support.

Participants tackled challenging topics such as gaps in training, the role of technology in disability services, and the future of the disability workforce.

A discussion paper will be shared mid-November for ongoing feedback and reflections.

More information:
A/Prof. Margaret Gibson
margaret.gibson@griffith.edu.au

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.

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 20^th 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 intersections

You can watch Megan Taylor presenting her research in a 3 Minute Thesis presentation here https://vimeo.com/749858975

Selection Criteria for 3-Minute Research Presentations

Relevance 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 10^th November, 5pm 2025

Notification of Acceptance: 28^th 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.

Led by Griffith University, the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2025 is the third consecutive annual report driven by citizen scientists with lived experience of disability. Delivered in partnership with Queenslanders with Disability Network and commissioned by the Queensland Government, it is the only Australian initiative collecting census data which measures the day-to-day living experience of residents with disability.

Why this matters:
This report captures authentic lived experiences across Queensland's disability community, gathering insights from people with disability, their families, carers, and support organisations. Through these voices, we gain a critical understanding of experiences across housing, health, community support, and other essential areas of life.

Key Highlights:
✅ Over 700 participants in 2025 - bringing our 3-year total to more than 1,700 voices
✅ Strong participation from First Nations people with disability, enriching our understanding
✅ Data spans all seven outcome areas of Queensland's Disability Plan 2022-2027
✅ Provides year-over-year insights to track progress and identify challenges
✅ Recognises the diversity of disability experiences across our state
✅ Supported by dedicated citizen scientists who help drive this important research

Lead Author, Dr Kelsey Chapman, uses a snapshot approach each year to identify patterns and changes over time while acknowledging that there is no single 'voice of disability' in Queensland.

Who participated at a glance:

Access the full report:
Download the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability: Final Report 2025 HERE
Download the accessible Voice of Queenslanders with Disability: Final Report 2025 HERE

Thank you to every Queenslander who participated and shared their story. Your voices drive meaningful change and help build a more inclusive Queensland for everyone.

We would also like to acknowledge the ten citizen scientists with lived experience of disability who worked with us on this research. Thank you for sharing honestly and authentically about your experiences and for encouraging others in the community to do the same.

Visit People with Disability Survey: The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability | Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability to register your interest for the 2026 survey, receive future updates, and learn more about how you can get involved as a citizen scientist.

Read more: Report reveals how life has changed for Queenslanders with Disability - Griffith News

We’re excited to announce the formation of the Australian Disability Research Alliance (ADRA)—a new national collaboration uniting leading disability research centres across Australian universities.

Established in 2025, ADRA aims to build a connected, collaborative research sector that prioritises disability research and universal design across all fields. The Alliance is grounded in human rights, disability justice, and the leadership of people with lived experience.

Founding members include Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, alongside research centres from UTS, Monash, Flinders, Sydney, and Curtin universities. Together, they will drive inclusive innovation, support early career researchers, and advocate for disability research to be embedded in national and global agendas.

The ADRA Steering Committee, made up of representatives from each founding institution, will guide the Alliance’s strategic direction and collaborative efforts.

For more information or to get involved, contact Dr Maretta Mann at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au or visit our web page: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/the-australian-disability-research-alliance-adra

We are delighted to welcome Dr Johnny Choi to the School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work as a Lecturer in Social Work.

Dr Choi brings a strong blend of academic expertise and practice experience in disability, psychosocial disability, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). His PhD at The University of Queensland explored the recovery journeys of NDIS participants living with psychosocial disability, using narrative inquiry and co-designed research to highlight lived experiences and pathways to wellbeing.

Before joining academia, Dr Choi worked for over five years as an NDIS Support Coordinator and psychosocial recovery coach, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support individuals with complex needs. This experience informs his research and underscores his commitment to making disability systems more equitable, inclusive, and responsive.

Passionate about bridging research, policy, and practice, Dr Choi is eager to contribute to Griffith’s multidisciplinary research strengths and the advancement of disability practice and policy in Australia.

Please join us in welcoming Dr Johnny Choi to Griffith University!

