Latest news, research and events from the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne
Event Recap | Closing the gap between rhetoric and reality - How can we get real change for people with disability?
The last two years have seen some unprecedented challenges for people with disability and their families. The impact of the COVID19 pandemic, proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, continued shocking testimony at the Disability Royal Commission are just some of the things people with disability have had to grapple with. It has been an extraordinary time.
That’s why MDI decided to focus our annual end of year webinar with a look back at some of the events of the last two years – and a look forward to what we think might lie around the corner.
Moderated by former Paralympian and well-known host of ABCTV's One Plus One Kurt Fearnley, our panel included well known disability advocates El Gibbs, Dougie Herd, Damian Griffis and Professor Anne Kavanagh. We asked the panel for their thoughts about what needs to happen so that we can close the gap between rhetoric and reality for people with disability, and how real lasting change might be achieved.
As expected, they did not hold back as they looked at whether we have learned any lessons from from the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on people with disability, or the proposed changes to the NDIS. It was a provocative conversation with some challenging questions from the audience and a lively and engaging discussion.
We are keen to continue this important conversation as we head into 2022. You can view the recording or read the transcript on our website here.
Job Opportunity | The Centre for Program Evaluation is seeking a Casual Research Assistant
The Centre for Program Evaluation (CPE) is seeking a person with disability to join their team and assist in delivering projects funded by the Melbourne Disability Institute (MDI) community-based research scheme. The scheme aims to increase evidence in the disability sector, and meet the research needs of community organisations by providing research support and evaluation for programs that are making a difference in the lives of people with disability, their families and carers.
The opportunity closes on 8 December 2021.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Amendment | Submission from the Melbourne Disability Institute
The proposed changes to the NDIS Act (2013) contained in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill 2021 are significant and complex. But one thing is clear - they are some of the biggest changes proposed since the scheme began. In our submission we focus on the importance of trust and transparency and on maintaining the good governance of the scheme. We think all governments should work together to ensure the scheme lives up to its original vision and delivers for people with disability. We argue this legislation should not be supported unless significant amendment is made. You can view our policy recommendations and our full submission on our website. You can view our policy recommendations and our full submission on our website.
Joint Standing Committee Inquiry into NDIS Implementation and Forecasting | Submission from the Melbourne Disability Institute
The Joint Standing Committee has begun an inquiry into the implementation, performance and governance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including current scheme implementation and forecasting.
The inquiry is broad and wide ranging. In our submission, however, we focus on a brief 10 Point Plan to ensure the NDIS realises its original vision of achieving greater social and economic inclusion for people with disability.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, An Australian Public Policy Experiment
MDI's Sue Olney joined with other academics to contribute to this new book on the NDIS and the experiences of people with disability with the scheme.
Sue's chapter, "Inclusion, Work and Wellbeing: Shifting Perceptions of Disability and Employability Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme" examines the role envisaged for the NDIS in boosting the workforce participation of people with disability in Australia -- and just how it is playing out in practice.
EH Sayers - A new podcast from Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada recently launched a new podcast to meet the people behind the data and explore the stories behind the numbers. This first episode of Eh Sayers is a heart-felt discussion on disability in the context of the pandemic. While based in Canada, many of the issues discussed will strike a cord with people with disability here in Australia.
MDI Seed Funding Program
The Melbourne Disability Institute (MDI) is focused on developing much needed evidence, data and research to address the complex problems facing people with disability in this country. To do that, we want to facilitate research that is driven by people with disability and their families and that will make a real difference in their lives.
We are pleased to announce that we have funded 8 new projects in our latest funding round. The projects, which will be announced soon, are driven by the priorities of people with disability, involve strong partnerships and have a clear path to sustainable funding. We'll be sharing more details on our website in the coming weeks. Watch this space!
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.
The Melbourne Disability Institute was established in 2018 to build a collaborative, interdisciplinary and translational disability research program at the University of Melbourne.
Questions? Contact us at md-i@unimelb.edu.au
