January 22, 2025: Deadline – Expression of Interest to Present at MDAA’s Beyond Barriers National Conference 2025 
February 15, 2025: Early bird tickets special ends
March 10, 2025: Last day to buy tickets 

MDAA is calling for expressions of interest to present at the Beyond Barriers National Conference 2025, an event bringing together a diverse group of academics, students, policy makers, and professionals in the fields of disability, social sciences, and AI.

This year’s conference will focus on the intersection of social cohesion, racism, and the future of AI within the disability sector. We invite presentations that explore how these critical themes intersect and impact individuals with disability, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Click here for more information. 

Cancellation policy: Full refund before 1 March 2025; 50% refund afterwards. 

Segment 1: Social Cohesion Under the Microscope

Over 30 years ago, MDAA was created in response to the growing need for a unified voice advocating for individuals with disabilities within multicultural communities. As these communities became more diverse, it became increasingly clear that people with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds faced unique challenges that often went unheard. MDAA was founded to address these challenges, ensuring that individuals with disabilities in multicultural communities had the support, representation, and resources they needed to thrive.

This conference builds on the work of MDAA by highlighting the intersection of disability and multiculturalism, emphasising the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or abilities.

We bring together a broad spectrum of voices—community members, policymakers, activists, and academics—to examine how we can create a future where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, is valued and supported.

Throughout the conference, we will critically engage with the concept of social cohesion in today’s context, discussing the intersection of multiculturalism and disability. We will provide a platform for individuals to share their personal experiences, highlighting the unique challenges faced by diverse communities and people with disabilities. By exploring the role of institutions in fostering inclusivity and equality, we aim to propose actionable solutions that enhance social cohesion and build more resilient, supportive communities.

Through these essential discussions, we hope to cultivate a shared understanding of the benefits of diversity and inclusion. By working together, we can create a society that celebrates differences, promotes equal opportunities, and ensures that all individuals have the chance to contribute to and thrive in a united, harmonious community.

Segment 2: AI, Disability, and Ethical Considerations

In this segment, we turn our attention to the intersection of AI, disability, and the ethical considerations that arise in this rapidly evolving landscape. AI has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities, offering innovative solutions that enhance accessibility, support independence, and improve service delivery. However, the integration of AI into disability services also raises important ethical questions that must be addressed
to ensure equitable outcomes.

The promise of AI technology is profound, from smart assistive devices that empower individuals to navigate their environments more effectively to data-driven approaches that enhance decision-making in service provision. For disability service providers, being equipped with AI technology is essential to fully leverage these advancements, enabling them to deliver more effective and personalised support. However, this transition requires adequate training, resources, funding, and ongoing support to ensure providers can utilise these tools effectively and ethically.

Yet, as we explore these advancements, it is vital to critically examine the implications of AI on privacy, agency, and the potential for bias. The risks of perpetuating existing inequalities and marginalisation are real, particularly for vulnerable communities. Therefore, it is crucial to engage with disability service providers, individuals with disabilities, and advocates to ensure their perspectives and needs are central to the development and implementation of AI solutions.

Here, we aim to highlight the relationships between AI and disability, exploring both the opportunities it presents and the ethical dilemmas it poses. We will consider into case studies, engage in thought-provoking panels, and participate in workshops that encourage critical reflection and collaborative problem-solving.

As we navigate this complex terrain, let us strive to create a future where AI serves as a tool for empowerment, fostering independence and inclusion for all individuals with disabilities.