Research reports

With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the development of state and local government plans, disability is now a key concern at every level of Australian government. The purpose of this compendium is to highlight, raise awareness and illustrate the opportunities that exist for disability researchers in Australia.

This report ranks 23 hospital-based mental health services on how often they use seclusion. The report, based on official data, has revealed that the use of seclusion has risen in Victoria in recent years, with some hospitals breaching state guidelines and failing to meet key benchmarks designed to keep the practice at a minimum

‘Many people with cognitive disability and complex communication support needs are discriminated against, and are yet to be fully included in Australian society. Because of this self advocacy groups continue to work to create an equal society where all people are included and respected. This report proposes models for how to successfully run projects in partnership with a range of organisations and self advocacy groups.

Written from the personal accounts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, researcher Scott Avery has complied a narrative that transports the reader to another world, hidden to most Australians. It is a world in which people are exposed to social inequality and injustices that most other Australians take for granted. Despite overwhelming disadvantage, these proud and resilient people continue to defy their experience by embracing their traditional culture of an inclusive society.