• Charles Sturt launches new live conversation series on inclusive, disability-affirming education
• The live, online series will be held on the first Tuesday of every month featuring different guest speakers, commencing on Tuesday 1 April,
• Charles Sturt has also renamed two of its three disability-affirming short courses

Charles Sturt University has launched a new live conversation series centred around inclusive education as part of a suite of disability-affirming short courses.

The new ‘In Conversation With’ online series will bring together people with a disability, their families, leading experts in the area and educators to explore key issues in inclusion.

The first session is being held on Tuesday 1 April from 7pm to 8pm and will be held on the first Tuesday of each month thereafter.

Two of Charles Sturt’s three disability-affirming short courses are also being renamed alongside the addition of the conversation series to better reflect the heart of the learning experience.

‘Reimagining Inclusive Education’ is now called ‘An Introduction to Disability-Affirming Classrooms’, while ‘The Foundations of Universal Design for Learning’ is now called ‘Universal Design for Disability-Affirming Classrooms’.

Lecturer in Education and expert in inclusive education in the Charles Sturt School of Education Dr Natalie Thompson emphasised the importance of centring the voices of people with a disability in education.

“For too long, education policies and practices have been shaped without the input of those most affected - students with disabilities and their families,” Dr Thompson said.

“This series is about listening, learning and taking meaningful action to create safe, disability-affirming environments where all students can thrive.”

The live series is offered to course participants and the people they invite – such as parents, school leaders and teachers as well as members of the broader educational community.

By combining lived experience, educational research and practical strategies, these conversations aim to challenge systemic barriers and foster safe, disability-affirming education practices.

The first session will feature Ms Symone Wheatley-Hey from Square Peg Round Whole along with guest speakers for a deep dive into exclusionary discipline practices, such as suspensions, and their impact on students with a disability and their families.

The discussion will challenge ableist assumptions (prejudice against people living with disability) and explore affirming, inclusive alternatives that uphold the rights and dignity of all students.

Dr Thompson said the live-only event will not be recorded, ensuring a safe space for open discussion.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and contribute to this essential conversation in real time,” she said.

The Charles Sturt School of Education is also providing all undergraduate education students with access to An Introduction to Disability-Affirming Classrooms, ensuring that the next generation of teachers enter the profession with a strong foundation in inclusive practices.

For more information or to enrol, visit the website.