Inclusion in Action: Highlights from Recent Conferences

This year’s education conference season has been a journey of connection, reflection, and collaboration. From Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns, the Inspire team has been privileged to engage with educators, leaders, and families all working towards the same goal: creating schools where every student can thrive.

Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference

In March, Inspire exhibited at the Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference (AISC) in Brisbane, where a strong community of educators, researchers, and advocates committed to strengthening inclusive practice gathered.

Kristen Fleming (Inspire’s Product Owner) and Darian Ford (Inspire’s Lead Developer) represented the team, connecting with principals, teachers, and parents eager to explore practical strategies to support students with disability. Speakers covered everything from Identifying and Supporting ADHD in the Classroom to Seeing Our Systems Through an Equity Lens.

One takeaway that resonated across the program was that inclusion is not about one-off adjustments, but building whole-school cultures where every learner feels a sense of belonging. Being in the room with so many passionate educators reminded us of why Inspire exists: to simplify compliance, reduce administration, and give schools the tools to collaborate more effectively around student support.

AASE National Conference – “Great Expectations”

In Melbourne, Kristen and I were exhibiting at the 2025 Australian Association of Special Education (AASE) National Conference. Across the two days, we connected with teachers, principals, and system leaders who are shaping inclusive education at every level.

Conversations centred on the practical realities of supporting students with diverse learning needs - from simplifying NCCD compliance to strengthening collaboration between schools and families. What stood out most was the shared determination to reduce administration for educators so they can focus on impact in the classroom.

It was also a joy to celebrate our AASE prize winner, who correctly answered that Inspire was purpose-built by educators. That’s what sets our platform apart: it’s designed by educators, for whole-school teams.

Australian Catholic Education Conference

In Cairns, I joined more than 1,400 delegates at the Australian Catholic Education Conference. The program was rich with keynotes, panels, and student voices that reinforced why inclusion must be more than an aspiration - it has to be lived practice.

Highlights included:

• Synodality and hope for the next generation – Nathalie Becquart’s keynote on journeying together with faith, community, and inclusion.

• Compassion as leadership – A panel with Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and Minister Jason Clare MP reminding us that compassion is strength, not weakness.

• Evidence-informed practice – Professor Dylan Wiliam on focusing teachers’ energy where it makes the biggest difference: supporting long-term learning.

• Family engagement as a process, not an event – Dr Steve Constantino’s reminder that parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers.

• Student voice leading the way – Six student panellists closing the conference with a powerful vision of education as belonging, connection, and adaptability.

For me, these messages all tie back to what Inspire is designed to do: enabling schools to reduce barriers, strengthen collaboration, and recognise the voice of every learner.

Our Shared Purpose

Across both conferences, the message was consistent: inclusion is action. It’s listening deeply, creating space for every voice, and building systems that adapt to diverse needs.

At Inspire, we’re proud to be part of this movement. By reducing administrative burden and strengthening collaboration, our platform gives educators more time for what matters most - teaching, connecting, and helping every student reach their potential.

One platform. Less admin. More impact.

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About the Author
Linda Warner is the Inclusion Support Advisor for Inspire – Learning with Diversity and a passionate advocate for inclusive education. Read more about Linda →