Universal Design has announced speakers for its 2020 conference. Under the theme of “Thriving with Universal Design: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday,” the three keynotes will cover Smart and Inclusive Cities, Myths around Ageing and Work, and How Decisions of Inclusion are Made.
Speakers include G3ict US vice president James Thurston, Federation University Australia head of marketing, Professor Philip Taylor and University of Queensland senior lecturer Associate Professor Paul Harpur.
Thurston works in the design and implementation of new worldwide advocacy strategies and programs. He has experience applying both technology and public policy to important social and economic challenges. Formerly director of International Accessibility Policy at Microsoft, he has led efforts to promote the inclusion and human rights of people with disabilities around the world, as well as using technology to increase the economic competitiveness of ageing industrial centres in the US.
Taylor has over 30 years’ experience as a researcher, policy writer and advisor on workforce ageing. He presently holds professorial positions at the UK University of Warwick and the Australian Federation Business School. He has written extensively on issues including individual orientations to work and retirement, employer behaviour towards older workers and developments in public policy aimed at prolonging working life.
Harpur is an international disability rights legal academic. Following his work at Syracuse University in the US he was appointed an International Distinguished Fellow with the Burton Blatt Institute from 2015 onwards and a 2020 academic fellow of the Harvard Law School Project on Disabilities. Outside the law, he has competed in Sydney and Athens Paralympics and the Manchester and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
UD 2020 will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, May 12-13. For information PH: 1300 789 845 or visit: www.universaldesignconference.com.au
To view the complete speaker line-up and conference program, visit the UD website, here.
Register before March 31 to receive the early bird discounted rate of $650+ GST.