We do research to find how services can improve the lives of people with disability. Research helps us understand the experiences of people with disability. It also helps us find out what works well.
We use research to help:
- have a best practice understanding that informs policies, priorities, practice, and people
- people with disability and their support networks have access to information to make informed decisions
- providers and workers know about best practice to improve supports and services delivered to people with disability.
Understanding evidence-informed practice
Provider and worker practices should be evidence-informed. Our practice guide explains:
- what evidence-informed practice is and why it's important
- how evidence-informed practice can be implemented by providers
Person-centred practice
Quality services and supports for people with disability starts with person-centred practices. Our research:
- describes what it means to be person centred in everyday practice
- provides practical resources for implementing person-centred practices.
See:
Restrictive practice
Restrictive practice is ‘any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability’. Our research:
- helps increase awareness of restrictive practice use
- identifies effective ways to reduce and eliminate restrictive practice.
See:
- Evidence summary: Organisational interventions to reduce restrictive practices and behaviours of concern
- People with autism - medications for behaviours of concern evidence summaries
- Evidence summary: Interventions reducing inappropriate use of psychotropic medications in people with neurodevelopmental disabilities
Violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
People with disability experience higher rates of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Everyone is responsible for supporting people to be independent and live free from harm. Our research outlines:
- risks to people with disability
- safeguards to reduce and prevent harm.
Risk factors and prevention of violence abuse neglect and exploitation
Health risks
People with disability are at a higher risk of multiple health issues and early death. Our research identifies risks for potentially avoidable deaths of people with disability.