Karni Liddell PLY is a renowned advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, with a career spanning over two decades. Born with a neuro-muscular wasting disease Karni has risen to become one of the most respected voices in the disability community.

Karni was a Paralympic swimmer and she broke her first World Record at the age of 14 and went on to win Paralympic medals at every Paralympics she competed in. Her sporting achievements, including serving as the captain of the Australian Swim Team at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, are a testament to her determination and resilience.

After retiring from competitive swimming, Karni devoted her life to advocating for people with disabilities in Australia, concentrating on employment of people with a disability, the NDIS, Para-sport and Domestic and Family Violence. Her professional background includes serving as Manager of engagement for the Department of Disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Child Safety and Communities.

After hosting the rallies to help bring the NDIS into Australia; she then played a key role in the opening of the National Disability Insurance Agency Head Office and was then the NDIS Ambassador for QLD to oversee the rollout and it’s implementation. Karni has also been a member of the Premier’s Domestic and Family Violence Council for 3 different appointments and is a specialist and educator in domestic and family violence, particularly in the context of working with women with disabilities (Lifeline DFV Alert Trainer for “Working with women with disabilities experiencing DFV”).

Karni is an accomplished keynote speaker, podcaster and presenter. Her TED speech, which received a standing ovation, is a highlight of her speaking career. In addition to her advocacy work, Karni is a social worker and disability employment consultant, supporting organisations across the globe build more inclusive workplaces and communities.