The Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald Research Grant
Scope is one of the largest not-for-profit disability service providers in Australia, supporting thousands of people with intellectual, physical, and multiple disabilities.
Scope has awarded the Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald Research Grant to the research team from Monash University’s Krongold Clinic, which will enable co-creation of a digital toolkit that empowers young people with disability to engage in community programs in ways that builds their autonomy and competence.
The toolkit will include online resources that young people with disability can view online or download to help them set, achieve and communicate their goals in community programs, like sport and art.
The $32,000 grant will enable the researchers to understand the key barriers and enablers for self-determination of young people with disability in community settings.
The research project will build on the national award winning AllPlay program and decades of research on inclusion of children with a disability.
“We’re pleased to award this grant to the team from Monash University. We selected this project as it fits with Scope’s research priorities, including improving social participation and reducing health and wellbeing inequities.” said Kate MacRae, Scope’s CEO.
“We believe this research and toolkit will make a real difference in the lives of young people with a disability.”
“Significantly, the participatory approach that the team is taking aligns with Scope’s own co-design framework, ensuring that people with disability are not only consulted but play a central role in developing the solutions that work for them.”
The project will engage with a small group of young people with disability to co-create a digital toolkit for young people with disability that enables them to build their independence and decision-making capacity so they can participate in community programs and achieve their goals.
The research team is led by Dr Bethany Devenish, Research Fellow with the Monash Krongold Clinic at Monash University’s Faculty of Education.
“We’re excited to receive this grant in support of our work. Participating in community programs such as sports, dance or drama has enormous benefits for young people. Our aim is to build self-determination in young people so they are empowered to access these programs and seek out the necessary supports that can help them to achieve their goals.
“Young people with disability who are self-determined experience a more positive quality of life and better physical, social, emotional and academic outcomes.”
The team of researchers also includes Professor Nicole Rinehart, Director of Monash Krongold Clinic, Dr Ana Mantilla, Deputy Director Research at the Monash Krongold Clinic, and Emily Chan, Researcher. The Monash Krongold Clinic is dedicated to fostering an inclusive Australia that caters to the needs of every child facing developmental challenges or disabilities. The vision is to ensure that all children and youth, regardless of their abilities, are treated respectfully and provided opportunities to flourish within their local communities. Striving to integrate research and community, the clinic offers evidence-based, accessible, co-designed, and community-driven programs and training initiatives with a clear goal to empower individuals and promote a stronger sense of community inclusion.
On completion of the participatory phase of the project, the toolkit will be distributed across Australia to community programs via the AllPlay platform. The utilisation of the toolkit will then be evaluated.
About the Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald Grant
The Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald Research Grant was established to recognise the significant contribution of Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM to Scope and the disability sector, and her ongoing commitment to research and evidence-based practice.
In 2023, the grant was open to researchers with a disability employed at any University or other setting (e.g., community service), or students with a disability enrolled in a graduate research program at any Australian University. The grant is awarded to research aligned to Scope’s purpose and research priorities.
Dr Fitzgerald was CEO of Scope from 2012 until early 2022. Dr Fitzgerald is a champion for people with disability and their families. She successfully transformed Scope to adapt to a customer-driven and commercial environment during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
About Scope
At Scope, we work together to create meaningful opportunities for people with disability to belong and thrive.
We’re one of the largest not-for-profit disability service providers in Australia, supporting thousands of people with complex intellectual, physical and multiple disabilities. We operate across Victoria and New South Wales through more than 425 service locations and support more than 5600 people.
Our great team of people includes specialists in communication and positive behaviour support, dedicated to working in partnership with clients, carers and families.
Along with delivering high-quality services and employment opportunities for people with a disability, Scope conducts and supports research, which helps us deliver positive outcomes.
In 2023 Scope celebrates 75 years of supporting people with disability to live their dreams.
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