Speaker
I am regularly invited to speak at seminars, conferences, workshops, schools and groups. My topics include inclusive practices in teaching and organisational practices. I also speak on the power of stories to influence change.
2012 Diversity Week
In 2012, I was a guest speaker at two events hosted by the University of Queensland during Diversity Week.
In 'Reflect and Connect: Ethics in Professional Practice', a seminar convened by the School of English, Media Studies and Art History, I shared my reflections about identity and disability, and their implications for my professional practice as a social worker, PhD scholar, and academic.
In 'Reframe: Animals and Difference', hosted by the UQ Art Museum in the James and Mary Emilia Mayne Centre, I chaired a panel discussion featuring Sam Leach, a major award-winning artist, and Mandy Paterson, a Research Scientist with the RSPCA. This discussion was conducted in the context of the 'ANIMAL/HUMAN' exhibition, in which we are confronted by images of dangerous creatures, strange birds and alien sea-life, but we are also comforted by the companionship of some animals. Or are we simply seeing all that is dangerous, strange, alien and companionable in ourselves-and perhaps in others? To what extent might our reactions of fear, bewilderment and anxiety reflect our relationships within our own diverse society and our perceptions of disadvantage? How do we understand the role of companion animals in our community and their contribution to public health and social inclusion? These were just some of the questions that we tossed around for debate.
You can listen to the panel discussion at by clicking onto the following link and scrolling down to the podcast icon.
- Podcast: - Animal/Human Reframe
Talking about . . .
In 2011, I was a guest panellist (sponsored by GRIFFITH REVIEW) at the Brisbane Writers Festival, speaking on the topic of trauma and catharsis in narrative.
I present papers on disability and the need to deliver better results in education and employment for people with a disability and deaf people. I have spoken on this theme of inclusive practices at several ACPET (Australian Council for Private Education and Training) and VET conferences, forums and workshops (2009-2011: Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin).
In 2009, I was invited to present a paper on representations of deafness in fiction and memoir at the Rochester National Institute of Technology for the Deaf, and also at the MLA Conference held that year in Boston, USA.