Latest News

New Publication Alert:

The Conversation: Travellers with disability often face discrimination. What should change and how to complain?

Authors: Kelsey Chapman, Professor Elizabeth Kendall and Lisa Stafford

Published: 24 January 2024

Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes AM settled a dispute with Adelaide Airport over denied access to a body scanner with his assistance dog. His experience reflects challenges faced by Australia's 4.4 million people with disability in air travel.

The Australian Human Rights Commission received over 100 disability discrimination complaints against airlines from 2016-2022, revealing systemic ableism. Freedom of movement, a UN right, is denied through discriminatory practices, damaged mobility equipment, and offensive situations. Urgent reform is needed, with recommendations for specific air travel standards and independent oversight.

Collaboration between governments and the aviation industry can ensure inclusive air travel, aligning with equity principles and promoting diversity. Complaints and legal support are available avenues, but proactive measures like the Disability Rights Act are crucial for lasting change. Everyone deserves dignified and autonomous travel experiences.

Read ‘The Conversation’ article in full on the link below:

https://theconversation.com/travellers-with-disability-often-face-discrimination-what-should-change-and-how-to-complain-221740

Visit our Inclusive Futures Hub:
https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au

Contact:
Kelsey Chapman

k.chapman@griffith.edu.au

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to attend our Author Talk event on disability and resilience, with esteemed guest Matt Levy OAM PLY, Australian paralympian and author of Going the Distance.

In 1987, Matt Levy was born prematurely at 25 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairment and has undergone 40-50 surgeries on vital organs. Matt’s determination and resilience led him to a career in swimming, where he proudly clinched gold for Australia at the Paralympic Games.

Representing his nation at five consecutive Paralympic Games, Matt has won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals. His dominance extends further, having graced the pools at five World Swimming Championships, securing 20 international medals and holding 4 World Records.

Matt’s contributions to sport were honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2014 for ‘service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. In 2015 Matt was named Athlete of the Year with a Disability at the New South Wales Sports Awards and in 2018 he was named Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year. In November 2021, he received a New South Wales Institute of Sport Academic Excellence Award and was named the 2021 Sport NSW Athlete of the Year with a Disability.

Since retiring from the pool, Matt has authored 3 books, including: ‘Keeping your head above water’ (2020), ‘Brandon Dreams Big: 7 easy steps to get where you want’ (2021), and ‘Going the distance: Identify and create your own lane to success’ (2023). More recently, Matt has turned his hand to philanthropy and supporting young people with disability to achieve their own dreams and goals through education, including becoming a patron of the Griffith University Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 27 February 2024

Time: 11.20am – 12.30pm

Venue: N53, -1.22 Nathan Campus, Griffith University

Map: https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/244976/nathan-campus-map.pdf

Accessibility: This event will be accessible including being held in an accessible space, complete with accessible parking (limited), live captioning, Auslan Interpreting, and with a PowerPoint which can be shared ahead of the presentation. A transcript will be available after the event. Please note any accessibility or dietary requirements on your registration.

RSVP:
Please confirm your attendance before Thursday, 22 February 2024.

Click on this link to register your interest or use the QR Code below.

Contact us:

inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

With a rich history spanning over two decades in the sports industry, Tribal Sport exemplifies a steadfast dedication to crafting team wear tailored to the distinctive needs of athletes with disability. Central to their ethos are principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainable practices.

In partnership with Michael Dobbie-Bridges, a distinguished Para Sport Ambassador and member of the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council – Tribal Sport takes immense pride in unveiling a series of initiatives meticulously crafted to empower athletes with disability and advance the cause of inclusive sports.

Paralympian Michael Dobbie-Bridges together with David Lake

Their commitment to embodying inclusivity permeates every facet of their operations, underscoring the profound importance of creating environments that prioritise accessibility and inclusiveness within the realm of sport.

At the heart of Tribal Sport's mission lies the unwavering commitment to designing team wear across all sports, with a particular emphasis on addressing the specific needs of the disability community. They recognise and appreciate the significance of apparel tailored to the unique requirements of athletes with disability.

To ensure designs not only meet, but exceed the genuine needs of these athletes, Tribal Sport is resolutely committed to a sincere consultation and co-design process in collaboration with the disability community. This synergistic approach guarantees the creation of apparel that transcends mere functionality and comfort, aiming to empower the athletes who proudly wear Tribal Sport designs.

Visit the Tribal Sport website to find out more:

https://tribalsport.com.au

Contact:

Tribal Sport, 45 Clarence Street, Cooparoo Queensland
Phone: 1300 880 666
Email: mytribe@tribalsport.com.au

WITH THANKS

Our sincere thanks for your contribution to our research and your collaboration during the year.

We appreciate your advice and guidance in seeking creative and innovative ways of working, driven by people with disability.

