Rookie researchers present their findings
Research Assistants Geoff, Marcus, and Nell gave a presentation about their experience learning how to become researchers and presented the findings of their research project.
Together with five other clients, Geoff, Marcus, and Nell undertook a 10-week course designed by Scope’s research team for people with intellectual disability to learn about what research is and how to carry it out.
“At the course, we learnt about how important research is,” said Geoff. “We learnt about how it can give people a voice to speak up about things that are important to them. We collected and analysed data, and we were shown how to present results. We also learnt about how to do ethical research which means that it is safe for everyone.”
Geoff, Marcus, and Nell also presented the findings of their research project on how to support people with disability to live independently. They found the most important things to live independently were accessible housing and feeling secure.
“We decided on this topic because there was not much previous research, and we know that people with disability want to live more independently and with more choice. Also, because NDIS and service providers are interested in this topic,” said Geoff.
A/ Professor Stella Koritsas, Head of Research, and Dr Caroline Hart, Research Officer, who designed and delivered the training, highlighted Scope’s commitment to involving people with disability in research that affects their lives.
“As we strive to further embed research ‘by’ and ‘with’ our clients throughout the organisation, we hope to provide a more inclusive, empowering environment for our clients,” said Stella.
“The work aims to meaningfully involve clients to shape the organisation’s research agenda, carry out research, and have their research inform the wider disability sector.”