The Easy Read Toolbox
Join the Inclusion Revolution - A social enterprise developed by and employing disabled people
Karen Hedley
Founder and Director
Karen's 30-year career has been dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights of people with disability. Karen is based in Canberra where she has lived experience with her own disabilities and those of her teenage children.
She has a passion for human rights for disabled people, in particular inclusion, accessibility and communication. She worked with the disability community in many roles. In 2021 the idea of the Toolbox was born!
Karen is a winner of the 2015 ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Award for Lifetime Achievement in Support Work.
She has provided communication and accessibility advice and creation of Easy Read documents to the National Disability Research Partnership, St John's Ambulance Australia, the Disability Royal Commission, Rights & Inclusion Australia, Carera ACT and more.
Meet our team
Ladina Castle
General Manager
As the General Manager of The Easy Read Toolbox, Ladina is at the forefront of the Inclusion Revolution. The Easy Read Toolbox is dedicated to creating accessible written communication for people, government, and business. With a mission to promote inclusivity, the organisation teaches workshops on all aspects of accessible communication, translates documents into Easy Read, Easy English, and Plain Language, teaches other organisations and individuals how to write Easy Read and proudly employs people with disabilities.
Beyond her professional role, Ladina is a multifaceted individual. She is a devoted mum, a passionate photographer, a loving wife, and a coffee lover. Her creativity shines through in all aspects of her life.
With a diverse background in retail management, disability support, and running her own photography business, Ladina brings a wealth of experience to her current role. Her lived experience of supporting family members with disabilities further fuels her commitment to making a difference in the community.
Join Ladina and The Easy Read Toolbox in their mission to create a more inclusive world.
Kathryn Carter
EDUCATION LEAD
Kathryn is a scientist and educator with a background in science curriculum resources for primary school (most of the Primary Connections books) and education policy work for different governments. She also enjoys creating digital art. This uniquely prepared her to translate complex documents into accessible formats such as Easy Read. She is also passionate about creating new resources that educate and inspire a more accessible and inclusive society and finds the Toolbox an inspiring place to work.
Debbie
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Debbie is a disabled entrepreneur who has built a meaningful career by creating the opportunities the traditional workforce often failed to offer. With 6 years in the virtual assistant industry and 8 years in retail, she now supports advocacy-driven clients through her own VA business.
She is also the founder of Adapt Virtual Assistance, an inclusive online course and community that empowers disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill individuals to explore flexible, fulfilling careers as virtual assistants.
Nhat Tran
founder of Bridge Creations
Nhat Tran, the founder of Bridge Creations, collaborates with Easy Read Toolbox, leveraging his background in graphic design. A graduate of the University of Canberra, he completed a Master of Design Strategies in 2020, alongside a Bachelor's and Honours degrees in Graphic Design. Nhat's journey to founding Bridge Creations was influenced by his health background and a growing passion for sports and self-development, experiences that arose after encountering abuse, discrimination, and workplace toxicity. His Master's research explored the power of visual communication in health, cultivating a deep interest in promoting positive health and well-being. In partnership with Easy Read Toolbox, Nhat develops engaging images, icons, and infographics that serve as valuable learning resources for their customers and end-users.
Learn more about Nhat's services and work at:
https://bridgecreations.com.au/
Adriana Pamplin
SENIOR WRITER
Adriana is an ex-teacher, social worker and public servant who in the last twelve years turned to a career in marketing and communication with a passion for clear and accessible writing.
She has worked in a range of settings and gathered experience in education, mental health and government administration.
In 2024 she was diagnosed with ADHD. Getting her diagnosis helped her understand so many previously unexplained challenges.
She loves the written word. She has championed the use of plain language while working in the public service. Adriana believes that in a true democracy, information needs to be as accessible as possible to all.
The Easy Read Toolbox team shares her passion for clear and accessible communication and that’s why she loves being part of it.
Adriana also draws and writes poetry and designing in Canva as a creative outlet.
Megan Munro
senior Writer
Megan is a queer, disabled artist, activist, performer and producer. Having worked a ‘day job’ for 25 years, working in various education, advocacy and policy roles in the Canberra Community sector. This background set Megan up as an activist for life.
In 2018 Megan was diagnosed with I ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephomyalitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and, later Fibromyalgia. They have lived a very limited life since. In August 2024, at age 56 they got the final piece of the puzzle when they were assessed as being Autistic.
Art is everything to Megan. It gives them a voice to express identities and helps balance mental health through the processes of making.
Working for The Easy Read Toolbox gives Megan a chance to use some of their skills and feel connected to a group of people who believe in the work we do.
Jacqueline Gibb
Senior Writer
Jacqueline is a late diagnosed AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD) educator, therapist and Easy Read writer, who works out of Canberra. The focus of her work is adult Autistics and ADHDers and people who are recovering from trauma.
Jacqueline is very passionate about the “nothing for us, without us space”, and loves working with Karen and the rest of the Easy Read Toolbox team on creating accessible documents for people.
She is blessed to have had a range of work experiences that help inform and guide her work, including running and managing small businesses; working in juvenile justice, youth work, and community services; training and working as a primary school teacher; and now working as a counsellor in the neurodiversity and trauma space.
Sezi
Graphic Designer
Sezi is 22 and autistic, has a passion for being creative in visual arts and have studied graphic design for two years. Sezi's aim is to keep practicing and refining their art and graphic design projects and hope that they have a positive impact on the world. Sezi is thankful for the opportunity to work for The Easy Read Toolbox and help people with disabilities.
Some of Sezi's work can be seen at:
Taz
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Taz identifies as neurodiverse and is a self-taught artist with a passion for anime and manga style character design, along with simple cartoon styled backgrounds, objects, and animals.
Taz is excited to have the opportunity to work with The Easy Read Toolbox and contribute towards disability accessibility.
