Equity and Inclusion: Enabling Independence

This event during Research Week at Western Sydney University, supported by the Education and Work, and Health and Wellbeing Research Theme Programs, aims to help people gain independence in a fair and equal way.

During this half-day exploration, we will workshop two critical aspects—Ageing in Place and Disability and Workplaces. Lunch (12-1pm) and afternoon tea (3-3:30pm) will be provided.

Participants have the flexibility to nominate and attend either the Ageing in Place session, the Disability and Work event, or both. Details on the format of these sessions are outlined below.

This Research Week event will provide opportunities to build new collaborations, innovation, and an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by ageing populations, workplaces and individuals with disabilities.

9.30am-10am: Registration opens

10am-12pm: Exploring Ageing in Place Solutions through Collaboration and Innovation

Join us for an engaging session on "Ageing in Place," where key industry partners, stakeholders, and researchers will convene to explore:

• Housing solutions: Exploring innovative approaches and best practices in creating age-friendly housing options that promote independence and well-being among older adults.

• Community support systems: Examining the role of community-based services and resources in facilitating ageing in place, including access to healthcare, social services, and transportation.

• Technology integration: Discussing the role of technology solutions and digital innovations to enhance ageing in place initiatives, with a focus on practical applications.

Key presenters include:

• Professor Catherine Renshaw, School of Law, Western Sydney University
• Dr Tom Morris, Head of Research and Information Excellence, HammondCare
• Dr Mikaela Jorgensen, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Dr Jane Bringolf, Chair, Centre for Universal Design Australia
• A representative from the Department of Health and Aged Care (to be confirmed)

Participants will use real-life examples to brainstorm and develop fresh ideas for helping older adults live on their own terms. Don't miss this opportunity to collaborate and exchange insights with experts in the field to advance our collective understanding and practice in supporting ageing populations.

Join us for lunch between 12pm-1pm

1pm-3pm: Disability and Workplaces

People with disability experience significant difficulties in gaining and maintaining employment (AIHW, 2022), however, they can be successful employees when they are well supported in the workplace (Solomon, 2022). As a result of the recent royal commission, the Australian Government highlights the importance of inclusive employment, emphasising the need for evidence-based practice tailored to the needs of people with disability in mainstream employment (Commonwealth of Australia, 2023).

This Research Week event involves a panel discussion with researchers, industry, government partners, the community, as well as people with lived experience to develop a deeper understanding of the complexities encountered by individuals with disability in the workforce and organisations exploring innovative ways to better support them in the workplace. Hearing from the mix of panellists and learning about their needs, will ensure that the research is responsive, relevant, feasible, and impactful. The event will serve as a catalyst for future supported research endeavours.

Key presenters include:

• Kitty Mach, Employee with lived experience of disability 
• Adam Mitchell, Department of Social Services
• Jeff Scobie, CEO Macarthur Disability Services
• Dr Caroline Mills, Western Sydney University Researcher 

Join us for afternoon tea and networking between 3-3.30pm

Contact the Research Theme Champions, Katrina Barker and Gabrielle Weidemann, for more information researchthemeprogram@westernsydney.edu.au