Who we are
Disability Rights Connect is an independent consultancy specialising in legal and policy reform to advance the rights of people with disability.
We help bridge the gap between disability rights principles and real world change.
We work with governments, advocacy organisations, universities and service providers to develop and influence inclusive, rights-based reforms that are both principled and practical.
What Drives Us
Grounded in rights. Driven by lived experience.
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Emily Cukalevski founded Disability Rights Connect to address the disconnect between disability rights in principle and inclusion in practice.
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We believe that people with disability, including children, and their families and supporters, must be at the centre of reforming laws, policies and systems that shape their lives.
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Our work is grounded in a strong human rights-based approach, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
We combine principle with pragmatism — ensuring every project is co-designed, accessible and accountable.
Meet Emily
Emily Cukalevski is a disability rights lawyer and policy strategist. She brings a rare combination of legal expertise, reform experience, and family insight.
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Emily holds a Master of Laws in International Disability Law and Policy (First Class Honours), and has worked with the Disability Royal Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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Disability has always been part of Emily's life— first as a sibling, now as a parent to a spirited preschooler and a cheeky toddler who also happens to have a disability.
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Through personal and professional experience, Emily is committed to designing reforms that are principled, pragmatic, and grounded in lived experience.
What we do
Turning evidence and experience into inclusive reform
We help you translate your goals into clear, persuasive, rights-based solutions.
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Legal and Policy Reform
We write submissions, reports, roadmaps and strategy documents that turn human rights, lived experience and evidence into actionable reform proposals.
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Legislative & System Reviews
We review policies, frameworks and laws against CRPD obligations and Disability Royal Commission recommendations, with rigour and clarity.
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Research Translation
We bridge the gap between research and real-world change, turning academic findings into reform-ready proposals that speak government’s language.
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Co-Design & Strategy Development
We design and facilitate inclusive processes to ensure genuine co-design of strategy and implementation plans.
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Disability-Inclusive Tech & AI Advice
We provide expert input on ensuring disability rights are embedded in emerging technologies — including AI-enabled tools and digital platforms.
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