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About

Inclusion Designlab is our engine room for policy, research, innovation and development.

We bring together people with an intellectual disability, community organisations and the world’s leading disability researchers to develop cutting-edge models of evidenced based practice, choice and citizenship that shatter glass ceilings and promote inclusiveness for the whole disability sector in Australia.

Our work significantly contributes to public policy and government enquiries, as well as continuous improvement in the disability sector, by providing accessible materials (published assets), and training for families and collegiate organisations.

innovate

We innovate

Our research and development occurs through projects and partnerships that target practice, choice, supported decision making, support systems and inclusion.

communicate

We communicate

We equip people with a disability, their families, carers and the disability sector through training, resources, and publications that combine latest research with new practice models

advocate

We advocate

Our policy development and submissions allow us to provide feedback to government and the not-for-profit sector so that we can break the glass ceilings that hinder inclusion and transformation

See our Business, Training and Quality Services Guide 2019-2020
Our Team

Stephen Wheeler

Stephen Wheeler

Quality Officer
  • Stephen is the Quality Officer at Inclusion Melbourne.

    He is passionate about quality management and its effect on the outcomes and quality of life of people with disability who receive support from disability service organisations. He is experienced in preparing organisations for NDIS audits and has insight on the challenges in harmonising compliance, regulation and safeguarding with high quality service provision.

    Stephen has also been involved with projects run by Inclusion Designlab. This includes projects on Positive Behaviour Support and LGBTIQA+ inclusion.

Nathan Despott

Nathan Despott

Head of Policy, Research and Advocacy
  • Nathan Despott leads Inclusion Designlab, Inclusion Melbourne’s centre for policy, projects, systemic advocacy, research and project leadership. He works with people with intellectual and cognitive disability to run projects focusing on oral health, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, political inclusion, Positive Behavior Support, Supported Decision Making, Circles of Support, and more.  He completes this work with a range of interdisciplinary partners from Australian universities, self advocacy and advocacy organisations, peak bodies, and government agencies.

    Nathan wants to see people with cognitive disability across Australia supported to learn about their right to live as full and equal citizens. He is also passionate about challenging gatekeeping and ensuring consistent, evidence based, ethical practice across the disability support sector – particularly in Positive Behaviour Support, Supported Decision Making and vocational pathways.

    He regularly leads internal and external quality projects and consulting work, including development of practice frameworks, audit preparation, internal quality audits against the NDIS Practice Standards, practice training, and work readiness.

    Nathan was a key designer of Victoria’s world leading LGBTQA+ conversion practices prohibition legislation in 2019-21 and was named Outstanding Leader of the Year at the 2023 National Disability Awards.

     

Gail Siracusa

Gail Siracusa

Grants & Projects Officer
  • A values-driven leader with purpose, Gail’s extensive experience in the non-profit sector has been across disability, education, leadership development and sustainability.

    Her roles have included business development, project management, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and communications.

    With a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, Gail thrives on working to build capability in individuals and organisations for positive community impact.