Synopsis

This Grand Round highlights the experience of people with disability in healthcare. Drawing on her own journey and patient stories, Hannah explores the barriers created by inaccessible communication and bias, and the impact these have on wellbeing. Hannah demonstrates why recognising disability is essential to equitable, person‑centred care, and offers practical strategies to remove barriers, strengthen access, and build systems that are inclusive and respectful to people with diverse communication needs.

Speaker

Hannah McPierzie is a globally respected presenter, disability advocate, and educator, who offers a unique position on disability and communication. Hannah has Neurofibromatosis Type 2, a degenerative, rare disease, and has two auditory brainstem implants. A teacher in the disability sector for 15 years, Hannah acquired a disability herself in 2020, when life-saving surgery left her deafblind. Combining her learned and lived experience, Hannah’s advocacy offers a perspective on disability and the barriers faced by people navigating the health system; particularly as it relates to communication. She works with universities, hospitals and research institutes, private companies, and government agencies, building critical awareness of disability. Hannah is Chairperson of Deafblind West Australians, and a Non-Executive Director of Deafness Forum Australia.