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New forms of oppression and stereotyping are emerging and old problems of accessibility and exclusion remain as digital culture becomes more entrenched in daily life, according to academic and author Professor Gerard Goggin.

Professor Goggin, the University of New South Wales' Professor of Digital Communication and Journalism, will give a public lecture on reshaping digital technologies for users with a disability - and for everyone else - at The University of Western Australia next Monday, May 5.

"From networked computers and Internet platforms such as blogging, YouTube, Second Life, and social software, through to mobile phones, digital television and entertainment, digital technologies are at the centre of the dynamics of contemporary culture," Professor Goggin said.

"Disability is a pivotal part of this digital life.  People with disabilities are playing an important yet under-appreciated role in digital cultures' user-powered creative innovation.

"I hope to offer some insights into how digital technologies could make a contribution to transformation in the domain of disability, and society generally," he said.

Professor Goggin will also take part in a symposium at UWA on Tuesday, May 6: Driving Change in the Disability Sector, which will include:

• Dr Mike Clear, Adjunct Senior Fellow in the School of Sciences at the University of Western Sydney, who suggests that the array of protective and enabling legislation in place to help people with a disability may actually exclude them.

• Landscape architect Mary Jeavons who has had more than 20 years' experience in designing play and recreation facilities accessible to children and adults with disabilities.  Ms Jeavons will discuss about play-space planning to ensure that play is socially and physically inclusive.

• Recreation planner Sally Jeavons, whose concern is that more people need help to participate in leisure activities.

Professor Goggin's lecture, "Disability and Digital Cultures: Brave New Worlds or Just New Forms of Injustice?" (organised by UWA's Institute of Advanced Studies) is free, open to the public and can be heard in the Alexander Lecture Theatre at 6pm, on Monday, May 5.

Media references

Audrey Barton (Institute of Advanced Studies)  61 8  6488 4797
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  61 8  6488 5563  /  0432 637 716