Latest news, research and events from the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne

Seed Funding Round
Now Open!

We are pleased to announce that our Disability Research Seed Funding Round is now open. The funding is designed to support University of Melbourne researchers working on small to medium sized projects at the discovery or pilot end of research. We are looking for projects that are driven by the priorities of people with disability, likely to have practical outcomes, involve strong partnerships and have a clear path to sustainable funding.

Our focus this year is on funding projects conducted by and with people with disability and/or their families. Projects must address a topic of importance to people with disability and demonstrate how people with disability are involved in every aspect of the research.

We want to support research projects led by and with people with disability and will make a difference in their lives.

Drop-in sessions
We are running drop-in sessions for interested academics to discuss their idea or ask any questions. The sessions will allow potential applicants to receive guidance on the seed funding requirements, guidelines and eligibility, and seek answers to any questions specific to a project before submitting an application. The MDI team can also help make relevant introductions which would help the project. 

You can book a drop in session and access the Seed Funding Application Information Pack and Application Form via the buttons below or on our website here: https://disability.unimelb.edu.au/research/seed-funding

Questions? Contact us at md-i@unimelb.edu.au.

Not every person with disability is eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. We want to know how people who are not eligible for the NDIS are faring when it comes to supports and services. Our research team is looking to understand if and how people with disability aged between 18-65 are using services and supports to meet their needs and to participate in the economy and the community. 

How can you get involved?
Two important sources of evidence for this project are online surveys for people with disability aged 18-64 years living in Victoria, Tasmania or South Australia who do not have NDIS funding, and for their families and carers. The surveys are open during August and September 2021. 

Take the survey for people with disability

Take the survey for families and carers

Please share these survey links with anyone you think would be interested.  Completing the surveys is voluntary and responses are anonymous. If you have questions or would like more information about the project or the surveys, please visit our website or contact us at md-i@unimelb.edu.au.

The Melbourne Disability Institute's Community Based Research Scheme provides funding to research and evaluate great community based initiatives making a difference in the lives of people with disability. We do this by linking community organisations to researchers or students who can provide research and evidence to help demonstrate impact and outcomes. We are absolutely delighted to announce the latest recipients and look forward to working with them:

Aspergers Victoria Incorporated - Teens Work Know How Program - for neuro-divergent students
The Aspergers Victoria Teens Work Know How program offers autistic teens in the mainstream school system with a positive and supportive pathway to work experience. This project will evaluate the impact of work experience , including the impacts on attitudes and understanding of host employers and their staff about autistic team members.

Amaze - One-to-one Peer Support Program for carers of Autistic Children with complex support needs
Amaze is the peak body for autistic people and their supporters in Victoria.  This project will help determine the best models and frameworks for a new 1-to-1 peer support program targeted to the primary carers of autistic children with complex support needs.

Barwon Disability Resource Centre - Community Diversion Pilot Program for Young People with a Disability
The Barwon Disability Resource Centre Community Diversion Pilot Program helps to divert young people with a disability away from the criminal justice system. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot to both improve practice and to share key learnings with the broader community.

BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) Community - Meeting the Missing Middle with Relational Support
BPD Community is a grassroots, peer led, independent not for profit organisation dedicated to providing a voice for all members of the BPD community in Victoria. This project will evaluate the model of relational support with a view to further developing peer support for people with BPD.

Disability Resources Centre - The Buddy Network
The Disability Resource Centre Buddy Network matches trained supporters who have lived experience of disability with others in the community waiting for individualised advocacy support.  This project will evaluate the strengths of this innovative approach and the ways it could fill an important gap for many advocacy services.

Fragile X Association of Australia  (FXAA) - Supporting the Fragile X community virtually: what works?
The Fragile X Association supports people who are impacted by Fragile X and works to raise awareness of Fragile X-associated disorders. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of their virtual support programs and activities and will help to inform the design, delivery and evaluation of future supports and activities.

Genetic Support Network of Victoria - Genetic Support Group Database
The Genetic Support Network of Victoria provides education, advocacy and support to people with genetic conditions and those who support them. This project will evaluate the usefulness of a database of support groups for those with rare and genetic conditions and explore ways to expand and improve support.

Keys of Life - Enabling all students with disabilities and their families to access and benefit from instrumental music lessons
Keys of Life trains instrumental music teachers to teach students with disabilities, connects families with trained teachers and creates a community where students, families and teachers can come together to share in and benefit from music. This project will examine the benefits of learning an instrument for children with disability and explore the key features of a successful learning program.

Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Australia - Finding the Gaps
SWAN supports families with children who have disabilities associated with undiagnosed or rare diseases. This project seeks to collect data to help to identify gaps and barriers in accessing services and supports.

VALID Inc. - Advocacy for Absolutely Everyone
The VALID advocacy program provides one-on-one assistance for a person with disability to help solve a problem. This project will look at key features and costs of successful advocacy programs that support people with complex needs and their families.

Stay tuned to our website.  We'll share another update shortly as the projects begin to take shape. If you have questions about the Community Based Research Program, please contact Campbell Message at campbell.message@unimelb.edu.au.

Find out about opportunities and events that are happening in the community below. Interested in promoting your event, sharing a job posting, research opportunity or another item of interest? Send the details through to Sara.Donaldson@unimelb.edu.au.