About us

She works with local government, public sector agencies and community organisations to embed universal design, access and inclusion into the way places, services, systems and decisions are planned, delivered and improved.

With extensive experience in community engagement, disability inclusion and local government, Virginia brings a practical and systems-focused approach to universal design. Her work includes systems mapping, policy and framework development, project planning, equity impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, content creation, training design and group facilitation.

Virginia has particular expertise in helping organisations move beyond minimum compliance towards more thoughtful, evidence-informed and human-centred approaches. She supports teams to understand the whole user journey, involve people with diverse lived experience, identify where barriers occur, and build stronger feedback and learning loops into everyday practice.

Before establishing Universal Design Consulting in 2022, Virginia worked for more than a decade as a Disability Inclusion Officer, developing inclusive policies, programs, services and community initiatives. Her broader background spans community development, social planning, emergency resilience, policy, engagement and public sector reform.

Virginia’s vision is for a world where everyone feels a sense of connection and belonging.

Adam Johnson is a passionate advocate for disability access and inclusion in regional Australia. 

In 2019 he completed a PhD researching the role of local government in facilitating accessible communities, with a specific focus on design safeguards such as co-design and policy measures. 

Adam draws on his wealth of professional and research experience to guide discussion on identifying what local governments are already doing well, and what short and long-term improvements can be made to embed universal design safeguards and culture within the organisation. 

Adam is collaborating with Virginia to develop and deliver our Universal Design Training modules.

With extensive experience across architecture, planning and sustainability, Mary Ann has spent several decades improving the accessibility of buildings, neighbourhoods and public spaces.

An Accredited Access Consultant (ACAA) and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Mary Ann brings specialist expertise in access auditing, policy development, inclusive design and technical standards. She is currently completing a PhD at Swinburne University focused on improving built environment accessibility systems through human-centred approaches.

Mary Ann has advised government, universities, NGOs and international development agencies, and has contributed to multiple design review panels and advisory committees. She is recognised for her evidence-based practice and dedication to creating environments that support equity, dignity and participation for all.