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The National Disability Research Partnership has launched its first independent grant round, investing $600,000 in disability-led research on the safety of people with disability, with more funding available in late 2025. This is the first step in a long-term funding commitment to drive systemic change and provide better support for people with disability.
Responding to the Royal Commission
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability exposed widespread violence, abuse, and neglect, along with multiple systemic failures. The NDRP funding supports research that will directly impact policy and systems change, focusing on the needs and insights of people with disability in areas such as the NDIS, health, education, housing, and safe and accessible communities.
“Governments are currently implementing their response to the Royal Commission's findings,” said Mary Sayers, CEO of NDRP. “Disability-led research can help inform these policy decisions and service improvements.”
Why co-design matters
Co-design is at the heart of this funding, ensuring research is not just about people with disability but led by and with them.
“Too often, research has been done on us, not with us,” said NDIS and Disability Policy Specialist, Jane Britt. “This funding puts people with lived experience in the driver’s seat.”
Continued investment
This is the first in a series of funding rounds aimed at strengthening disability-led research in Australia.
“We are pleased the Australian Government, in a commitment to Australia’s Disability Strategy, has committed almost $14 million to support the NDRP to fund research led by and with people with disability. This means people with disability will be creating solutions to the issues that matter most to them,” said Mary Sayers.
What’s next?
Applications for Round 1 funding close on 28 April 2025. Details on Round 2 funding will be announced later this year.
