Technical Expert Group for WHO Global Health Policy and Systems Research Agenda on Disability Health Equity (2026 - 2030)

I am one of 25 people across the world who have been selected by the World Health Organization to be a member of the Technical Expert Group for WHO Global Health Policy and Systems Research Agenda on Disability Health Equity (2026 - 2030). What an honour.

Objectives of the Global Research Agenda
Overall Goal: The WHO Global Research Agenda will guide research that generates the evidence policymakers need to reduce health inequities experienced by persons with disabilities.  

1. Define the key knowledge gaps and research areas for evidence generation on health equity for persons with disabilities at a global level over the next five years (from 2026 – 2030).
2. Strengthen knowledge production for evidence-informed policies, plans and practices relating to disability inclusion in health systems strengthening and primary health care.
3. Build research capacity on health equity for persons with disabilities by creating a framework for research priorities to be applied and further contextualized at the regional and national levels.

Background

Persons with disabilities – an estimated 16% of the global population – experience health inequities, as they die up to 20 years earlier and have poorer health compared to persons without disabilities, due to unjust or unfair conditions at all levels of health systems and society. The WHO Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities calls on policymakers to take action on disability inclusion in health systems strengthening efforts at country level, including by establishing national agendas for health policy and systems research.i
Health policy and systems research seeks “to understand and improve how societies organize themselves in achieving collective health goals, and how different actors interact in the policy and implementation processes to contribute to policy outcomes”.ii Health policy and systems research on disability health equity would explore a wide range of system-level questions − from financing to governance, through to issues surrounding the implementation of services and delivery of care, to the role of social determinants of health and the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders across sectors. Such research is crucial for policymakers to make informed decisions about which actions will contribute to the realization of universal health coverage (UHC), and to the smooth coordination between sectors, when advancing health equity for persons with disabilities.iii
There is currently no global health policy and system research agenda on health equity for persons with disabilities, but there is a growing need and demand for such a resource and approach. The World Health Assembly Resolution 74.8 on the “Highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities” requested WHO to support Member States with "the creation of a global research agenda that aligns with UHC, health emergencies and health and well-being, including health systems and policy research”.iv

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion framework for Speech Pathology Australia

I have been invited to be on a focus group to work with Speech Pathology Australia on their new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion framework.

Here is the invitation Over the past 12 months, Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) has been working with Diversity Partners to develop a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) framework. The framework will include the commitments and aspirations of Speech Pathology Australia to support diversity, equity and inclusion across the profession. The framework will guide and support Speech Pathology Australia with future implementation of DEI initiatives, as well as providing guidance to members to increase their understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues within the speech pathology profession and inform practice. Initial consultation with key stakeholders was undertaken in 2022 and an advisory committee was formed to support the project planning. Diversity Partners undertook a literature review and have drafted the structure of a DEI framework for Speech Pathology Australia. Diversity Partners will now hold focus group discussions with key groups, including internal stakeholders and staff and external stakeholders, to gather feedback on the draft and to inform next steps. We are seeking your input by requesting you consider attending a focus group. 

 

WHO Caregiver Skills Training Programme review

I have just completed my review of the World Health Organization Caregiver Skills Training Programme for Families of Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities. I was invited in my role as Deputy Chair of the Child Speech Committee of the International Association of Communication Sciences (IALP)

Good Practice Schools Framework

I am an invited member of the Students With Disability Loading Review Expert Panel coordinated by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Australian Government. We met today to discuss the draft Good Practice Schools Framework and Cost Framework. It is an honour to have an input into this work, and to hear of the importance of speech pathologists in schools from across the sector nationally.

Find an expert

Charles Sturt University has just added me as an expert on their website: https://news.csu.edu.au/experts/ It is an honour to be highlighed amongst my esteemed colleagues.