Inaburra Founders Lecture 2026
Speaker - Dr Louise Gosbell

Different by Design? Understanding and embracing neurodiversity and disability in educational communities

The 2026 Inaburra Founders Lecture will be delivered by Dr Louise Gosbell.

Louise will explore what it can look like when a school embraces neurodiversity and other forms of difference as a gift that strengthens the educational community.

She will unpack how our experience of neurodiversity and disability can deepen our understanding of what it means to be human.

Louise will then invite us to consider how seeing one another as divine image bearers might shape our attitudes and beliefs about neurodiversity and disability.

A Panel Discussion

Following the lecture, Loiuse will be joined by a panel of experts for a broader discussion on neurodiversity in educational settings. Panelists will include Vanessa Culbert (Inaburra Director of Student Services K-12 and Psychologist), Kathryn Martens (Neuro-affirming Consultant) and Tim Perkins (Senior Coach and Education Lead with Cut Through Coaching and Consulting).

Biography: Dr Louise Gosbell is a researcher, writer and speaker focused on disability theology and in-church practice. She is currently Research Manager at the Australian University of Theology, where she teaches on disability and neurodivergence. Louise spent 15 years as Sydney Coordinator for CBM Australia's Luke 14 Inclusive Churches program and continues to train churches and organisations in disability inclusion. Her research and advocacy are shaped by her own lived experience of disability and neurodiversity.

This is a free event. Teaching staff can claim 1.5 hours of elective PD by attending this event.

Contact the host of Inaburra Founders Lecture 2026 - Different By Design?