Heidi La Paglia Consulting

I’m an Autistic, disabled, mum, consultant, contractor and advocate committed to progress gender equity, intersectional disability rights and neuro-inclusion across organisations, policies and systems. My work is grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise.

Photo of Heidi La Paglia. She has wavy dark hair and purple highlights smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark plum blazer over a black top, with a pink stone pendant necklace. The background is plain light grey, and the lighting is soft and even.

Thanks for being here! I’m Heidi La Paglia, an independent disability rights consultant based in Hobart, working nationally to advance equity, gender equality and neuro-inclusion across policy, practice and community.

With more than a decade of experience in advocacy, research and reform, I work alongside government, service providers and representative organisations to create change that is both evidence-based and grounded in lived experience. My approach combines human rights law, co-design, and intersectional frameworks — ensuring reforms don’t just look good on paper, but make a real difference in people’s lives.

Whether you need support designing inclusive policies, facilitating meaningful engagement, or strengthening your organisation’s human rights approach, I’ll work with you to meet your goals and deliver outcomes that matter.

Get in Touch!

My Services

Policy and Systems Reforms

I work with governments, agencies and organisations to design, review and strengthen policies through a human-rights lens. I draw on current law, research and lived-experience insights to create reforms that are inclusive, practical and grounded in evidence.

Public Speaking and Advocacy

I share insights and stories through keynotes, panels and media — connecting personal experience with policy reform to challenge stigma, inform inclusive practice and make systemic change.

Research and Report Writing

I lead or contribute to research projects that centre the voices of people with disability, families and communities. I translate complex data and consultation findings into clear, actionable reports that influence real change.

Consultation and Engagement

I design and facilitate consultations that are inclusive, trauma-informed and accessible. Whether in-person or online, I make sure people feel safe, heard and respected — so their experiences genuinely shape outcomes.

Co-design, Governance and Advisory Support

I support organisations to embed lived experience in governance, strategy and decision-making. This includes establishing co-design processes, building advisory structures, and strengthening representative participation. I also sit on a range of national and state advisory boards, providing expert input on disability policy, gender equality and inclusion.

Training and Capacity Building

I deliver tailored workshops on disability inclusion, gender equality, neuro-affirming practice and rights-based service design. My training combines professional expertise with lived experience to build understanding and capability across sectors.

Awards and Certifications

Blue and white background with photo of Heidi holding a sign with text 'I am worth more.' Heading text reads: 'WINNER to the Disability Sector Awards. Congratulations Heidi La Paglia. Young Achiever Awards. TADPAC Print.'

National Awards for Disability Leadership 2024 badge. White circle with purple rim and text: 'dli. National Awards for Disability Leadership 2023. Recipient. Rights Activism. .'

Community achievemnet awards plaque. Gold Circle containing text: 'Community Achievement Awards. 2024 Winner.'

Disability Leadership Institute Entrepreneur membership badge. Pink background with purple and white circle, containing circle: 'Entrepreneur Member 2025. dli.'

Clients I have worked with

Testimonials

"Thank you for your ongoing support and significant contribution in the development of Australia's first National Autism Strategy (the Strategy) anf First Action Plan. I am aware that you, as a member of the Oversight Council, member of Diagnosis, Services and Supports Working Group and facilitator of the focus group for Autistic Women, Girls and Non-Binary people, have worked tirelessly on the development of the Strategy and the proposed action items for the First Action Plan. This has enabled these documents to reflect the views and work of not only the Oversight Council and Working Group members, but also the critical needs and priorities of the broader and diverse Autistic community. Your contributions, and the shared lessons and knowledge members and those engaged in this process have gained from working with you, have ensured that the change we are driving is not limited to the Strategy alone, but is also influencing broader practices and policies within my department and across Government."

— The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Federal Minister for Social Services, 2025

“Thanks so much Heidi for helping us with our submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into ADHD. You really effectively captured the extraordinary number of barriers to both ADHD diagnosis and support for women and girls in Tasmania, a surprising number of which are specific to this state.”

- Jo Flanagan, CEO, Women's Health Tasmania

"We had the privilege of engaging with Heidi for some disability awareness training recently and the experience was very positive. She approached the sensitive subject matter with an exceptional level of professionalism, compassion, and expertise that left a lasting impression on the participants. Heidi exhibited a profound understanding of the nuances surrounding disability awareness, fostering an inclusive environment throughout the training. She skillfully navigated complex topics, making the content not only informative but also engaging and accessible to everyone involved. The training sessions were seamlessly executed, and Heidi demonstrated a genuine commitment to the cause of disability awareness through her lived experience. We wholeheartedly recommend her to any business seeking to enhance their disability awareness initiatives. Working with Heidi was an effortless experience, and her personable approach made her a pleasure to deal with. We look forward to the possibility of future collaborations that will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and understanding workplace."

- Manager – Business Development & Sustainability, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)

"Heidi is a brilliant researcher, analyst and policy adviser who is passionate and proactive at making a positive difference! Focused, driven and determined to create sustainable and systemic social change, Heidi is a person you can count on to get the job done. With her excellent work ethic, exceptional attention to detail and profound ability to engage stakeholders, Heidi will ensure your project runs to time, on budget and meets project objectives and contract obligations.

As a consultant, Heidi brings a depth of knowledge, wealth of experience and has the vital ability to listen attentively to clients’ needs and ensure company goals are successfully met and resources are well managed. She will be an asset to any individual or team requiring her intellect, talent and expertise… whether is be her impressive advocacy, tech wizardry or implementation of efficient processes and systems, Heidi will affect change!"
-Stephanie Russel-Farnham, Educator and Consultant EMPOWER Me Enterprises

"On behalf of the Consumers Health Forum, CEO, Dr. Elizabeth Deveny, and myself, I would like to formally recognise your contribution to the recent Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC), ' You Can Ask Me That' Consumer Panel. Your contribution was instrumental in ensuring the event’s success as a capacity building initiative for DoHAC staff. Your insights and expertise added depth to the discussion, translating the principles of consumer engagement into practical, real-world applications and providing participants with tools they can confidently implement in their work. Your involvement has set a strong example for fostering meaningful connections between stakeholders and the community and has raised the standard for future webinars and workshops."

- Judy Finn

Interim Director, Advocacy & Engagement, Consumers Health Forum of Australia

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