University of Melbourne researchers awarded ARC funding for Indigenous disability research

A University of Melbourne project to investigate how Australian universities can advance life outcomes for Indigenous people with disability has been awarded nearly $2 million under the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery Indigenous scheme.

Dr Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes, Professor Aaron Corn and Dr Anthea Skinner received $1,943,920.00 for ‘Improving life outcomes for Indigenous people living with a disability’. This research aims to investigate how Australian universities can advance life outcomes for Indigenous people with disability through education and employment. Indigenous-led, the study is interdisciplinary framed within Indigenous knowledges. Yarning interviews with relevant university students and staff, and analysis of policies and strategies, will identify new opportunities.

"It is a research team of lived experience of Indigeneity and/or disability who are extensively connected with Indigenous people, communities and organisations." Dr Daniels-Mayes said.

Research findings will inform improvements to university practices and policy with a view to creating new opportunities for Indigenous staff, students and future workers living with a disability.

The ARC's Discovery Indigenous scheme supports research programs led by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers and builds the research capacity of higher degree research students and early career researchers.