ConnectUp research recognised with 2026 Gaady Award

The University of Melbourne has been recognised with a 2026 Gaady Award for ConnectUp, a project led by Associate Professor Dominika Kwasnicka, with the aim of developing a digital platform to help people with disability and carers connect with others and discover inclusive opportunities in their local communities.

The Gaadys are presented by the GAAD Foundation, an organisation dedicated to advancing digital accessibility and embedding accessibility into the development of technology and digital products. The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations making significant contributions to digital accessibility and inclusive technology.

For the ConnectUp team, the award recognises a co-design approach that has placed people with disability and carers at the centre of the platform's development.

ConnectUp was created through a participatory research approach, working closely with people with disability and carers to understand their experiences, needs and priorities. The resulting free online platform allows users to connect with others, find inclusive physical activities, share feedback about places and activities, and contribute to a growing map and calendar of inclusive opportunities.

“People with disability and carers have been central to the development of ConnectUp from the beginning,” said A/Prof Kwasnicka, “This recognition highlights the value of designing research and technology with the people who will ultimately use it.”

The project began in Western Australia, where the research team worked with people with disability and carers between 2020 and 2023 to design and test the platform. With further support from the NHMRC Medical Research Future Fund, the team is now working to expand ConnectUp across Australia.

A/Prof Kwasnicka said people with disability and carers across Australia were invited to join ConnectUp, explore activities and opportunities in their local area, and contribute their experiences to help build a more connected and inclusive Australia. The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

More information about ConnectUp can be found at connectup.org.au.