Advisory Council | Disability Innovation Institute

The Advisory Council provides strategic advice, direction and support to the Disability Innovation Institute's Director, Professor Jackie Leach Scully.

It meets around four times a year and its members help promote the Institute’s mission, vision and priorities.

At its inaugural meeting in August 2019 the Council gave a warm welcome to the then incoming Institute Director, Professor Jackie Leach Scully, and has since maintained an engaged and supportive presence as the Institute implements its program of activities and navigates its way through the dramatically changing world of COVID-19.

The Council has been invaluable for its strategic advice, especially in addressing the funding issues that the Institute, like so many other bodies, faces in the wake of COVID-19.

Council members

Therese Sands

Chair

Therese has worked for over 25 years in education, policy development, capacity building and advocacy in human rights and disability. She is the former Co-CEO and Life Member of People with Disability Australia (PWDA) and a member of Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA). Therese also currently provides research and policy coordination to the DIIU’s Rosemary Kayess in her role as Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Rebecca Adam

Council member

Rebecca is a lawyer with experience of working in deaf, corporate and government organisations. She was the first signing Deaf person admitted as a legal practitioner in an Australian Supreme Court. Rebecca is Chief Executive at Access Plus WA Deaf and is also an international Ambassador for the Deaf Olympics.

Keran Howe OAM

Council Member

Keran has a social work background and has lived experience of disability. She has been a leader in health and disability over many years, advising national and state governments on policy reform related to women's health, violence prevention and the rights of people with disabilities. A Churchill Fellow, Keran has Chaired Women with Disabilities Australia and the Disability Advisory Council Victoria and Co-Chaired the National Disability and Carers Advisory Council.

Her most recent role was Executive Director, Women with Disabilities Victoria. Keran continues to work for the human rights of people with disability through consultancy and board membership.

Rosemary Kayess

Academic Lead Engagement

Rosemary led the establishment of the Disability Innovation Institute and was its acting Director in 2018.
Member (2019 - 2022) and Chair (2021) of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disability.
Rosemary contributes to the work of the Disability Innovation Institute in an advisory capacity.

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Professor Jackie Leach Scully

Director

Disability Innovation Institute.