Q2 2024
Griffith University has made significant strides in inclusive futures this quarter.
Key highlights include the development of a transport infrastructure co-design toolkit for accessible public transport in Queensland, and the launch of Media Diversity Australia's updated Disability Reporting Handbook. Professor George Mellick's reports on Parkinson's disease in Australia offer new insights, while Professor Elizabeth Kendall was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contributions to rehabilitation research and disability advocacy. Additionally, the Disability Reform Summit and the Disability Research Strategy Engagement workshops have fostered collaborative efforts to shape future research and solutions for disability inclusion and the ICA preconference addressed issues of invisibility, ableism, and the need for respectful portrayals of disability.
If you have any questions or would like more information about any of the news mentioned below, please feel free to reach out to inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au.
We look forward to the possibility of working together and achieving new heights in Disability and Rehabilitation research!
At a glance:
Research Impact
- Transport infrastructure co-design toolkit
- Media Diversity Australia: Disability Reporting Handbook
- Ecosystem of Parkinson's in Australia
In the Community
- Prof. Elizabeth Kendall honoured in King’s Birthday List
- Disability Reform Summit: Moving from recommendations to evidence-based solutions
- Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series
- ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media
Research Impact
Transport infrastructure co-design toolkit
The Cross River Rail project in Queensland has set a benchmark in accessibility by adopting co-design methods. This initiative resulted in the development of a comprehensive transport infrastructure co-design toolkit, ensuring that new and upgraded public transport facilities, including trains and stations, are fully accessible to everyone.
Media Diversity Australia: Disability Reporting Handbook
Griffith University has helped to develop an updated and detailed handbook to guide better newsroom reporting of people with disability. This handbook was produced by Media Diversity Australia and sponsored and designed by Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University. The addition of a marketing and advertising section within the Disability Reporting Handbook represents a pivotal enhancement aimed at extending its influence beyond traditional journalism. Led by Lisa Cox and designed by Jo Kek-Pamenter, this chapter addresses a crucial void by embedding disability perspectives into media and communication strategies. It equips journalists, advertising professionals, government entities, businesses, and individuals alike with the tools needed to communicate inclusively. By furnishing practical guidance on language use and sensitivity, this section empowers stakeholders to authentically engage with the diverse experiences within the disability community, thereby catalysing significant social change and nurturing a more inclusive media environment.
Ecosystem of Parkinson's in Australia
Under the leadership of Professor George Mellick, Griffith University has generated a series of reports for Parkinson's Australia Limited. These reports provide an in-depth analysis of the current impact of Parkinson's disease in Australia, identify gaps in existing research, and propose new directions for future investigations.
In The Community
Prof. Elizabeth Kendall honoured in King’s Birthday List
We proudly celebrate Professor Elizabeth Kendall, who has been honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Her outstanding contributions to rehabilitation research, disability advocacy, and tertiary education have been rightfully acknowledged in the King's Birthday List.
Disability Reform Summit: Moving from recommendations to evidence-based solutions
The Disability Reform Summit, organised by The Dignity Project and supported by an Engaging Science Grant, gathered diverse stakeholders to co-create research priorities. This event focused on translating recommendations from key disability reports into actionable, evidence-based solutions.
Read about the Disability Reform Summit in full on our Inclusive Futures Hub
Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) Disability Research Strategy and Co-Design Workshop Series
The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) hosted the Disability Research Strategy Engagement and Co-Design Workshop Series. These inclusive workshops engaged individuals with disabilities, researchers, government agencies, and advocacy organisations to collaboratively shape the Disability Research Strategy for 2025-2030.
ICA Preconference: Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media
The ICA preconference titled "Dignified Representation of Disability and Diversity in the Media" gathered scholars from 17 countries to discuss media's role in shaping perceptions of disability. Led by Dr. Monique Lewis, the roundtable addressed issues of invisibility, ableism, and the need for respectful portrayals of disability. Panelists shared personal stories and professional insights, emphasising the importance of inclusive media representation to drive social change. The event highlighted the Disability Reporting Handbook as a vital resource for journalists to improve disability coverage.
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