Researcher

My Expertise

Neuro-inclusion, Accessibility, Inclusive education, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Inclusive leadership, Lived experience research, Co-design and Co-production research methodologies.

Keywords

Fields of Research (FoR)

Inclusive education

Biography

Aaron Saint-James is a researcher and advocate in the field of neuro-inclusive education, with a focus on neurodiversity, accessibility, and educational equity. He works as a Research Officer and Accessibility Consultant. Aaron is also the co-founder of the Diversified Project, an initiative aimed at supporting neurodivergent students and staff through innovative resources and inclusive practices in higher education.

His research interests...view more

Aaron Saint-James is a researcher and advocate in the field of neuro-inclusive education, with a focus on neurodiversity, accessibility, and educational equity. He works as a Research Officer and Accessibility Consultant. Aaron is also the co-founder of the Diversified Project, an initiative aimed at supporting neurodivergent students and staff through innovative resources and inclusive practices in higher education.

His research interests include neurodiversity in education, universal design for learning (UDL), and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance personalised and inclusive learning experiences.

He is particularly focused on addressing systemic barriers in tertiary education, with a commitment to improving outcomes for neurodivergent and marginalised individuals. His work includes developing evidence-based toolkits, conducting lived experience research, and advocating for policy changes to foster equitable opportunities in education.

He actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to co-design resources and frameworks that bridge the gap between students’ needs and institutional practices. His approach integrates inclusive methodologies, such as co-design and community consultation, to ensure diverse perspectives are embedded in research and practice.

His current projects explore the application of technology, such as AI, to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of teaching and learning environments. Prior to his academic journey, Aaron worked as an advocate for disability and inclusion, bringing a wealth of lived experience and practical insight to his research.

His mission is to transform educational systems to better accommodate diverse learning styles, communication needs, and accessibility requirements.


My Awards

Awards:
BABS Equity Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award 2022
ADCET Accessibility in Action Awards 2023
ADA Deans High Impact Awards 2023
PASS Inclusivity Champion 2024
ADA Deans Audacious Vision Award

Nominations:
2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence (Diversity and Inclusion Champion)
ADA Dean’s Award – Societal Impact


My Research Activities

The Diversified Project: Inclusive Education Toolkit

CoPQTI

Neurodiversity Consultancy and Auditing Project (BABS2011)

StoryBox Project

Dark Mode (Moodle Project)

Accessible Assessment Redesign project (Diversified/BABS1201)

Students as Partners Program 

Terry Cumming: Research Assistant

LifeBlood and The Kirby Institute: Trans and Gender Diverse Blood Donation


My Engagement

The Diversified Project:
https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi/diversity-inclusion/disability-inclusion/disability-innovation-institute/diversified/our-projects

ADCET 2023 Accessibility in Action Awards:
https://www.inside.unsw.edu.au/social-impact/unsw-recognised-in-the-annual-adcet-2023-accessibility-in-action-awards

Untold Stories Project:
https://www.unsw.edu.au/about-us/excellence/untold-stories/surviving-to-thriving
 

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Location

Arts, Design, and Architecture

ORCID as entered in ROS