A new addition to the Disability Research Collection

We are excited to let you know about the addition of a Topic in Focus within our Disability Research Collection, which was established by the National Disability Research Partnership. Director, Brigid van Wanrooy explains what this Topic in Focus is all about and why it makes a great addition to APO.

The National Disability Research Partnership

The National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) will facilitate a collaborative and inclusive disability research program that builds the evidence for successful innovation in policy and practice. The Commonwealth government has provided seed funding to establish the NDRP. The NDRP has partnered with APO to establish the Disability Research Collection which aims to share evidence and knowledge on a range of topics for people with disability, families, allies and supporters, policy makers, researchers, advocates, service providers, and practitioners. Anyone can subscribe to the regular newsletter which is packed with the latest research from the Collection, as well as updates on the NDRP.

A new Topic in Focus

Back in 2009, the National Disability Research Special Account was established to fund joint disability research and data activities under the National Disability Agreement. The Commonwealth, State and Territory governments contributed a little over $11 million in total to the Account.

Open funding rounds took place in 2012, 2015 and 2020. Selected projects demonstrated research relevant to the outcomes of the National Disability Agreement, the National Disability Research and Development Agenda and the National Disability Strategy. The outcomes from the research projects helped inform and build the evidence base for the new National Disability Strategy.

The new Topic in Focus, Nationally-funded research: 2012-2021 brings together, preserves, and makes accessible over 20 research reports that resulted from this funding. Policymakers, practitioners, people with disabilities, advocates and researchers from Australia, New Zealand and around the world can now access these research reports as part of the Disability Research Collection.

This diverse collection of reports covers a range of important and pertinent topics, such as:

• community attitudes towards people with disability
• improving service delivery for people with disability
• building community inclusion of people with disability
• improving understanding and supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability
• housing for people with disability
• mapping capacity and knowledge in the Australian disability services sector.

Because these reports were funded and implemented under a cross-jurisdictional arrangement, the information contained in the research does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Australian Government or any state or territory governments.

It is commendable that the funders of the research were keen to preserve the outputs of this large investment and make them publicly accessible to a wider audience on APO. In doing so, we are helping build the evidence base, reducing duplication, and thereby maximising the return of every valuable dollar spent on disability research. It is hoped that this collection of reports can inform decision-making and the development of further research.