Biography: Dr Johnny Choi is a Lecturer in Social Work whose research and teaching focus on disability, psychosocial disability, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

His PhD study explored the lived experiences of persons with psychosocial disability through narrative inquiry and co-designed research, with a particular interest in recovery and wellbeing across personal, relational, and socio-structural contexts.

Before joining academia, Dr Choi worked for over five years as a NDIS Support Coordinator and psychosocial recovery coach, supporting individuals with complex needs to navigate disability systems.

This practice experience has informed his research and underpins his commitment to improving the responsiveness, equity, and inclusivity of the NDIS system.

He is passionate about bridging research, policy, and practice to ensure disability systems better serve individuals and their families.

We are proud to share that our team, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University, has been awarded the 2025 Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) Staff Excellence Award for Engagement.

This recognition highlights our team’s commitment to meaningful engagement with communities, researchers, and partners in reimagining futures that are inclusive of people with disability.

🏆 Congratulations to our incredible team members: Professor Elizabeth Kendall, Dr Maretta Mann, Dr Kelsey Chapman, Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Dr Georgia Munro-Cook, Rebekah Barker, Joe-Anne Kek-Pamenter, Matt McShane, and Joyce Yi.

A huge thank you to our colleagues who nominated us and to Professor Analise O’Donovan, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health), and the wider Griffith University Health Group for recognising the importance of collaboration, equity, and inclusion in research and engagement.

We also extend congratulations to all the other award recipients and nominees who were celebrated at the ceremony on the Gold Coast campus.

💡 Together, we continue to champion inclusive research and practice that makes a difference.

#InclusiveFutures #DisabilityResearch #GriffithUniversity #StaffExcellence

Ken Brandt, author of 'Positive Vision'.

It was a delight to host Ken Brandt, author of Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventure and Advantages of Poor Eyesight, at our recent Inclusive Futures Book Club event.

Ken opened with a powerful reflection on how medical advances at the time of his premature birth allowed him to retain some vision—an outcome shaped by the evolving understanding of oxygen therapy in newborns.

Ken’s story is one of courage, humour, and a zest for life. He shared how his mother’s unwavering support instilled in him an attitude to give anything a go, encouraging him to pursue adventure while being kind to himself when things didn’t go as planned. From learning to parachute to navigating life with low vision, Ken offered a refreshing perspective on how disability can shape, but not limit, one’s experiences.

Attendees were clearly engaged, asking thoughtful questions about community perceptions of disability. Ken responded with insight and warmth, furthering our collective understanding of how embracing diversity leads to a more inclusive world.

Ken’s book Positive Vision is available in hard copy, electronic, and audio formats at many online and physical bookstores. He is also available for public speaking engagements. For more information, visit www.kenbrandt.com.

A heartfelt thank you to Ken for sharing his story and helping us continue the conversation around disability, inclusion, and positive living.

Read more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/inclusive-futures-book-club-ken-brandt-author-of-positive-vision

View on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XWfJiHEZFTw?si=fYJWO5Ej9O45n-ca

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to join a lively and inspiring conversation with Ken Brandt, author of Positive Vision, hosted by Dr Maretta Mann.

Ken Brandt has lived a life full of adventure, humour, and resilience. Despite being legally blind for much of his life, Ken has galloped across Montana, chased thieves in New York, and even skydived, all while embracing the quirks and advantages of poor eyesight. His memoir is a celebration of optimism, filled with real-life stories, corny jokes, and uplifting insights that challenge conventional views on disability.

Ken’s professional journey spans decades in IT and cybersecurity across four continents, and he now resides in Melbourne with his wife Judy. He’s also an amateur jazz trumpeter and a passionate advocate for eye health, donating a portion of his book royalties to eye research and blindness prevention.

Join us for this engaging author talk as Ken shares his unique perspective on disability, vision, and the power of positivity.

This event was held on:

Tuesday 12^th August 2025, 12:00pm – 1:00pm AEST

Online via Microsoft Teams

View the Recording on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/XWfJiHEZFTw