Breaking barriers as fresh plan forges inclusive future
CQUniversity has launched its Disability-Informed Action Plan, developed and co-designed with staff and students who live with disability.
The inaugural plan acknowledges barriers experienced by people who live with disabilities, and provides a 'roadmap' to reduce challenges, so every individual can thrive, achieve, contribute and succeed at CQU.
Launched on International Day for People with Disability (IDPwD) on Wednesday, 3 December, more than 60 people gathered at CQU Rockhampton North to hear from staff and students who have helped develop the groundbreaking plan.
Presenters included CQUniversity Chancellor Graeme Innes AM, the first chancellor of an Australian university who identifies as a person with a disability.
Blind since birth, and a life-long champion of inclusion, Mr Innes said he was particularly proud of the Disability-Informed Action Plan.
“This plan isn’t just a compliance exercise, or a document to sit on virtual shelves – it’s a roadmap to our inclusive and accessible future, one that strengthens our leadership and prompts action for all staff and students,” he said.
“Equitable access to education and training is a vital step for ensuring people with disabilities get a fair go, and get life-changing opportunities.
“Inclusion of people with disabilities in our University will be one of our lasting legacies…and importantly, will actually draw more people with disabilities to us, because we are so accessible.”
Growing opportunities
CQUniversity’s Accessibility and Equity team currently provides services, assistive technology and advocacy to nearly 1000 students across the University.
Recent achievements to better support diverse experiences and abilities include CQU’s membership of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, and the new CQU website being named Education Website of the Year for accessibility.
Digital Media student Katie Butler was master of ceremonies for the event, after recently completing mentoring initiative for journalists with autism, ABC TV’s The Assembly.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp officially launched the Disability-Informed Action Plan, alongside Chief Wellbeing Officer Caitlin Marshall, Vice-President Student Success Professor Jonathan Powles and staff members Justin Wylie, Cate Rooney, Sasha Job and Elvis Delaney.
Right to respect
CQUniversity Environmental Science academic Sophie George also shared her experiences, initially as an overwhelmed student in 2012.
Since then, she’s earned two degrees and is tackling postgraduate study – despite the challenges of living with an invisible disability.
“I knew I was determined to study science, and to contribute to community. What I didn’t know was how much support I’d need along the way,” she said.
Ms George said supportive lecturers and staff “never treated accessibility and adjustments as a favour, they saw them as a right.”
She particularly thanked CQU Accessibility Consultant Diane Gallais.
“Diane, who’s here today, she held my hand, lifted me up and kept me going even when I didn’t think I could,” Ms George said.
“When I see this plan, I see a promise, that the same empowerment, support, validation will be there for every student at CQUniversity…and give them the freedom to thrive, to lead, to succeed.”
Professor Klomp thanked all staff, students and community members who had shared their insights, and trusted CQUniversity to improve accessibility and inclusion.
"I recognise that there are challenges...and this plan is not just clearing pathways, it’s a call-to-action, and an opportunity for celebrating and welcoming people with disabilities," he said.
"We’re delighted and privileged to have you at CQUniversity."
Explore how CQUniversity supports students living with disabilities at the Accessibility and Equity webpage.
