Parenting with Disability Group

The Parenting with Disability group has been established to identify and address the unique challenges and needs of new and expectant parents who either have a disability themselves or are parenting a child with a disability.

The term "disability" refers to visible or invisible disabilities, neurodivergence, or chronic illness. Gidget Foundation Australia will use the information and insights gained from the group to deliver appropriate support and advocacy, ensuring all parents have positive perinatal mental health outcomes.

The group will meet several times each year to advance its commitment to improving accessibility and availability of services by building awareness, advocating for inclusive policies, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, creating partnerships, and developing customised resources and programs where relevant.
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Our Mission

To ensure families with visible or invisible disability, deaf, and those with chronic illness have equitable access to resources, accessible support and services, throughout their early parenting journey.

"I am delighted to be able to Chair the Parenting with Disability Group on behalf of Gidget Foundation Australia, and the volunteers that are generously contributing their insights. I am a strong advocate for inclusion and equality and have been distressed by the many stories from the disability community, from both parents who themselves have a disability, or are parenting a child with a disability, of the additional challenges and isolation they have faced as they navigate their parenting journey. This group will focus on ensuring that Gidget Foundation Australia provides equitable access to resources, support and services, helping to create a world where all parents can experience raising a family without unnecessary barriers."

Rachael Javes, Chair of the Gidget Foundation Australia Parenting with Disability Group

Parenting with Disability Group Members

Arabella Gibson

Chief Executive Officer

Arabella joined Gidget Foundation Australia in early 2017 after a 20 year career in executive leadership roles in the media and communications industry in both Australia and the UK.

Briana Blackett

Briana is a journalist and the mother of two children with autism, and she is passionate about changing the way the media includes and represents people with disabilities.

Cammi Murrup-Stewart

Dr. Cammi Murrup-Stewart is an Aboriginal woman and the daughter of a Stolen Generations mother, born and raised on Wurundjeri Country.

Dr Lisa Morgan

Clinical Psychologist - Start Talking Telehealth

Dr Lisa Morgan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Brisbane who has trained and worked in both the public and private mental health systems in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Eliza Hull

Eliza Hull is an award-winning musician, writer, and disability advocate. Eliza is a proud disabled woman with a physical disability called Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

Graeme Innes AM

Graeme is a distinguished lawyer, author, and company director, known for his autobiography Finding A Way. He has led significant initiatives, such as the merger of four blindness agencies into Vision Australia, where he also served as Chair.