PRESS RELEASE: Highly competitive funding round reveals demand and opportunity for disability-led research
MEDIA RELEASE
13 October 2026
https://content.ndrp.org.au/2026-funded-research-teams-announcement
Highly competitive funding round reveals demand and opportunity for disability-led research
A highly competitive funding round attracted 176 applications requesting a combined $46 million, with 19 disability-led and inclusive research projects selected to share $4.92 million in funding.
The National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) has awarded almost $5 million to 19 disability-led and inclusive research projects focused on addressing issues that affect the safety, rights, independence and community participation of people with disability.
The funding supports research shaped and led by people with disability, recognising the expertise that comes from lived experience and its importance in improving policy and practice.
NDRP CEO Mary Sayers said having people with disability at the centre of research provides real-world evidence to policy and decision makers.
“This funding is vital for bringing organisations, researchers and people with disability together on some of Australia’s most under-researched areas.
The strong response for this funding shows growing demand for disability-led research in the sector, and the importance of lived experience design,” Ms Sayers said.
Seven of the funded projects build on early co-design work supported through NDRP’s first funding round in 2025, progressing ideas developed with and by people with disability into the next phase of research.
“Australia is going through a significant period of disability reform, and investing in co-designed research is an urgent national priority to inform this change.”
“Research is stronger and more relevant when people with disability help set its direction, make decisions and lead the work,” Ms Sayers said.
The 19 funded projects in Round 2 tackle complex issues including safety and dignity in the criminal justice system, restrictive practices and chemical restraint, inclusive living arrangements, family advocacy, relationships and sexuality, accessible mental health care, and community participation for people with disability from First Nations, refugee and migrant backgrounds.
NDRP Chair Clare Gibellini said the funded projects place people with disability at the centre of research intended to improve their lives.
“These projects are grounded in the priorities and experiences of people with disability and have the potential to generate evidence that makes a practical difference in people’s lives.
“Our goal is to make inclusive research practices business as usual, and help make sure disability research informs more meaningful disability policy.”
“This includes supporting these funded projects to share their findings in accessible ways with people with disability, communities, policymakers, practitioners and service providers.”
The funding round supports the priorities of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031. Projects were selected through a competitive assessment process involving people with disability and research expertise.
• Link to detailed project list and descriptions
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