We look forward to benefiting from your partnership again in 2024.

OFFICE CLOSURE

We wish you a safe and happy new year. Our offices will be closed from 23 December to 7 January.

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability will be back in 2024 with exciting events, research, co-design and co-creation opportunities.

We thank you for your support in 2023.

On Wednesday, 29 November Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, together with Enabled.vip hosted Janine Shepherd AM, Australian Author, Keynote Speaker and Resiliency Coach to present the ‘Bounce Forward: Strategies for Cultivating Resilience’ seminar at Griffith University, Nathan Campus.

In this inspiring and educational keynote, Janine Shepherd shared her personal story about tragedy and resilience, as well as insights form her study of neuroscience, neuroplasticity and positive psychology. Her message of hope reaffirms that people can recover, learn and grow after seemingly insurmountable setbacks.

Janine is an internationally renowned speaker and former champion skier whose TED talk, “A Broken Body Isn’t a Broken Person”, has over 1.7 million views. After a bike accident ended her skiing career, Shepherd faced a daunting recovery and an uncertain future. She went on to become a commercial pilot and aerobatics flight instructor, earn a university degree and author six best-selling books. She is currently undertaking a PhD in resilience and disability at Griffith University.

If you missed out on attending this fantastic session, you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/S1G3NkUHT1c?si=QWPCafDFSxbVwxU6

Visit Janine’s website: https://janineshepherd.com

Find out more about Enabled.vip: https://enabled.vip

FURTHER READING: Disability Action Week. Access Ignites: It’s Good Business

https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/disability-action-week-access-ignites-its-good-431

In the mosaic of accomplished alumni from Griffith University, Karin Swift (M Human Services ’99) emerges as a quiet force in the disability, advocacy, and social policy sectors. Since graduating from Griffith, she has woven an impactful career, leaving a positive imprint on the field of disability rights.

Karin currently serves as the President of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA), a human rights organisation focused on the concerns of women with disability. Her journey, however, extends beyond this role, involving various governance positions for non-government organisations. Recently elected to the Board of the Community Resource Unit, Karin contributes to fostering positive change for people with disability.

A pivotal point in Karin's career was her representation of the Australian Government and WWDA at the Commission on the Status of Women 57 (CSW 57) at the United Nations in New York. There, she offered strategic advice on women with disability and violence, showcasing her expertise on the international stage. Karin's commitment to breaking barriers is evident in her leadership role at WWDA, where she has conducted training sessions in Indonesia and South Korea on gender and disability, contributing to the global conversation on eliminating violence.

Karin has held influential positions at Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), providing strategic high-level advice and facilitating member engagement on various disability issues and social policies. Her contributions were vast, across many portfolios including human rights, gender issues, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Disability Royal Commission, housing, transport, welfare reform, and employment.

This year, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability at Griffith University proudly appointed Karin as an Industry Fellow, recognising her valuable experience in the field. In addition to this significant achievement, Karin has recently accomplished the ‘Citizen Researcher Essentials: A Short Course’ micro-credential.

Operating as an independent contractor working mostly from home, Karin redefined her career path in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and her own health issues. This adjustment allows her to select projects that genuinely interest her and contribute to the disability space without feeling the pressure of the 9-5 grind.

Karin's typical week now is as diverse as her career, reflecting her commitment to various initiatives. From contributing to university research on the lives of people with disability to participating in Disability Action Week events, Karin's schedule is a testament to her passion for fostering positive change. This fortnight, she is actively engaged in a website co-design group meeting, supporting residents of Level 3 Supported Accommodation facilities, attending peer leader meetings at QDN, contributing to a Queensland Government project, participating in QDN's LGBTIQA+ peer group, and chairing WWDA's AGM during this AGM season.

In a world where change is often gradual, Karin Swift's story serves as a reminder that every small victory, every voice raised, contributes to a larger narrative of progress. As a proud graduate of Griffith University, Karin continues to inspire and lead, demonstrating that education is not just a means to an end but a catalyst for transformative change. Her flexible and purpose-driven approach to work serves as a positive example for others navigating the evolving landscape of the professional world and a reminder to employers of the benefits of an inclusive work culture and environment.

Find out more about the Citizen Researcher Essentials Course by emailing: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

Transforming Lives through Co-Design: Griffith University's Inclusive Futures initiative brings together a diverse alliance of designers, engineers, occupational therapists, and individuals with disability. The success of the Disability Design Café pilot project has led to the integration of its co-design blueprint into a course for design students. Our collaborative designs will soon be accessible to the public, promoting inclusivity and innovation. Join us in reimagining disability design and breaking barriers.

