Getting the right healthcare at the right time is important for everyone. But for people with intellectual disability, recognising when something is wrong can sometimes be more challenging. Symptoms may be difficult to communicate, and changes in behaviour can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue.
The Know Me, Support Me research project led by Margo Barr, Associate Professor with the University of New South Wales International Centre for Future Health Systems, explores how artificial intelligence (AI) could help address these challenges.
Aruma is proud to be part of this project, which is developing EarlyCare AI, an accessible mobile tool designed to help families, carers and disability support workers recognise potential health changes earlier and communicate concerns to health professionals.
Helping people get the right care sooner
People who know someone well can often notice when something is not quite right. EarlyCare AI aims to help make sense of these changes and communicate health concerns more clearly to health professionals. The information could also help to shape personalised support plans that reflect each person’s needs.
EarlyCare AI is still being developed, but it is being designed to support, not replace, the care provided by health professionals. The team is exploring how it could help people with intellectual disability get the care they need sooner.
Shaped by lived experience
For EarlyCare AI to be genuinely useful, it needs to reflect the experiences of the people it is designed to support. That means working together with people with intellectual disability and those who support them to understand the challenges they face and what could make accessing healthcare easier.
People with intellectual disability, families, carers, advocates, disability support workers and health professionals are sharing their experiences and ideas to help researchers understand what would work in everyday life.
Lisa Hutchinson, Aruma’s Senior Manager Policy Research & Clinical Governance, is contributing to the project alongside researchers, disability service providers and health professionals. Funded through the Medical Research Future Fund, the project has testing planned for 2027, followed by a pilot trial in 2028–2029.
Want to help shape the tool?
The research team is seeking input from people with intellectual disability and those who support them. Opportunities include completing an accessible questionnaire, taking part in an interview or online survey, or participating in co-design sessions.
Taking part is voluntary. You can read the relevant research information and ask questions before deciding whether to take part.
To learn more about the project and find out which opportunities are currently available, visit the Know Me, Support Me research page.
