Accessibility and Inclusion

May 22, 2025 – Sofitel Melbourne

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Accessibility and Inclusion

May 22 • In person, Sofitel Melbourne

Dive into the most pressing themes in accessibility today and explore practical and innovative approaches to make design truly accessible for everyone.

Marc, an Auslan interpreter, actively signing during a Design Outlook event. He is wearing a black shirt and vest, with expressive gestures and a focused expression. The background features modern glass architecture with natural light filtering through, adding to the professional atmosphere of the event Trudi Boatwright wearing a vibrant blue blazer, seated and smiling warmly during a Design Outlook event. She is holding a bowl in her hands, appearing relaxed and engaged in the surroundings. The background features wooden textures and casual seating, enhancing the informal and welcoming atmosphere Two individuals at a Design Outlook event interacting with colorful materials at a display table. The person on the left is wearing red sunglasses, a black graphic t-shirt, and holding a green object, while the person on the right, dressed in an orange jacket, smiles while holding a yellow object. The vibrant background features abstract shapes and a modern, light-filled setting.

Design for social good

21.4% of Australians are living with a disability, plus many with situational and temporary disabilities. Designing for this growing group is one of the most vital things we can do.

Tap into emerging tech

Discover how the latest tech trends can improve digital accessibility and create new opportunities for inclusion. We’ll cover AI, quantum computing, biohacking and more.

A more inclusive society

Design shapes the way we experience the world. Learn how to make it a better and more equitable world for everyone.

Event partners

Plus

All-day catering
Auslan interpreters
Closed captions
Networking
Sustainable conference
Freebies
Afterparty
Roundtables
Present at Accessibility and Inclusion

The call for presentations is open

Submit yours before January 10

Designing for a more inclusive future

A close-up of a person’s hands holding a smartphone horizontally, capturing a group photo of people posing together in an outdoor covered area. The person’s hands feature bright red nail polish and tattoos of a sun and crescent moon on their fingers. The smartphone screen shows a clear image of the group, framed by blurred background elements in the real scene.

Can you imagine a future where products are accessible to everyone, no matter your background? Join the transformative journey to make meaningful change in accessible design.

This unique one-day event brings together accessibility specialists, designers, technologists and advocates to explore the future of inclusive design and technology.

Key topics include:

  • The role of emerging technologies in accessibility
  • Designing for the intersection of diverse identities
  • Creating sensory-rich experiences that serve everyone
  • And much more! 

Let’s build a society where every design is made for every person.

Event format

There’s a lot to love about this format: it maximises impact through a mix of dynamic presentations and deep, focused conversation to provoke new ideas and leave lasting impressions.

Dr. Barbara Doran presenting at a Design Outlook event, smiling confidently while speaking into a headset microphone. She is wearing a shimmering purple sequined dress, holding a clicker in one hand. The background features modern stage design elements illuminated with purple lighting, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Inspiring presentations

Dive into transformative presentations that challenge the status quo and ignite powerful discussions. Our presentation sessions are designed to not just explore ideas but to catalyse actionable solutions.

A lively moment in a café-like setting with four women chatting around a wooden table near large windows. One stands smiling in a green t-shirt, while another seated in a striped top and blazer laughs warmly. The setting feels modern and friendly, with an urban view outside.

Engaged networking

Build meaningful connections over sustainable meals, drinks, and immersive experiences. Our networking sessions foster collaboration and leave you inspired.

A group of professionals engaged in a lively discussion around a round table during a leadership event. A woman in glasses and a black blazer is speaking energetically, while others listen attentively. The table is covered with notes, notebooks, and water bottles, with a collaborative atmosphere reflected in the background of other groups in conversation

Facilitated roundtables

Engage in deep, focused discussions with peers, exploring diverse perspectives and generating actionable ideas. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to co-create solutions and challenge the status quo.

Guests networking during drinks after an event, engaging in lively conversations in a stylish indoor venue. The space features warm wooden accents, high-top tables with stools, and a softly lit backdrop, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to conclude the event.

Social wrap-up

Unwind with drinks, canapes, and conversations that extend the day’s discussions in a more relaxed setting, offering space for continued inspiration and lasting connections.

Themes

Accessibility and Inclusion dives into the most pressing themes in accessibility today. We’ll offer practical and innovative approaches to make design truly accessible for everyone.

What’s next for accessibility? Emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing and biohacking have the potential to make inclusiveness and accessibility a core pillar of tech progress.

Accessibility often intersects with multiple identities like race, gender and socioeconomic status. We’ll explore ways to decolonise accessibility frameworks to be more culturally sensitive and globally inclusive.

How can people with disability lead the design process? Participatory approaches and regenerative systems can place a renewed focus on accessibility that benefits our whole society.

Explore how to create multi-sensory and immersive experiences, like VR and AR, which cater to a diverse range of sensory abilities. We’ll also delve into the ethics and practicalities of these technologies.

Discover how organisational culture, leadership, and workplace practices can fully support neurodiverse individuals, and explore the broader implications for future work environments.

What is the role of accessibility in data privacy? How can we balance inclusive design with data security, privacy rights, and ethical considerations in a digital world? 

Tickets

We pride ourselves on the value for money we offer for our tickets at each of our events, and Accessibility and Inclusion is no exception.

A helping hand

$1+

Tickets at a price that you name, no questions asked. Limited availability.

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Earlybird

$395

On sale until February 18 or sold out.

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General Admission

$495

On sale until sold out - make sure you check our partners page for discounts and offers.

Buy tickets

All tickets include access to the event, all day catering, freebies from us an our sponsors, and are fully refundable up to 30 days before the event.

For all ticketing information, view our ticketing terms and conditions.

Program

Our program balances presentation time, discussion time and networking opportunities. We cover relevant topics while providing ample chances to chat on other topics with your industry peers.

Location and accessibility

This event will be held on the 3rd floor of Sofitel Hotel at 35 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. It’s a 7 minute walk from Flinders Street Station. 

When you arrive on the ground floor, the receptionists can direct you to the event space. The floor is accessible by both escalator and elevator. For interstate or international guests, the hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms, and their expert staff can assist with any specific needs.

Interpreters

Auslan interpreters will be available to translate every presentation live on the day.

Captions

Live human captions combined with best-in-class AI captions by Sunflower AI, will accompany each presentation. This ensures full accuracy for anyone following along. 

Additional needs

Please let us know two weeks in advance if you have any additional needs, and we’ll help accommodate them. For example, we can reserve a spot in the first row if you have an assistance dog or other animal.

The Sofitel venue for DO24, showcasing a vibrant and bustling networking event. The long, elegant room features dramatic purple lighting projected onto the ceiling, ornate chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows on one side. Attendees fill the space, engaging in conversations and exploring booths such as ‘Girls in Tech,’ with a modern architectural backdrop visible through the windows. The atmosphere is lively and sophisticated, reflecting the energy of the event.

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