Intellectual Disability
People with intellectual disability are one of the most socially excluded and disadvantaged groups in Australian society, ‘The fact is inescapable that physical or intellectual disability today equates almost ineluctably with lesser opportunities, services, social inclusion and quality of life that the rest of the community takes for granted’ (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007, p. 99).
Researchers at La Trobe are pursuing a strong and focused research agenda on the policy and practices of achieving social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. Led by Professor Christine Bigby the Intellectual Disability Research group has gained significant competitive research funding through competitive ARC grants as well as from Trusts and Government. We have strong partnerships with non government disability service providers and international researchers. We have led the way in Australia in collaborative research with people with intellectual disability. The group has several PhD students in receipt of scholarships from Industry partners including the Office of the Senior Practitioner and Life Skills. In collaboration with industry partners the group convenes an annual Roundtable on Intellectual Disability Policy.
Current projects include
- Bigby, C & Ramcharan, P. Self Advocacy and Inclusion: What Can be Learned from Speaking Up. ARC Linkage grant 2009-2012
- Bigby, C., Beadle-Brown, J. Mansell., J. Understanding Organisational Factors that Impact on Person Centred Practice and Quality of Life Outcomes for Residents with Complex Needs. Office of the Senior Practitioner Partnership grant.
- Bigby, C., Mansell, J., & Beadle –Brown, J. The role of practice leadership and the implementation of Active Support in group homes in Victoria. Faculty of Health Sciences Collaborative grant, $10,000. 2009.
- Bigby, C., Knox; M, Mansell, J, & Beadle-Brown, J. Realising an 'ordinary life' for people with intellectual disabilities: Developing a theoretical framework for group home outcomes. ARC Discovery Grant, 2009- 2012
- Stancliffe, R., Bigby, C., Balandin, S Transition to retirement by adults with chronic disabilities: increasing community capacity. ARC Linkage Grant, 2009-2011
- Bigby, C. Evaluating a reputed exemplary residential support service for people with severe intellectual disability and challenging behaviour. Office of the Senior Practitioner Partnership grant.
- Bigby, C. Making Life Good in the Community Research program grant. Department of Human Services.
- Webber, R., Bigby, C., Bowers, B. Accommodating the needs of people with lifelong intellectual disability in residential aged care. ARC Linkage.
- Torr, J, Bigby, C., Icono, T. Alzheimers disease and Down Syndrome – Pathways to Care. Hazel Hawke Research Grant in Dementia Care, Alzheimer’s Australia
For further details contact Professor Christine Bigby or Dr Tim Clement