Centre will break down barriers to understanding disability

Better support for people with intellectual disabilities will be an outcome of a unique new research and teaching centre based at The University of Queensland.

The Centre of Excellence for Behaviour Support, an Australian-first initiated by the Queensland Government, will expand national and international knowledge of intellectual disabilities and severely challenging behaviours, and improve the skills of people working in the field.

The Queensland Disability Services Minister, Lindy Nelson-Carr, announced UQ Ipswich as the home of the centre, which has $10.5 million in government funding over four years. With a focus on research, policy, evaluation and training, it is expected to begin operating in the first half of 2008.

“UQ’s track record in research leadership and its international reputation will ensure Queensland leads the way in developing world’s best practice in services and support for some of our most vulnerable citizens – people with an intellectual disability and challenging behaviours,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor David Siddle, congratulated Ms Nelson-Carr and the Queensland Government on recognising the value of a research-based approach to improving the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities.

“The centre will translate UQ’s world-class social science research and teaching into benefits for people with disabilities, their families and communities.

“It will build on research at UQ’s new Institute for Social Science Research, and in the Schools of Education, Psychology, Social Work and Applied Human Sciences, Medicine, and Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

“The research to be undertaken will then provide the bases for innovative approaches to training for those who are in the critical front line of providing support for those with intellectual disabilities.

“Australian and international postgraduate students will have new opportunities to conduct research that aims to address disadvantages experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours throughout the world,” Professor Siddle said.

Tailored postgraduate study and internship opportunities will also improve workforce skills and expertise.

A global campaign is underway to recruit key personnel including the centre director (who will be a joint UQ-government professorial appointment), director of policy research; director of research in behaviour support and director of learning and development.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the partnership with UQ was the centrepiece of the $113 million Carter reforms, which were formulated after retired judge Bill Carter QC explored better ways of supporting people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours.

Media contact: UQ – Fiona Kennedy 07 3365 1088 / 0413 380 012
Minister Nelson-Carr’s office – 07 3235 4280