Creating the Future

Imagine a future where science focuses on improving the quality of life of all members of society - where gene therapy is used to enhance health and wellbeing, and the views of people with a disability are central to all scientific and medical discussions on health and disability.

Conversely, imagine a future dominated by corporatised science - a world where those who can afford it eliminate physical imperfections through gene therapy, and those who can’t must depend on a regulated, dehumanised health system for their care and wellbeing. Economic cost determines service provision - the human cost is secondary.

According to scientist and futurist Dr Sohail Inayatullah, these are only two of many possible future scenarios, and we need to take a proactive approach if we are to achieve the future that suits us best. To this end, Dr Inayatullah will be challenging delegates to the inaugural Shared Visions conference at the Gold Coast in July to map their desired future for disability in Queensland.

"Looking at the future is not just about saying what will probably happen," said Dr Inayatullah.

"It's about looking at the different possibilities, deciding where we want to be and then developing strategies to get there. Strategies are not just rational planning measures but a 're-imagination' of the myths that define who we are and who we can be."

Dr Inayatullah highlighted the benefits of activating thought about long-term scenarios.

"Examining the future allows us to develop our understanding of society and make better decisions because we see the implications of current trends and actions," he said.

"It can help us with capacity building so that we develop our internal and external ability to adapt to alternative futures," he said.

"Thinking about the future can help us actively develop the future we prefer."

Dr Inayatullah said many sectors were already planning for an assumed future.

"Cities and the courts as well as the corrections and education sectors are all exploring their futures and asking: Is this the way we want to go? Are we accepting the used futures of others? Can we create our own perhaps more authentic futures?"