Research reports

Held Back- The Experiences of Students with Disability in Schools

Access to education is a critical factor in eliminating disadvantage and protecting vulnerable children, and is essential to lifelong economic and social wellbeing. For these reasons, the Commission undertook research examining the experiences of students with disabilities in Victorian Schools to learn how schools are meeting students’ needs, as well as understanding where practice might … Continued

SHUT OUT: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia

Many of the large institutions that housed generations of people with disabilities—out of sight and out of mind—are now closed. Australians with disabilities are now largely free to live in the community. Once shut in, many people with disabilities now find themselves shut out.   The institutions that once housed them may be closed, but … Continued

Locked Out: Discrimination in Victoria’s Private Rental Market

This report highlights the struggles vulnerable Victorians are facing when trying to access the private rental market. It indicates that some people experience discrimination and stereotyping because of race, disability or having children, making it difficult for them to secure a home.

An Equality Act for a Fairer Victoria Final Report

In August 2007, the Attorney-General appointed former Victorian Public Advocate, Mr Julian Gardner, to conduct a review of certain aspects of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995. The review was conducted between September 2007 and June 2008. A Discussion Paper was released in November 2007 and was followed by an Options Paper in March 2008. The … Continued

Disability in Australia: Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a common cause of disability among people of all ages. Disabilities related to ABI are often complex and may cause limitations in many areas of life. This bulletin examines ABI in Australia: its causes, the prevalence and severity of disability related to ABI, and the needs of people with ABI … Continued

Forgotten Sisters – Violence against Women with Disabilities: An Overview of Its Nature, Scope, Causes and Consequence

The forms of violence to which women with disabilities are subjected are varied; physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence, neglect, entrapment, degradation, and forced sterilization and psychiatric treatment. Women with disabilities are twice or three times as likely to experience domestic and other forms of gender-based and sexual violence as non-disabled women, and are likely … Continued

Police Encounters with People with Intellectual Disability: Prevalence, Characteristics and Challenges

Closing date: October 31, 2012

This study investigates the experiences and perceptions of operational members of Victoria Police in relation to their contacts with people with intellectual disability (ID). Key interests for exploration included how frequently and in what context police reported coming into contact with people with ID, how they made this identification, and the challenges they experienced at … Continued