Accessibility & Inclusion

June, 2025

Two attendees enjoy coffee and conversation during a break at The Outlook, smiling and relaxed in the venue’s open-air atrium.

Attendees mingle over coffee during a break at The Outlook, gathered in the foyer outside Victoria Suites in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Close-up of a colourful screen at The Outlook displaying “Design Outlook – Accessibility and Inclusion” in bold white lettering.

A diverse panel discusses accessibility and inclusion on stage at The Outlook, accompanied by an Auslan interpreter standing beside them.

Speaker wearing a yellow jacket and patterned shirt presents confidently on stage at The Outlook, smiling and gesturing expressively.

Audience members at The Outlook smile and engage in a lively interactive session, pointing and laughing together during a fun activity.

Two presenters stand on stage at The Outlook in front of bold backdrop panels, preparing to speak with microphones in hand.

Male speaker framed by audience silhouettes (file-Kpwb53kzw1UsPpWBg2HLVj) Male speaker stands mid-presentation on stage at The Outlook, framed by silhouettes of attendees and panels with striking visual motifs.

Multiple screens at The Outlook display speaker Dwayne Fernandes in a flight suit, with session titles ‘ProductOutlook’, ‘DesignOutlook’, and ‘Breakouts’.

Event partners

Designing for a more inclusive future

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.

What we explored

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.

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.

Presenters

Michelle Chu

Senior Inclusive Design Specialist, ABC

Siva Kalyan

CTO, Sunflower AI

Nikhil Bora

Experience Designer, ANZ

Kobi Jae Masterson

Senior Accessibility Specialist, Belong

Josh Byron

CEO, SpendAble

Dwayne Fernandes

Co-Founder, Minds at Play

Kelly Schulz

Managing Director, Knowable Me

Jo Szczepanska

Digital Health Lead

Dr. Ronny Andrade Parra

Digital Accessibility Lead and Lecturer, RMIT

Julie Grundy

Head of Accessibility Assessment, Intopia

Patrick Jensen

Head of Marketing and Brand Manager, See Me Please

Andrea Boundy

Visual Design Chapter Lead Principal, Telstra

Liz Tesone

CEO, Disability Sport and Recreation

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.

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.

Engaged networking

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

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.

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.

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.