Richard Kennedy: Sharing Global South Perspectives on Disability
Support from the Allison Sudradjat Prize has opened many doors for disability advocate and researcher Richard Kennedy, helping him to share an experience of disability from Indonesia that may not otherwise be heard. The Allison Sudradjat Prize is offered to Australia Awards Masters scholars from Indonesia to support personal development and networking opportunities. It offers grant funding for activities such as training, workshops and seminars, courses, capacity building, and also research and development and innovation.
In 2023, Richard Kennedy, who is legally blind, commenced his studies for Masters in Disability Practice Leadrership at Flinders University after receiving an Australia Awards Scholarship. He applied for the Allison Sudradjat Prize in 2024 to facilitate opportunities for him to attend two conferences, enhancing his advocacy and research efforts.
"The scheme is very helpful because it not only funds research but also opens up opportunities such as attending conferences, training, workshops, or other activities."
His objectives in using the Allison Sudradjat Prize were to articulate the viewpoint of the Global South regarding disability while advancing his professional profile and broadening his networks. As a legally blind activist and researcher, Richard has found significant differences between the cultures of the West and the Global South that affect people with disability.
"From Western studies, people with disabilities are always described as independent and self-reliant,” he explained. “I agree, but how does this relate to the culture in the Global South, where family and kinship relationships are pretty influential? So, in my opinion, rather than independent, it is more appropriate to say ‘interdependent’."
Speaking up for the Global South
Richard was ready to present this concept at the Leeds Disability Studies Conference. As there wasn’t enough time to apply for a UK visa, he joined online, showcasing findings from his thesis research “Narratives on the Guardianship System in Indonesia: Recognising the Voices of People with Psychosocial Disabilities.”
The annual Leeds conference is well known for examining the complexities surrounding disability issues and attracting a diverse assembly of professionals engaged in the field of disability.
Making Connections in Southeast Asia
Next, Richard learned about the Participation and Inclusion in Action Conference in Singapore. He decided to attend the public lecture, where he had the opportunity to express his views during the question-and-answer session. "It might have just been five minutes at the time. But I used it as much as possible to express my opinions and ask questions,” he said.
Richard said he was grateful for the opportunity to attend the conferences because they allowed him to sharpen his skills in speaking on disabled people's concerns before a large audience. He felt the experience would better equip his fight for the rights of people with disability.
Recognition for Academic and Community Leadership
These initiatives have been in addition to Richard’s exceptional academic performance and contribution to student life in Adelaide. He received the Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation for Academic Excellence from Flinders University’s Chancellor for achieving a high Grade Point Average.
At the recent StudyAdelaide Awards, Richard also won four awards. He was named International Student of the Year 2024, won the Academic Excellence Award (Post-Graduate), the Peer Support Award, and Community Engagement Award. Richard was acknowledged as a tireless advocate for students with disabilities, and for his activities to connect with the community, including through Indonesian language learning.
"What I’ve learned from Australia is that even though the infrastructure for disabilities is well established, advocacy efforts never stop. The needs of the community move with the times and continue to develop,” Richard said.
