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 evidence 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-based research, 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.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Melbourne Disability Institute

Vision

Mission

Research Themes

NDIS Housing Pathways Project

Inclusive City of Melbourne

Accessing the Home

Smoking Behaviours among People with Intellectual Disability

Violence against People with Disability - the numbers

Community Disability Inclusion in India

Co-research Training Program

Funding and support

Articles

Radio and Television

MDI Newsletters

Melbourne Disability Institute