We work with researchers and universities to find better ways to support the people we work with.
Our research is focused on improving health and wellbeing, and the people we support help shape how it happens.
Our research is focused on improving health and wellbeing, and the people we support help shape how it happens.
What is research?
Research is when people ask questions and look for better ways to do things.
At Aruma, we work with researchers to improve our services and supports.
What this means for you
- Your voice helps shape services
- Your experience can help others
- Your ideas can improve the future of disability support.
Ways you can take part
- Talk to researchers
- Join a group chat
- Share your ideas or story
- Do a survey
All research at Aruma will
- Be safe
- Treat you with respect
- Be your choice
- Keep your information private
Our Research Governance Committee checks all projects to protect your rights and safety.
What research and advocacy projects is Aruma involved in?
Aruma is working to improve health outcomes for people with disability. Through our Preventive Health Strategy, we support participants to adopt healthy habits, access preventive healthcare, and manage chronic health conditions.
This strategy actively contributes to the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability and responds to recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.
We partner with leading universities and researchers on projects that create real change. Our current research partnerships include:
- University of Western Sydney: a five-year project to improve oral health for people with intellectual disability. The project is creating an online training program for support workers, using new tools to better understand people’s oral health needs. Aruma is helping to test this training in the Greater Sydney region.
- University of New South Wales: a five-year project to develop and test a new AI health tool for people with intellectual disability. The tool will learn how a person communicates, watch for early signs of health changes, and help health professionals create better treatment plans. The project includes co-design workshops, user testing, and a pilot trial.
- University of Canberra: a project to improve training for support workers who help people with mental health medicines. The project will create an Australian version of the SPECTROM program, with simple online training about mental health medicines, safer options, and people’s rights. People with disability, families, support workers, and health professionals are helping to design the training. A recently published journal article from this project is found here.
These partnerships are part of a broader commitment to advocacy and sector leadership. Aruma works with a large network of partners who share our focus on inclusion and positive change. Key partners include the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health and Griffith University.
Join a research project
Opportunities will come up to get involved in these research projects. Let us know if you are interested in participating. We can tell you more about the projects, like:
- who can participate
- what you will be asked to do
- how long it will take
- if there is any payment for participating.
For researchers
To seek Aruma’s participation in research projects:
Projects will only be considered if they are safe, ethical, aligned Aruma’s organisational values and strategic directions, and benefit our participants.
Complete a Research Proposal Form and email it to research@aruma.com.au.
Proposals will be tabled with Aruma’s Research Governance Committee. There is a minimum 6-week turnaround on all research applications.
Do you have any questions?
Need to get in touch? Our Research Team would love to hear from you.