We’re thrilled to share some incredible news – Dr Karla Seaman, Executive Lead Community Living at ConnectAbility, has won the Best Sector Impact category at the 2025 Australian Disability Service Awards (ADSA)!
Karla attended the awards in Melbourne alongside our CEO, David Carey, representing ConnectAbility with pride at the industry’s premier celebration of excellence in disability services.
The win recognises Karla’s outstanding leadership, innovation and evidence-based approach to driving real and measurable change across the sector.
With a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology and a PhD in Pharmacoepidemiology, Karla is a respected researcher whose work bridges policy, data and practice.
Karla shared her gratitude following the win:
“It’s such an honour to receive this recognition. I’m so proud to be part of a team that constantly strives to deliver meaningful, person-centred support. Every success we achieve is shared with our incredible staff and customers. This award belongs to all of us at ConnectAbility.”
The Best Sector Impact Award celebrates changemakers who challenge systemic barriers and deliver sustainable improvements in service quality and inclusion. Karla’s impact reflects the heart of our organisation – combining compassion with evidence to make a lasting difference.
David has expressed how proud he is of Karla and her dedication to ensuring that reforms move beyond theory to create real, positive change in the lives of people with disability, noting that it is a true testament to her impact that her name was the only one put forward by the panel.
Adding to the excitement, ConnectAbility has also recently secured a half-million dollar grant as part of a national pilot aimed at defining what quality Supported Independent Living (SIL) care looks like. As one of 44 organisations from across Australia chosen to play a key role in the study, our role will focus particularly on people with complex needs. More information in the September issue of Hunter Disability Magazine (page 15).
With major milestones like these, it’s safe to say that everything is happening at ConnectAbility!
We couldn’t be prouder of Karla and the entire team for their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality support. This win is a celebration of not just one person’s efforts, but of the shared values and hard work that define who we are.
For more information on our current SDA vacancies among our 21 beautiful properties in Newcastle and the Hunter, visit Supported Independent Living – ConnectAbility Australia. Get in touch with our friendly team to arrange a tour on (02) 4962 1000.
Dr Karla Seaman, Executive Lead Community Living at ConnectAbility, proudly displaying her award for First Place in the Best Sector Impact category at the 2025 Australian Disability Service Awards (ADSA)!