Research Impact from the Disability Research Hubs in 2025
In 2025, the Disability Research Hubs made significant strides in advancing knowledge, policy, and practice. Through interdisciplinary research, community partnerships, and innovative projects, the Hubs generated insights that are shaping inclusive education, accessible design, and equitable support systems across Australia.
Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub
The Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub, led by Associate Professor Anna Arstein-Kerslake, focused on building collaboration to support major funding bids and high-impact programs. The Hub contributed to national policy through a submission to the review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and co-hosted the Disability, Law and Society Network of Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand conference, attracting more than 250 attendees and 50 presentations. It secured over $170,000 in funding, including a $20,000 State Trustees Foundation grant for community legal education on the NDIS in regional Australia, and a $150,000 Victorian Department of Health Catalyst Grant to amplify the voices of women and gender diverse people with disability in obstetric care.
Faculty of Education Disability Research Collaboration
In Education, the Disability Research Collaboration, led by Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown, supported early career academics to lead interdisciplinary, co-designed research. Seven seed projects were funded, bringing together expertise from across faculties including the arts and outdoor education. The Hub continued a $360,000 partnership with the Association of Independent Schools South Australia and secured a further $96,000 grant with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools in collaboration with Deakin University. It also produced five publications and contributed to policy discussions through the Thriving Kids Parliamentary Inquiry.
Social Work Disability Research Hub
The Social Work Disability Research Hub, led by Professor Lou Harms and Dr Lyndal Hickey, demonstrated strong research momentum, submitting 13 grant applications and securing five (with two pending). The Hub produced seven publications spanning peer-reviewed articles, a report, and an encyclopedia entry, focusing on lived experience co-design, family perspectives, and service systems. It strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration by establishing a Social Work and Psychology Special Interest Group within the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Other Childhood Disability, supported two interdisciplinary RTP scholarships, and contributed to major partnership projects including work with UsherKids Australia.
Disability Design Now
The Disability Design Now Hub, led by Dr Andrew Martel and Dr Kirsten Day, continued to influence design education and practice within the built environment. Its annual Ableist Cities symposium attracted 244 attendees and centred lived experience and co-produced research. The Hub also formalised a partnership with the Summer Foundation, signing an MOU to co-deliver four disability housing design studios over two years for Master of Architecture students, embedding inclusive design principles in future practice.
NDIS Research Hub
The NDIS Research Hub, led by Associate Professor George Disney, partnered with the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing (VCCMHW) and Scope Australia, led research on hospitalisations among people with psychosocial disability in Victoria, and contributed to an NDIA tender to provide evidence to inform a the implementation of a new person-centred support needs assessment tool for NDIS participants.
Together, the hubs highlight the scale and impact of disability research across the University, driving collaboration, securing investment, informing policy, and improving outcomes for people with disability.