Excellence in Accessibility Award Finalists
Recognises an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to demonstrating excellence in accessible practice, supporting the equitable opportunity and meaningful inclusion of students or staff with disability at the University of Newcastle.
Empowering Neurodivergent Students for Success
Katy Lambert, Georgina Kerr, Katrina Hamall, Dianne Kirby
This tailored onboarding program for neurodivergent students used workshops and information sessions to provide tools and resources for transitioning to university life. It promoted the University's values of inclusion and community support, raised awareness about neurodiversity, encouraged empathy and collaboration, enriching the learning environment. Neurodiverse students played an active role in planning and delivering the event, making sure content was relevant and resonant. Their involvement fostered a sense of ownership and pride, reinforcing the importance of student voice in educational initiatives.
Graduation Team
Jocelyn Redman, Angela Wilson, Helen Harrigan, Daniel De Lore, Renee Selway, Cass Brown, Zahra Hocking, Hugh Gordon, Natalie Perfitt, Tina Holliday-Smith
Graduations represent the pinnacle moment of our students’ academic journeys. Steeped in tradition, the ceremonies have tended towards abelist practices, unintentionally impacting on students and guests with disabilities. In 2024, the Graduations Team set out to significantly enhance the accessibility of our ceremonies, introducing new technologies and processes to provide an outstanding experience those with a range of mobility, vision and hearing disabilities. The result is more inclusive ceremonies demonstrating our University’s value of equity.
Dr David Roy, School of Education
Dr David Roy, an educator, researcher, and advocate, initiated a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry to improve education for children with disabilities. David's efforts, recognised in national awards, continue to positively impact education systems, as noted in the September 2024 Auditor General NSW report. His voluntary work with children, educators, politicians, and media has been instrumental in driving these changes, despite receiving no additional financial support or reward.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.