Creating a More
Inclusive Future
Inclusive (Disability)Advisory Panel
At Valued Lives, our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion drives everything we do. To further this mission, we have established the Inclusion (Disability) Advisory Panel—an independent group amplifying the voice of lived experience to shape the decisions of our Board and Leadership Team.
This partnership represents a transformative step forward in how we support our communities. Together, we’re reshaping support systems, empowering individuals, and strengthening collaboration to advocate for a future where everyone belongs.
This initiative reflects our dedication to continuous growth as an organisation and our belief in building a truly inclusive future.
Responsive
We react with positivity and accountability, pursuing and upholding excellence.
Driven
We go the extra mile with passion, motivated by our conviction and unwavering determination.
Adventurous
We push boundaries, challenge the status quo and seek new ways to inclusion.
Lively
We wholeheartedly embrace a vibrant spirit, thriving on the unique strengthes of people.
Meet our Board Members
To provide an authentic voice of disability our Board of Directors is made up of individuals with disability or family members of people with disability. These members represent 75% of the Board as outlined in our constitution. All members are highly skilled directors who meet nine times a year to establish the organisation’s strategic plan and drive its development.
Dr. Rita Kleinfeld-Fowell (she/her)
Board Member
Rita is an inspiration to many. Despite being legally deaf and blind, she has achieved remarkable success.
After fighting to attend mainstream education in the UK as a child, she went on to graduate with a first-class law degree, was awarded a doctorate and is now a Senior Solicitor at Tom & Co Legal in Australia.
When she arrived in Australia, she faced challenges accessing individualised support, which prompted her to work as a Support Coordinator, where she could drive change from the ground up.
As the Valued Lives Chair, Rita advocates for open employment and inclusive living for people with disability. She emphasises the importance of connection and commends the unwavering commitment of the organisation to helping people with disability find open employment and live a life of their choosing.
Cole Vindevoghel (he/him)
Board Member
Cole has extensive global experience in technology and project management. His focus is driving change, project governance, strategy, process improvement and standardising business systems to improve performance.
A Singaporean-born Canadian, Cole has worked in North America, Southeast Asia, India, and Europe before settling in Australia in 2006.
In 2023, Cole joined the Valued Lives Board, to support people with disability to live their best life and have a meaningful role in society, regardless of the form it takes.
Cole’s commitment to fostering meaningful roles in society aligns with Valued Lives’ mission of providing real opportunities for people with disability to achieve valued lives.
Cole is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), and holds a Bachelor of Management in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, and Management Information Systems
Jane Forward (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer
In 2021, Jane became the CEO of Valued Lives, bringing with her three decades of experience in human services. As a family member of a person with a disability, Jane is deeply committed to human rights and fostering strong community connections.
Under her leadership, Jane established the Valued Lives Disability Inclusion Panel to amplify and celebrate the voices of people with disabilities while shaping the organisation’s future direction.
Her focus is on strengthening Valued Lives’ co-design capabilities to ensure participants take the lead in designing their supports.
Jane is proud to lead a dedicated and passionate team that places participants at the heart of Valued Lives’ mission.
She holds qualifications in Social Work, Management, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and serves as a member of the NDS State Committee.
Colin Twist (he/him)
Board Member
Colin has extensive experience in global business. He is driven by a service-oriented approach, with a focus on sustainability, client engagement and commercial success.
Colin joins the board as a person with lived experience, as a dedicated father to a young man with Autism. Despite the complexities and inherent challenges of accessing support systems, Colin has been a strong advocate for his son’s mainstream integration and committed to helping him lead a life filled with purpose, control and success.
As a result, his son has achieved multiple milestones including finishing school, getting his driver’s license, earning a Certificate IV in Cyber Security, and getting a government job.
He believes setting meaningful goals and achieving them brings fulfilment and encourages us to live our best lives.
Colin has a background in operational roles and shifted to Cyber Security after dealing with severe PTSD due to deployments as a first responder in Papua New Guinea.
Ross Kyrwood (he/him)
Board Member
Ross brings over 35 years of experience in human services, beginning his career as a youth worker and advancing into leadership roles, including CEO. In 2024, he joined the Valued Lives Board, where he continues to advocate for ethical and accountable leadership, drive innovation, and create environments where people can thrive.
As a director at Valued Lives, Ross is committed to ensuring the organisation delivers person-centred support, empowering individuals to actively participate as valued members of an inclusive society and achieve their goals and aspirations.
Ross holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from Curtin Business School, underscoring his expertise in guiding organisations toward meaningful and lasting impact.
Awards we've received
- 2022 Property Council WA Award for ‘Best Diversity or Inclusion Initiative’
- 2021 Disability Support Award for Excellence in Innovation Award
- 2021 Disability Support Award for Excellence in Home and Family Support Award
- 2019 Disability Support Award for Excellence in Improving Employment Opportunities
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