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Outcomes and Experiences of People with Disability Moving into New Housing
What is the study about?
The aim of this research is to help us better understand the individual experiences and outcomes of people with disability who move into Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing in the community. This project involves collecting information from interviews and questionnaires with tenants and those close to them pre-move and at regular intervals up to 3 years post-move.
Why are we doing this study?
We are doing this research to find out more about the experiences and outcomes of people with disability who move into appropriately designed housing in the community. We are interested in finding out what works well for people and what could be improved so we can inform the development of future housing and services. Our research will document the lived experience and impact of new housing developments for young people with disability and help to shape innovative housing models in the future.
Who do we want to take part?
Taking part in this research study is optional. We are looking for people who:
- Are aged 18-65
- Have disability. Primary disabilities include (but are not limited to): Acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s, other neurological conditions
- Have an offer of an SDA house or apartment and/or have been living in SDA for up to 6 months
- Speak/understand English
- Have adequate communication skills to independently agree to participate. Adequate communication skills include using a variety of ways to communicate including verbal or written communication, verbal prompts, repetition and rephrasing of information or augmentative communication devices
You will be offered a $30 gift card for each time point you complete, as a reimbursement for your time. This will be provided after you complete the interview(s) for a time point. If you choose to withdraw from the study, you can keep the gift cards you have been given.
How can I get involved in this research?
If you are interested in participating in this study, please email Dr Peter Mulherin at peter.mulherin@summerfoundation.org.au or complete the form below.
A member of the Summer Foundation Research Team will then contact you to explain the project in more detail and, if you are interested in participating, arrange a time for an initial interview.
To be eligible to participate in the study, you will be required to be able to independently agree to participate. After written consent is obtained, you will be considered part of the research project. All the information you provide during interviews will be de-identified and assigned a unique code.
Research Team
| Role | Name | Role |
| Chief Investigator | Prof Jacinta Douglas | La Trobe University |
| Co-Investigator | Dr Di Winkler | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Dr Kate D’Cruz | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Dr Stacey Oliver | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Dr Peter Mulherin | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Dr Elroy Dearn | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Jacqui Naismith | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Katherine Ganzon | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Fiona Carey | Summer Foundation |
| Co-Investigator | Nancee Biviano | Summer Foundation |
This research is being funded by the Summer Foundation and conducted with La Trobe University.
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