Inside Inclusion: A diary of working toward inclusion

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My name is Kathy Cologon. I am Associate Professor and Associate Director Children, Families and Community at the Children’s Voices Centre at Charles Sturt University. My research focuses on inclusion, inclusive education, and disability studies – and the experiences of perspectives of children within all of these.

Welcome to my blog! This is a space where I share a little about the wonderful people I meet and the everyday experiences I have as we work together toward inclusion through research and advocacy.

  • A NUMBBA of possibilities!

    Jo Grimmond and Kathy Cologon working together online

    I had a wonderful time today meeting with Jo Grimmond talking about her wonderful research plans as she continues to share and develop her NUMBBA tool.

    Through her research, Jo has created the fabulous Numeracy and Mathematics Block-Based Assessment (NUMBBA) for early childhood education. I’m loving exploring with Jo the exciting possibilities for further research, development, and sharing of NUMBBA.

    In early childhood settings, assessment is an important part of planning for children’s learning, but it can be difficult to find tools that fit naturally within play-based environments and create spaces for every child to show what they know, whilst also supporting educators in their practice and confidence around mathematics.

    NUMBBA approaches assessment in a different way to traditional assessments. Using block play, educators can observe children’s mathematical thinking in action and gain insights into key areas such as patterning, symmetry and number. These areas are important foundations for later mathematical learning and I love hearing Jo’s stories of the wonderful creations children make within this assessment process!

    What makes Jo’s work particularly valuable is that NUMBBA is supported by practice resources that help educators build their confidence and knowledge of early mathematics, and support educators in planning next steps for children’s learning.

    I’m excited for what Jo is doing with NUMBBA to support more and more educators to recognise and extend the rich mathematics already present in children’s play!

    If you want to learn more about NUMBBA do check out this overview: https://research.csu.edu.au/collaborate-with-us/agripark-commercialisation-and-innovation/commercialisation-and-innovation/investors-and-industry/numbba-assessment-practice-supports

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  • Children’s Voices Conference 2026

    To all my wonderful colleagues out there, you are warmly invited to register and submit an abstract for our Children’s Voices Conference 2026.

    The theme for our conference is “Creating a more inclusive world for children” – a theme I am very excited about.

    This is a FREE international conference (with FREE registration, FREE abstract submission, and it is FREE to attend)!

    If you are a practitioner, established or emerging researcher, or research student, doing work with, for, or about children (from early childhood through to adulthood), this is the opportunity to share your work! Abstracts are open now and close on Monday 11 May 2026. All abstracts are considered by the scientific review committee and outcomes will be notified in July.

    The conference will run from Sep 1-3 2026. All presentations will be prerecorded and streamed online, with perpetual access to presentations.

    Our previous conferences have attracted approximately 1,500 participants from around the world, along with countless presentation views post the conference.

    As co-chair, along with the wonderful Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod and Associate Professor Tamara Cumming , I couldn’t be more excited to invite you to register, present, and share widely!

    For more information go to: https://childrensvoicesconference.csu.domains/

    I look forward to hearing about your work!


    Image description: An orange tile with the Charles Sturt University logo and the following words:
    Children’s Voices Conference 2026:
    Creating a more inclusive world for children!
    Submit your abstract and register now for this FREE international conference that will run from Sep 1-3 2026
    For more information go to: followed by a QR code for the website https://lnkd.in/g3cGqD7F
    The image on the tile shows a group of seven children holding hands, smiling and running towards the camera.

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  • Authentic Inclusion Conference, Melbourne

    A photo of Kathy Cologon, Harry Sencek, Pia Bolger, and Owen Roberts standing on the conference stage in front of a poster for Down Syndrome Victoria and a poster saying 'Disability Inclusion, Education for All'.

    It has been my absolute privilege to present at the Down Syndrome Victoria Authentic Inclusion Conference in Melbourne this week.

    The highlight of the conference for me was getting to chair a panel with these three amazing humans: Pia Bolger, Harry Sencek, and Owen Roberts. Deep thanks to each of you for sharing your experiences of inclusive education, and your wisdom and ideas, to a room of wonderful and committed educators!

    Image description

    A photo of Kathy Cologon, Harry Sencek, Pia Bolger, and Owen Roberts standing on the conference stage in front of a poster for Down Syndrome Victoria and a poster saying ‘Disability Inclusion, Education for All’.