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).

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 vouchers

Who 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.au

This 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.

Help Amplify the Voices of Queenslanders with Disability

We are excited to announce that the Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Survey 2025 is now live! This vital research, led by The Dignity Project at Griffith University, provides an opportunity for Queenslanders with disability, their families, carers, and organisations to share their experiences, helping to shape a more inclusive and accessible future.

We are proud to collaborate with Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services, and Child Safety to ensure that lived experiences are heard and inform future policies and programs.

We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting this survey through your networks. You can help by:

• Taking the survey: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/hub-page/vqd
• Sharing the survey via email, newsletters, or your social media channels
• Sharing our social media: https://shorturl.at/0oFD6
• Forwarding this information to any citizen researchers, colleagues, or community members who may be interested
• Encouraging participation in alternate formats or through phone/virtual interviews

Survey closes: Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Accessible and alternate formats are available to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.

We appreciate your help in spreading the word so we can reach as many voices as possible. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive Queensland.

For more information, please contact us at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au.

Thank you for your support!

Dr Kelsey Chapman
Research Fellow
The Dignity Project
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

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

Dr. Marita Heck, Adjunct Research Fellow, The Hopkins Centre

Discover groundbreaking insights into how individuals with disability navigate intimate relationships in Dr. Marita Heck's latest study. As an Adjunct Research Fellow at The Hopkins Centre, Dr. Heck combines her extensive experience as a nurse, midwife, and Sexual Quality of Life Support Clinician to shed light on this important topic. She is also the author of Secret Forces, a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of life after a spinal cord injury.

Read:https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/rep0000573

For more resources and support on sexual well-being for people with disability, visit the Sex Positive Community at https://www.sexpositivecommunity.com.

Join the conversation and help break down barriers surrounding love and disability. Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Citation:
Ireland, B., Pebdani, R. N., Heck, M., Mudholkar, A., & Verdonck, M. (2024). Sex-positive sexuality post- spinal cord injury: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis. Rehabilitation Psychology. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/rep0000573

More information:

Dr Marita Heck Phd, MMid (RM), BNS (RN)
Adjunt Research Fellow
The Hopkins Centre
Griffith University

marita.heck@griffith.edu.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marita-heck-phd-591957310/

📚 Authors: Dr Kelsey Chapman, Dr Connie Allen, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD
📅 Published: 9 February 2025
📖 Journal: Journal of Health Communication
🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2025.2462679

How can we make health communication truly inclusive? A recent scoping review by Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability researchers explores the power of co-designing health initiatives with people with disability—not just for them.

Key Insights:

Inclusive Participation: Engaging people with disabilities from the outset ensures their voices shape accessible, effective health communications.

Diverse Methods: From workshops and focus groups to participatory action research, different co-design approaches foster genuine collaboration.

Enhanced Outcomes: Inclusive approaches improve the quality of health information, empower participants, and build trust in health initiatives.

This research reinforces that co-design isn’t just best practice—it’s essential. When health communication is built with the community, it becomes more impactful, equitable, and transformative.

More Information:

Dr Kelsey Chapman
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
Griffith University
k.chapman@griffith.edu.au

Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM GAICD
e.kendall@griffith.edu.au

Can social media help make workplaces more inclusive for neurodivergent employees?

A new study by the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW) at Griffith University, explores how social media can help create workplaces where everyone's unique way of thinking is valued. The researchers, Dr Maria Khan, Dr Carys W Chan, Dr Hongmin (Jess) Yan and Dr Sudong Shang, present a new framework that clarifies how technology could make a real difference for neurodivergent employees.

The study explores how digital communication tools can empower neurodivergent employees (NDEs) by providing:

• Psychological safety – A space where employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
• Accessible communication – Social media allows for asynchronous interactions, reducing the pressure of real-time conversations.
• Representation and visibility – NDEs can share their experiences, connect with peers, and advocate for workplace changes.
• Empowered participation – Digital platforms offer new ways to engage in decision-making and collaboration.

