Adapting to New Challenges: Resilience, Advocacy, and Inclusion in the Face of Adversity
| Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
| 4:20 PM - 4:50 PM |
Overview
Nathan Stapleton, Disability awareness & mental health advocate & former professional NRL athlete
Presenter
Nathan Stapleton
Adapting to New Challenges: Resilience, Advocacy, and Inclusion in the Face of Adversity
Abstract
Nathan Stapleton’s journey from professional NRL athlete to disability advocate is a story of courage, resilience, and transformation. After a life-altering spinal cord injury playing country rugby Union, Nathan faced the daunting task of rebuilding a life without his physical capabilities but also his sense of purpose and identity.
In this keynote, Nathan shares his lived experience of adapting to life with quadriplegia, highlighting the profound role of community support, workplace inclusion, and mental resilience. His presentation aligns with the conference’s central theme of reimagining mental health through personal experiences and collective efforts. Nathan explores how inclusive systems and a focus on personal growth can transform adversity into an opportunity for positive change.
Focusing on the psychological transition from sports to life with a disability, Nathan discusses the importance of fostering supportive environments and implementing strategies that enable individuals to thrive after life-altering events. His story underscores the value of strong community networks and the significance of reshaping societal attitudes towards disability and mental health.
Attendees will leave inspired by Nathan’s perspective on resilience and recovery, with actionable insights on supporting others through inclusive practices and a focus on empowerment. His presentation serves as a call to action for attendees to drive change within their own communities and organisations, creating spaces where individuals can rebuild and thrive.
Key Messages/Learnings:
1. The Power of Personal Experience: Real stories foster connection and inspire meaningful change
2. Inclusive Support Systems Matter: Community and workplace adaptation are essential for resilience and growth
3. Turning Adversity into Strength: Challenges can be an opportunity for transformation and empowerment
4. Mental Resilience Is Key: A strong mindset is critical for navigating life’s toughest transitions
In this keynote, Nathan shares his lived experience of adapting to life with quadriplegia, highlighting the profound role of community support, workplace inclusion, and mental resilience. His presentation aligns with the conference’s central theme of reimagining mental health through personal experiences and collective efforts. Nathan explores how inclusive systems and a focus on personal growth can transform adversity into an opportunity for positive change.
Focusing on the psychological transition from sports to life with a disability, Nathan discusses the importance of fostering supportive environments and implementing strategies that enable individuals to thrive after life-altering events. His story underscores the value of strong community networks and the significance of reshaping societal attitudes towards disability and mental health.
Attendees will leave inspired by Nathan’s perspective on resilience and recovery, with actionable insights on supporting others through inclusive practices and a focus on empowerment. His presentation serves as a call to action for attendees to drive change within their own communities and organisations, creating spaces where individuals can rebuild and thrive.
Key Messages/Learnings:
1. The Power of Personal Experience: Real stories foster connection and inspire meaningful change
2. Inclusive Support Systems Matter: Community and workplace adaptation are essential for resilience and growth
3. Turning Adversity into Strength: Challenges can be an opportunity for transformation and empowerment
4. Mental Resilience Is Key: A strong mindset is critical for navigating life’s toughest transitions
Biography
Nathan Stapleton is a former professional NRL athlete who played for the Cronulla Sharks before a devastating spinal cord injury during a country rugby league game changed his life forever. Since then, Nathan has become a passionate voice for disability awareness and mental health, focusing on resilience, inclusion, and the power of community support. Drawing on his lived experience, Nathan inspires others to face challenges head-on, adapt to new realities, and embrace opportunities for growth. His journey offers a unique perspective on the psychological transitions required to rebuild a life, emphasising the importance of inclusive systems and shared human connection.
