Over $370,000 in grants to fix health gaps for people with intellectual disability
Five innovative projects addressing critical health gaps for Australians with intellectual disability were awarded Innovation Seed Funding grants by the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health.
The over $376,000 program – administered by the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health with funding from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - will support new ideas that challenge systemic barriers - from poor dental transitions to medication safety and culturally safe care - with the aim of building a fairer and more inclusive health system.
Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, Scientia Professor Julian Trollor AM, said that efforts to address the inequity in health care for people with intellectual disability are crucial.
“People with intellectual disability continue to face worse health outcomes, including dying decades earlier than other Australians. These grants are about fast-tracking smart, practical ideas that can change that,” said Scientia Professor Julian Trollor AM.
Each project focuses on a key priority area, including mental health, primary and preventative health, new models of care, and care pathways and transitions. The new projects being funded include:
Health Literacy Made Simple - Aruma
A co-designed series of animated, bite-sized videos to explain health topics in accessible ways for people with intellectual disability and their supporters.
A New Health Checklist - Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
A custom tool to help people with cerebral palsy and intellectual disability — and their care teams — identify and manage health issues early. Available in both standard and Easy Read formats.
Me and My Medicines - Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
Interactive workshops and Easy Read resources, co-designed with people with intellectual disability, to build confidence around medications and how pharmacists can help.
Building Culturally Safe Care - Western NSW Local Health District
A ground-up community engagement initiative to develop more inclusive care for Aboriginal people with intellectual disability across Western NSW.
Fixing Dental Transitions – Women’s and Children’s Health Network (SA)
A full review of how young people with intellectual disability move from children’s to adult dental services, aiming to improve care coordination and reduce dental emergencies.
“These are small projects with big potential,” said Professor Trollor. “They’re practical, co-designed, and rooted in lived experience - exactly what we need to support effective solutions.
“The Centre received dozens of applications for the grants, and we selected projects based on their innovation, potential impact and focus on real-world outcomes.
“These projects have the potential to change the lives of people with intellectual disability, so we’re excited to see them in action.
Project outcomes will be shared on the Centre’s website as they become available.
Media contact: Alana Mew, 0419 929 722, alana.mew@essentialmedia.com.au