However, challenges remain—privacy concerns, inconsistent support, and workplace barriers still exist. Organisations must take intentional steps to leverage technology effectively, foster inclusive leadership, and understand the specific needs of neurodivergent employees.

When inclusion is done right, everyone benefits. 🌍✨

Read more: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hrm.22290

More information:
Dr Maria Khan, Research Fellow
Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW)
Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
Griffith University

maria.khan@griffith.edu.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-a-khan/

Citation:
Khan, M., Wen Chan, X., Yan, H., & Shang, S. (2025). Tech-Enabled Inclusion: Leveraging Social Media to Empower Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace. Human Resource Management, https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22290

Lisa Cox, a dedicated advocate for disability inclusion and a member of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division. This prestigious recognition honours her outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people with disability and advancing societal understanding of inclusion.

A Journey of Advocacy and Resilience

Lisa’s journey as an advocate began after experiencing a severe stroke in her early 20s, which led to multiple complications, including amputations and an acquired brain injury. These life-altering events became the foundation for her mission to challenge stereotypes about disability and promote awareness of the realities faced by people with disability.

Through her work, Lisa has tirelessly campaigned for better representation of disability in media and advertising, accessibility improvements, and the breakdown of societal barriers. Her efforts aim to shift perceptions and create systemic change to ensure that individuals with disability are valued and included in all aspects of life.

Championing Inclusion at Griffith University

Since joining Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures Engagement Council in 2021, Lisa has played a pivotal role in advancing accessibility across the university. Her contributions include improving physical access, enhancing digital inclusivity, and fostering equitable learning environments for students with disability. Lisa’s involvement exemplifies the council’s mission of working alongside individuals with disability, researchers, industry leaders, and health practitioners to create a more inclusive society.

Driving Change in Media and Advertising

A trailblazer in inclusive media, Lisa is also a model and advocate for authentic representation of people with disability. Her work on the Media Diversity Australia Disability Reporting Handbook has set a new benchmark for respectful and accurate reporting, equipping media professionals with the tools to tell stories that reflect the diversity of our society.

Researching Disability Representation

Lisa’s dedication to disability advocacy extends to her academic pursuits. She is currently undertaking a PhD with Griffith University, exploring the topic: "Visibility of Disability: Exploring how the representation of disability in advertising impacts employment outcomes for people with disability." Supervised by Dr. Monique Lewis, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall AM and Dr. Marita Heck, her research seeks to uncover the influence of media portrayals on employment opportunities and societal perceptions.

TEDx Speaker and Thought Leader

As a TEDx speaker, Lisa has shared her insights and experiences on global platforms, inspiring audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about disability and inclusion. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences highlights her impact as a thought leader and changemaker.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Lisa’s OAM is a testament to her unwavering commitment to reimagining disability and promoting inclusion in every space she touches. This award not only celebrates her tireless advocacy but also underscores the importance of her work in creating a more inclusive future for all.

Congratulations to Lisa Cox OAM on this remarkable achievement. Her efforts continue to pave the way for a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and be represented authentically.

Read more in the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/01/25/australia-day-honours-awarded/

Find out more on Lisa’s website: https://lisacox.co

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

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

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

2025 QDRN Advisory Group

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

2025 QDRN Sector Stakeholder Committee

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

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

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

Stay tuned for updates on our work throughout the year!

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

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

WITH GRATITUDE

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your invaluable contributions to our research and for your collaboration throughout the year. Your advice and guidance in championing creative and innovative approaches, led by people with disability, have been truly impactful. We eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership in 2025.

OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE

Wishing you a joyful and safe New Year! Please note our offices will be closed from Monday, 21 December, to Friday, 3 January. Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability will return in 2025 with more inclusive events, groundbreaking research, and meaningful opportunities for co-design and co-creation. Thank you for your steadfast support throughout 2024.

Stay connected by catching up on our latest updates: Inclusive Futures News.