Nothing About Us Without Us: Co-Designing Change Through Neurodiverse and Disability-Led Leadership
Tracks
Royal Poinciana
| Thursday, November 5, 2026 |
| 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM |
Overview
Dr Alexandra Ashton and Phoebe Penny
Three Key Learnings
Dr Alexandra Ashton has 35 years as an educator, creative practitioner and Senior Lecturer. As a result of her teaching, lecturing and training background her interest in learning difficulties, inclusion and equity has led to work in the disability support services. She is currently a Project Manager at Weeroona with Phoebe Penny as the Project Coordinator of the NDIS grant initiative – Creating Autism Friendly Communities (CAFC).
The CAFC project delivers a range of peer support, capacity building and training initiatives which are co-designed by a neuro-divergent project team. The grant project aims to engage business, organisations and the community in developing neuro-affirming approaches in regional Queensland, Gympie to build a more inclusive society. The CAFC team aim to share the lived experience of neurodiversity, its complexity, the struggles and the joys whilst acknowledging how intersecting disabilities and identities impact our lives, families and communities by providing insights and practical solutions.
Presenter
Dr Alexandra Ashton
Project Manager
Weeroona
Nothing About Us Without Us: Co-Designing Change Through Neurodiverse and Disability-Led Leadership
Biography
Dr Alexandra Ashton has 35 years as an educator, creative practitioner and Senior Lecturer. As a result of her teaching, training and research background her interest in learning barriers, inclusion and the plasticity of the brain have led to work in the disability support services. She is currently a Project Manager for Weeroona, managing the NDIS grant project – Creating Autism Friendly Communities. This project delivers a range of support, education and training initiatives which are co-designed within a neuro-divergent project team. The grant project aims to engage business and the community in developing neuro-affirming approaches in Gympie, Queensland.
Phoebe Penny
Project Coordinator
Weeroona
Nothing About Us Without Us: Co-Designing Change Through Neurodiverse and Disability-Led Leadership
Biography
Phoebe is the Project Coordinator for Weeroona's NDIS grant project, Creating Autism Friendly Communities, in Gympie, Queensland. Bringing her lived experience of autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression to her role, she is passionate about advocacy, representation and creating spaces where people are accepted and understood. Alongside her work at Weeroona, Phoebe is studying to be a midwife, further strengthening her interest in person-centred, inclusive and compassionate approaches to care and support. She is committed to amplifying diverse perspectives and promoting environments that support belonging, participation and wellbeing, particularly in regional communities.
