Living with Disability Research Centre Research Seminar Series

3:00pm - Emeritus Professor Jacinta Douglas

Living with Disability Research Centre

Living well with acquired neurological disability: The things that help, the things that get in the way

In this presentation, Professor Douglas will consider ‘the things that help’ and ‘the things that get in the way’ as they have been identified by people with acquired brain injury (ABI), their families and those who work with them and have been further evidenced through research targeted towards improving the quality of life for those living with the consequences of ABI. These ’things’ capture the essential role of the self, the impact of the family, the influence of those who work with the person, the contribution of social connection, and the effect of society through policy and legislation that shapes and supports human rights.

4:00pm - Dr Kerryn Bagley

Lecturer, Social Work, La Trobe Rural Health School

Perceptions of health and social service professionals of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a life-long disability caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol that is often couched in stigma. It is characterized by a range of neuro-cognitive and physical impairments that can affect day-to-day functioning, learning and behaviour. Whilst FASD is more prevalent than Autism, Spina Bifida and Down Syndrome combined, it has only recently been recognised as a priority health concern in Australia and New Zealand. There are no specific training programs or practice guidelines for professionals working with individuals with FASD and their families. This presentation will discuss findings from a qualitative study that examined how health and social service professionals’ own experiences and perspectives about alcohol and its risks influenced their response to this disability and their practice.