The vital role carers have in the community should be a focus in the new National Disability Research Partnership, according to Carers Australia chief executive, Liz Callaghan. The new disability-inclusive research, announced recently by NDIS Minister Stuart Robert, should include, where relevant, family members and carers of people with disability within the scope of the research principles, Callaghan said.
“The lockdown has been a frightening experience, but carers have contributed to the flattening of the curve by shielding and caring for vulnerable people, from COVID-19, including those receiving the NDIS and older Australians. This reinforces why any research must specifically include carers, as they are a critical part of an NDIS participant’s life,” she said.
Speaking to F2L on the partnership NDS CEO David Moody said the organisation has been a strong advocate for the research initiative and it was great to see it launched. “Service providers and their staff need access to the best available research about ‘what works’ to achieve great outcomes for people who need disability services and supports,” he said. “NDIS pricing also has a vital role to play to ensure service providers can afford the training and development of their disability workforce to apply best practices.”
The new partnership will be led by the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne. It is intended to focus on disability and mainstream services including education, health, housing and justice, and facilitate research which recognises the diversity of experiences for people with disability.
For more information visit: https://www.ndrp.org.au.