About us

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

With more than 20 years’ experience across community development, disability inclusion, social planning and local government, Virginia brings a practical, collaborative and systems-focused approach to universal design. Her work includes systems mapping, policy and framework development, project planning, equity impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, content and guidance development, training design and group facilitation.

Virginia specialises in helping organisations move beyond minimum compliance towards more thoughtful, evidence-informed and human-centred practice. She supports teams to understand the whole user journey, involve people with diverse lived experience, identify where barriers arise, and strengthen the feedback, accountability and learning processes that shape everyday decisions.

Before establishing Universal Design Consulting in 2022, Virginia spent more than a decade working as a Disability Inclusion Officer, developing inclusive policies, programs, services and community initiatives within local government. Her broader experience spans community resilience, emergency management, policy reform, organisational change and public participation.

Virginia’s vision is for places, services and systems that enable everyone to participate, contribute and experience a genuine 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 has recently completed 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.