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Transforming disability employment: insights from a Paralympian’s journey

In this presentation, Matt Levy OAM will explore the intersection of personal resilience and systemic change in disability employment. Drawing from his experiences as a Paralympic athlete and advocate, Matt will discuss strategies for organisational transformation to support the new specialist disability employment programme 2025-2030. He will highlight the importance of capability development within the disability employment sector, share best practices for engaging employers, and offer actionable insights to enhance service delivery for people with disabilities. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to foster inclusive workplaces and drive meaningful change in disability employment policies and practices.

Presenters

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Matthew Levy

Author, Matthew Levy OAM

Australia

Matt Levy OAM is a distinguished Australian Paralympian, author, and advocate for disability inclusion. Born prematurely at 25 weeks, Matt was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairment, leading to over 40 surgeries on vital organs. Despite these challenges, he has excelled in swimming, representing Australia in five consecutive Paralympic Games from 2004 to 2020, securing three gold, one silver, and six bronze medals. Beyond his athletic achievements, Matt holds a bachelor of business from Swinburne University of Technology and a master of business administration from the University of Canberra. He has authored several books, including Keeping Your Head Above Water and Going the Distance, which offer insights into resilience and achieving success. Matt’s dedication to promoting inclusivity extends to his roles on the board of Ability Options and as a motivational speaker, where he shares his journey to inspire others. His contributions to sport and the community were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014.