Applications open for research grant to support researchers with disability
Supporting research conducted by people with disability for people with disability is an important part of our work at Scope.
Scope has supported research to develop a new digital toolkit that’s helping young people with disability achieve their goals in community programs.
Scope awarded the Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald Research Grant to Monash University researchers to support the co-creation of resources that build the independence and decision-making capacity of young people with disability so they can participate in community programs and achieve their goals.
Associate Professor Stella Koritsas, Head of Research, said the toolkit will help address the challenges young people with disability face in reaching their goals in community programs they are involved in, such as sport, dance, drama, scouts, and art.
“Young people with disability can experience barriers to feeling independent, making decisions, and reaching their goals when they participate in community programs,” said Stella.
“Scope is pleased to have supported this important research that will see young people with disability empowered to participate meaningfully in the community."
“Absolutely. 100%. Definitely. I have the power to set my own goals, and do my own reflection process, and make decisions that are decisions that I want to do. I'm so much more passionate about everything I do.
"Having that power to make decisions provides you with greater confidence, because it's something that you know that you want to do. All these factors have allowed me to be more confident in myself. And ultimately, when I'm confident, that's when I'm performing at my best. That's been a great beneficiary to my wellbeing, my confidence, self-esteem. Over these six months I have really loved what I do.”
– Young person when asked about whether involvement in the co-creation process had any benefits
Co-designing the digital toolkit
Monash University researchers Dr Bethany Devenish and Emily Cha
n worked closely with six young people with disability to co-create the suite of resources.
During the research, young people with disability shared their insights on what helps and hinders self-determination in community programs, and provided ideas about the types of resources that could help them achieve their goals.
These ideas were collated, and a set of practical resources were developed to help them set and achieve personal goals, manage stress and emotions, and be inspired about what young people with disability can achieve.
Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM said the research is an example of ensuring people with disability play a central role in developing solutions that work for them.
“I am so pleased to see the focus on consultation and co-design so clearly evidenced in the research. Congratulations to Bethany and Emily and the young people involved in developing these resources that are going to make a real difference in the lives of young people with disability."
In addition to the benefits of the resources, engaging in the co-creation process had a positive impact on both the young people and researchers.
“I felt privileged to work with amazing young people with disability, to hear first-hand about the impact being involved in this project had on them, and to be personally impacted myself when working with them," lead researcher Bethany said.
“We are very excited about the project outcomes and look forward to seeing the impact these have across community programs in the years to come. Thank you to everyone at Scope for making this project possible.”
The digital toolkit
The toolkit includes online resources to help young people with disability set, achieve, and communicate their goals in community programs.
The suite of resources includes poster templates, interactive quizzes, handouts, website guides, scripts, videos, and an activity card set.
Many of the resources can be downloaded and personalised prior to printing to allow young people to have full control over what information they include before they print for personal use or share with families or community program leaders and coaches.
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 $30,000 grant was open to experienced researchers or graduate research students with disability. The grant is awarded to research aligned to Scope’s purpose and research priorities.
Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM was Chief Executive Officer of Scope from 2012 until early 2022. She is a champion for people with disability and their families and successfully transformed Scope to adapt to a customer-driven and commercial environment during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Scope awards research grant to Monash Krongold Clinic to build capacity in young people with a disability
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 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.
