ARC Centre of Excellence for Ending Disability Discrimination

Disrupting Disability Discrimination

Up to 40% of Australians live with one or more permanent impairments, chronic disabling illnesses or some form of neurodivergence. It is a universal challenge that will affect all of us at some point in our lifetime.

The world in which we live, learn, work and play does not currently meet the needs of people with disability, despite decades of significant investment from all sectors.

People with disability, and their families, continue to experience discrimination at unacceptably high rates, as shown by the recent Disability Royal Commission.

Addressing discrimination is not only a matter of social justiceContinue reading

Disrupting Disability Discrimination

The world in which we live, learn, work and play does not currently meet the needs of people with disability, despite decades of significant investment from all sectors.

People with disability, and their families, continue to experience discrimination at unacceptably high rates, as shown by the recent Disability Royal Commission.

Addressing discrimination is not only a matter of social justice - it also has significant implications for the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of Australia. Research can reshape societal norms, dismantle discrimination, and illuminate paths toward a brighter future.

Our Bold Vision

A future where people with disability are valued citizens with a sense of belonging and equitable access to all facets of Australian society.

Our Research

Our proposed Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence (CoE) aims to deliver belonging, dignity, and justice for people with disability by addressing the most significant barriers they face in society. Through our disability-led research program, we will catalyse change.

We will use advanced technology and creativity to transform the data, design and decision-making that impact on people with disability.

The Centre will prioritise the knowledge and experiences of people with disability to explore and address discrimination in two distinct but interconnected Domains: Communities where people live and play, and Institutions where people learn and work.

Three key Themes will examine the different manifestations of discrimination: Eliminating Harm, Addressing Exclusion, and Elevating Dignity. The research will unpack the complex, compounding and multi-layered nature of disability discrimination and set priorities for the Centre. It will then explore creative ways of disrupting entrenched practices and testing the effectiveness of co-designed technology-driven solutions to deliver safety, inclusion, and dignity. Finally, it will examine strategies for implementing and scaling solutions.

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Investing in Disrupting Research

Discrimination has far-reaching consequences, affecting the health, employment prospects, and social engagement of people with disability.

A Hidden Market Powerhouse:

One in four households includes a member with a disability. They are not a minority. In fact, globally, people with disability and their families control over $13 trillion in disposable income annually. This represents an untapped market for Australian businesses.

Addressing Workforce Shortages:

People with disability are an underutilised workforce that can address current shortages. Investing in research to disrupt discrimination opens doors to employment opportunities, benefiting individuals, industries and the broader economy.

Future-Proofing Industries:

As disability awareness grows, discriminatory practices will become less acceptable. To remain relevant, industries must adapt. Organisations that actively combat discrimination can build a positive reputation, attracting customers, investors, and top talent. Inclusion is socially responsible, but it also fosters creativity, innovation and success that resonates with all stakeholders.

Image (Left to Right): Timothy Lachlan, Will Vickery, Geoff Trappett (looking to the side), Dr. Maretta Mann, Ella Sabljak, Dwayne Fernandes, Dr. Vanesa Bochkezanian and A/Prof. Adele Pavlidis at the Griffith University Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability 'Inclusivity in Play' Conference November 2022.

Unlocking Potential, Creating Impact Together

Join us in creating a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for people with disability.

ARC Centres of Excellence empower top researchers to form interdisciplinary hubs of knowledge and expertise, advancing Australia’s global standing in crucial research areas of national importance. Centres of Excellence can attract funding up to $35 million over seven years. Some benefits of engaging with the proposed ARC Centre of Excellence in Disrupting Disability Discrimination include:

Access to leading national and international disability and rehabilitation researchers from all disciplines.
Access to cutting-edge evidence, knowledge, and improved practices.
Co-designed innovative solutions to persistent challenges that affect people with disability.
Access to disability-led research opportunities tailored to your organisation’s needs.
Engagement in a national network of academia, industry, policy, non-government organisations and people with disability all working towards the same goals.
Enhanced reputation, co-branding opportunities, and mechanisms to address corporate social responsibility around inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Inclusive education, training, and professional development opportunities.