Read the story in full on the Griffith News: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2023/11/28/griffith-design-cafe-is-revolutionising-access-through-co-design/

Visit the Design Hub: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/hub-page/design-hub

Find out more or get involved, by emailing Matt McShane: m.mcshane@griffith.edu.au

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

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 Researcher

Researcher 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 Lu

Researcher 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.

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.

Gold Coast Titans LeagueAbility participants and A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou (inset)

Researcher Spotlight: A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou, Associate Professor of Sport Management (SFHEA)

Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou is a distinguished international expert in the field of “Managing High Performance Sport” and is a true pioneer in “Sports Education”.

To Popi, the “International Day of People with Disability represents a moment to celebrate achievements, raise awareness, advocate for change, and reinforce the commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society.”

“My research provides evidence that informs the development of policies and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the rights and well-being of people with disability. This relates to accessibility, employment, education, and healthcare. Also, it contributes to the development of accessible technologies, infrastructure, and environments through the promotion of universal design principles. This enhances accessibility and usability for individuals with diverse abilities.”

LeagueAbility: Transforming Lives, Breaking Barriers, and Building Inclusive Futures in Disability Rugby

"LeagueAbility" is a pioneering initiative led by the Gold Coast Titans, providing a unique platform for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to engage in Physical Disability Rugby League. Launched in 2018, the program aims to break down barriers to sports participation for people with disability, offering inclusive and accessible opportunities for them to participate in rugby league. Over the years, the program has witnessed remarkable growth, with a 425% increase in participant numbers. The initiative not only focuses on fostering physical activity but also emphasises the broader impact on participants' well-being, empowerment, and social inclusion.

Collaborative efforts with Griffith University and Playbk Sports underscore the commitment to expanding the program's reach, utilising technology to provide educational resources and creating a pathway for the establishment of a National Rugby League Competition for People with Disability. "LeagueAbility" is not just a sports program; it's a transformative force promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and a pathway for individuals with disabilities to fulfill their dreams.

The "LeagueAbility" research, led by A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou, is a collaborative effort between the Gold Coast Titans, Griffith University, and Playbk Sports, and stands at the intersection of inclusive sports, education, and technology, aligning with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing an exclusive Physical Disability Rugby League team and leveraging technology to create an online educational platform, the project directly addresses SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

The program's holistic impact is evident in the surveyed improvements across cognitive, human capital, and behavioural aspects, contributing to the well-being and empowerment of participants. Furthermore, the collaboration exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), aiming to attract support for the expansion of the program and establish sustainable practices. In essence, "LeagueAbility" serves as a beacon for the inclusive integration of persons with disability, embodying the broader vision of a more equitable, healthy, and connected society.

For more information please contact Popi at p.sotiriadou@griffith.edu.au

Find out more:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/engage/professional-learning/content-centre/leagues-ability-to-lead-the-way

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/12/07/titans-leagueability-program-receives-recognition-from-griffith-university-for--championing-inclusivity-in-sport/

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Researcher Dr Maria Khan

Researcher Spotlight: Dr Maria Khan

Dr Maria Khan is a research fellow in the Centre of Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW), working with the Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability (IFRD) Beacon at Griffith University.

“To me, the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is an opportunity to increase awareness around the inclusion of people with disability at work and in society. My research is aimed at fostering inclusion for PwD in the workplace to reiterate the importance of a more accessible and equitable society for everyone.”

“By exploring how information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate the inclusion of employees with disability, my research aims to provide practical solutions for creating a more inclusive workplace. In addition, through exploring how the employment lifecycle of young PwD can be improved, my research aims to identify diverse needs of PwD and address systemic barriers to create sustainable inclusion at work.”

Technology-Driven Inclusion: Empowering Employees with Disabilities in the Workplace

Utilising her background in technology and employee voice, Dr Khan is researching how to create inclusion at work for people with disability (PwD). Her current projects include investigating how information and communication technology (ICT) can facilitate the inclusion of neurodivergent employees. The research emphasises how ICTs can be leveraged to cater to neurodivergent employees’ specific needs, which can help foster an inclusive culture at work.

Maria's research also includes exploring factors affecting the employment lifecycle of young people with disability (YPwD), wherein she aims to identify barriers and facilitators for YPwD as they navigate their employment journey. She is also interested in examining opportunities and possible concerns of using artificial intelligence (AI) to include PwDs at work and prepare them for employment.

Her work is closely aligned with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, as it is focused on leveraging technology and giving a voice to an undervalued group in society.

By proposing a technology-inclusion framework and highlighting pathways related to inclusive leadership and peer support, Maria's research discusses ways to create more equitable workplace opportunities. In doing so, she aims to explore how best to develop decent workplaces that prioritise dignity and meaningful participation of employees with disability.

Find out more: https://experts.griffith.edu.au/20971-maria-khan.

Please email Maria at maria.khan@griffith.edu.au if you would like to participate in, or know more about this research.