1572 - CONNECTUP: CITIZEN SCIENCE INFORMED ONLINE PLATFORM TO INCREASE SOCIAL CONNECTION, PHYSICAL HEALTH, AND MENTAL WELLBEING IN PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY AND CARERS.

Session: D08S0013 - Digital Media, Technology & Health 3
AUTHORS:
Kwasnicka Dominika (Univversity of Melbourne ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Naccarella Lucio (Univversity of Melbourne ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Rawstorn Jonathan (Deakin University ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Quested Eleanor (Curtin University ~ Perth ~ Australia) , Thompson Craig (Curtin University ~ Perth ~ Australia) , Mcveigh Joanne (Curtin University ~ Perth ~ Australia) , Sinnott Richard (Univversity of Melbourne ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Robinson Suzanne (Deakin University ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , O'Halloran Paul (La Trobe University ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Wadley Greg (Univversity of Melbourne ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Lau Annie (Macquarie University ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Tiedemann Anne (University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Maddison Ralph (Deakin University ~ Melbourne ~ Australia)
Abstract text:
Introduction
ConnectUp is a digital platform co-designed to support people with disabilities and carers in forming social connections and engaging in community-based physical activity. The platform enables users to find local activity partners, connect online, and meet in their local area to participate in physical activity sessions. Users can also share reviews of accessible locations.


Purpose
This study aimed to develop a platform that responds directly to users' needs and preferences.


Method
We conducted 12 iterative co-design workshops with 15 participants (people with disabilities and carers), facilitated by researchers with lived experience of disability. Participatory techniques included paper prototyping, app interface critique, prioritisation tasks, and guided discussions. All sessions were video recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis across multiple data sources, including transcripts, participant drawings, and session notes.


Results
Three interconnected central themes emerged:
(1) Accessibility by design - ensuring usability for a broad range of abilities;
(2) Genuine inclusion - participants emphasised the importance of being involved not only in design but also in ongoing platform governance and implementation; and
(3) Citizen science potential - participants saw value in contributing localised knowledge to build a living database of accessible, enjoyable spaces, fostering both research engagement and health promotion.


Conclusions
This co-designed platform is currently being trialled in Western Australia and will be scaled nationally. Preliminary feedback highlights its potential to enhance social connection, physical activity participation, and mental wellbeing. ConnectUp also offers a transferable model for developing inclusive digital health interventions in collaboration with other marginalised communities, including culturally and linguistically diverse populations. This work illustrates how participatory digital tools can advance applied psychology goals by addressing systemic barriers to health equity, social inclusion, and community engagement.