University of Melbourne researchers awarded NDRP funding for disability-led projects
Two University of Melbourne research teams have been awarded grants through the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP), as part of a $900,000 national investment in disability-led research.
The NDRP aims to foster inclusive research that is led by and with people with disability, supporting evidence-informed policy and practice under Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031.
The grants will support 15 projects over 6–10 months to either co-design new research proposals or use co-design methods to build understanding on key issues affecting people with disability.
The successful projects were:
Psychological safety for children with 'behaviours of concern'
Children with disability who are labelled as having 'behaviours of concern' face heightened risks to their psychological safety. This project will co-design research with children and families to help schools and services move beyond exclusion and build environments of genuine inclusion and support.
Led by Dr Sarah Knight and Dr Nicole Merrick (MDHS) with Professor Christine Imms (MDHS), Associate Professor Matt Harrison and Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown (Faculty of Education). In partnership with Heads Together for Brain Injury and Yellow Ladybugs.
Dr Knight said the project brings together young people with disability, to drive research that is grounded in the real-world experiences of children with disability.
“Despite positive moves towards a more inclusive society, many children with disability continue to experience exclusion and restrictive practices at school and in other settings, particularly when their behaviour is seen by others as challenging, concerning, or disruptive. We want to change this” Dr Knight said.
“We are so grateful for this opportunity to bring together this diverse team to co-design trauma-informed, neuro-affirming research that will address the unique psychological safety needs of children with disability.”
Reproductive justice and neurodivergence
Neurodivergent communities face significant barriers in accessing safe and inclusive reproductive healthcare. This participatory project will centre neurodivergent perspectives to examine systemic harms and co-design solutions that uphold bodily autonomy and promote reproductive justice.
Led by Dr Jessica Moulton (MDHS) with Dr Sarah Timperley (Faculty of Education ), Ms Jen Hargrave (FEIT), Associate Professor Georgina Sutherland (Centre for Health Policy), Ms Stefanie Dimov (MDHS), Associate Professor Anna Arnstein-Kerslake (MLS), Professor Louise Keogh (MDHS), Dr Bronwen Merner (MDHS), and Dr Shelly Makleff (MDHS). In collaboration and partnership with University of Technology Sydney, University of Queensland Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, Sexual Health Quarters WA and Sexual Health Victoria.
Learn more about the NDRP and current funding rounds here.