Kate Swaffer is internationally recognised for transforming a deeply personal terminal diagnosis into a global movement for disability rights, human rights, and social change. Diagnosed in 2008 at the age of 49 with a rare young onset dementia, she was initially told to prepare for the end of her life rather than supported to continue living it. Like many people diagnosed with dementia, she encountered low expectations, stigma, and discrimination, and a health system focused primarily on decline and death, not living. Despite this diagnosis, she is currently a PhD candidate at the Adelaide University in South Australia, and is a co-founder of Dementia Alliance International, the only group by and for people with dementia that provides peer to peer support and advocacy for the more than 57 million people with dementia globally.

Rather than accepting those assumptions, Kate chose a different path—one that has challenged entrenched negative beliefs about dementia and helped reshape international conversations, research and practice about diagnosis, rehabilitation, disability, and inclusion. As a retired nurse, she knows the support people with other conditions receive, such as rehabilitation, and has campaigned relentlessly for improved post diagnostic care including rehabilitation and disability support. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect you’ll hear from Kate is not simply what she has achieved, but how she has redefined what is possible. Kate has given over 1000 keynote speeches and is truly inspirational and will motivate you and your teams to strive for greater success. Kate is also an Ambassador for the Australia Day Council in SA, and for Step Up For Dementia Research nationally.

Availability:

2027 – unavailable due to being interstate with family.

2028 – available anywhere in SA