Melbourne Disability Institute
The Melbourne Disability Institute (MDI) is an interdisciplinary research institute that was established by the University of Melbourne in 2018 following major reforms that have transformed the lives of people with disability, such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020. The MDI brings together academics, businesses, government, non-government organisations, service providers, people with disability and advocacy bodies to build a collaborative, interdisciplinary and translational research program.
Ultimately, the MDI research program aims to capitalise on national reforms and active partnerships with the disability sector to deliver evidence for transformation. The MDI research program is centred around providing much-needed data for the disability sector and broader community to address the complex problems facing people with disability, their families and carers.
The MDI research program is underpinned by four foundation principles: data; interdisciplinarity; experience-based co-production with people with lived experience of disability; and active partnerships. The MDI will facilitate research through seed funding, research translation funding and community grants, in addition to leading several flagship projects in response to priority issues raised by the disability sector.
The MDI is housed within the University of Melbourne, building on established programs and partnerships, including the Scope-University of Melbourne partnership, the Hallmark Disability Research Initiative and the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health.
Vision
To transform the social and economic wellbeing and the health of people with disability through high-quality research, teaching and training, and knowledge translation.
Mission
In partnership with key stakeholders, we will be a catalyst for interdisciplinary research and teaching that addresses complex, systemic, strategic and cultural problems facing people with disability, their families and carers. The knowledge produced through our research will be translated into policy and practice through a process of continuous engagement and innovation.
ABOUT US
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MDI Staff
The Melbourne Disability Institute has a small team who coordinate our research and engagement activities.
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Establishment Committee
The Committee is the key governing body for the Institute and consists of academics from law, public health, economics, education and the arts.
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Hallmark Disability Research Initiative
The Hallmark Disability Research Initiative was an interdisciplinary disability research hub at the University of Melbourne.
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Strategic Plan
The MDI Strategic Plan 2019-2021 is now available for download.
The MDI draws on the breadth of research activity at the University of Melbourne and is the principal body for the promotion of inter-disciplinary research in disability at the University of Melbourne.
Research Themes
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Opportunity and equity
All people with disability should have equal opportunity to access what they need to enjoy meaningful lives. This theme seeks to ensure equitable access to justice, education, meaningful employment, intervention and support, and mainstream services. Research will aim to improve outcomes for disadvantaged groups including Indigenous Australians, people living in remote and rural communities, and people with complex needs including those with co-morbidities, mental health problems, and those not eligible for the NDIS.
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Inclusive communities
All people with disability should have the opportunity to be involved in their community and participate in society. This theme focuses on the structures and practices that increase the inclusion of people with disability into everyday activities; including broader contexts such as home, education, workplaces and cities. Research supported under this theme will explore the role of services, families, relationships, advocates and volunteers in making communities more inclusive. Projects will aim to build capacity of communities to enable social inclusion and participation of people with disability.
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Health and wellbeing
Themes one and two focus on equity and inclusion, which underpin a meaningful and fulfilling life. This third theme focuses on other aspects that contribute to a person’s health and well-being, such as social determinants, lifestyle, unique health needs, child health, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, biomechanics and rehabilitation. The role of music and creative arts in enabling well-being also fall within this theme. Research will focus on the intersection between disability and health, reducing health disparities and addressing gaps that leave people with disability underserviced by the National Disability Strategy, the NDIS and the health system.
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Markets and sustainability
The introduction of the NDIS is creating opportunities for research into smart and ethical technology, effective market design, new models of service delivery, best practice approaches to consumer-directed models of technological and service development, and niche industries. Research will include economic modelling, commissioning by governments and individuals, exploration of disability services markets including the identification of ‘thin markets’ and new market opportunities, evaluation of innovative services including start-ups, and good policies and regulations for safeguarding people with disability and those who care for them.
Other projects will focus on the promotion and sustainability of a high-quality disability service workforce and innovative approaches to data collection.
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Policy and practice
All research auspiced and promoted by the MDI will seek to optimise policy and practice. This theme focuses on the best approaches to incorporating evidence into policy and practice so that we can transform the lives of people with disability, families and carers for the better. This will include promoting research approaches where key stakeholders, particularly people with disability, play a crucial role in identifying questions, interpreting results and driving change through innovative approaches to dissemination.
The MDI will incorporate a range of innovative approaches including media, leveraging partnerships, making submissions to inquiries and participating in public debate, to support academics and the sector to advocate for change and build the sector’s research capacity. The MDI is committed to bridging the gap between what is known and what is implemented.
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Democratising Disability Data
A coalition of Australian researchers and stakeholders committed to achieving safe and secure access to disability data and statistics
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Current Research
Current research projects in disability across the University (please note this is in progress and is by no means a comprehensive overview of disability research at the University of Melbourne)
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Doctoral/PhD Research
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Seed Funding
The MDI provides seed funding to support ideas and innovation in disability research.
We welcome your interest in the Melbourne Disability Institute
Sign up for the MDI newsletter to receive regular updates on:
- our research
- our strategic planning
- relevant events, news and opportunities to engage
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Radio and Television
The National Wrap - ABC
Q&A Episode: Enabled - ABC, 25 June 2018
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Podcasts
Intellectual disabilities and the fight for justice - Pursuit, 19 December 2018
Dying for Change - Melbourne Disability Institute, 6 December 2018
Taking the pulse of the NDIS - Pursuit, 6 December 2017
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Articles
Disability, thoughts of suicide and Australian men - Pursuit, 20 December 2018
'Architect of NDIS says unfair rollout holding back billions from Australians in dire need' - The Guardian, 28 September 2018
'Willing and Able' - The Financial Review, 31 July 2018
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MDI Newsletters
First Edition - October 2018
Second Edition - December 2018
Funding and support
The MDI is committed to supporting disability research at the University of Melbourne and in the broader sector. Researchers and community organisations can apply for funding to support pilot projects, community-led projects, events and research translation.
Researchers applying for Fellowships or large grants are encouraged to get in touch to discuss ways in which the MDI can contribute to help strengthen applications. Contact Tessa de Vries at tessa.devries@unimelb.edu.au for more information.
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Seed funding
Seed funding to support research ideas and pilot projects that are likely to lead to direct outcomes or further funding.
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Community grants
Community Grants are intended to support projects run by community-based organisations that build social capital.
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Event funding
The MDI can support events disseminating research on disability or shedding light on a contemporary issue related to disability.
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Research Translation
Funding intended to augment existing projects to enable the effective translation of findings into policy or practice.