The proposed Centre of Excellence aims to develop evidence-based, effective, co-designed solutions that help to end disability discrimination
Up to 40% of Australians live with one or more permanent impairments, chronic disabling illnesses or some form of neurodivergence. Disability is a universal challenge that will affect all of us at some point in our lifetime.
The communities in which we live and learn, and the institutions where we work and play, do 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.
The proposed Centre of Excellence will focus on representation, creativity, and dismantling factors that marginalise and disadvantage people with disabilities. It will be Australia's first disability-led Centre of Excellence and a catalyst for change.
Our Bold Vision
To foster a society where people with disability can experience safety, inclusion, and dignity in all aspects of life.
Our Research
The Centre will prioritise the knowledge and experiences of PwD 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.
Investing in Transformative Research
Discrimination has far-reaching consequences, affecting the health, employment prospects, and social engagement of people with disability. Our research will engage the voices of disability in developing creative solutions to disrupt entrenched beliefs and practices, leading to transformative change.
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.
Unlocking potential, creating impact together
Join us in creating a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for people with disability.
Partner Benefits
Cutting-edge solutions
Access to leading national and international disability and rehabilitation researchers from all disciplines to co-design innovative solutions to persistent challenges
Dynamic connections
A network of academia, industry, policy, non-government organisations and people with disability all working towards the same goals.
Disability-led opportunities
Inclusive education, training, and professional development alongside enhanced reputation, co-branding opportunities, and mechanisms to address inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and committed to tackling global challenges around peace, justice and strong institutions and partnerships for goals.
Acknowledgement of Country
Griffith University acknowledges the people who are the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to the Elders, past and present, and extends that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Family Groups
South Bank, Nathan and Mount Gravatt campuses are situated on the land of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal peoples. Logan is situated on the land of the Yuggera, Turrbal, Yugarabul, Jagera and Yugambeh peoples. The Gold Coast is situated on the land of the Yugambeh/Kombumerri peoples.