How Our Projects Are Tracking at Six Months

Our Seed Funding program is supporting practical, codesigned projects that improve access to health care for people with intellectual disability.

Six months in, all projects are tracking well.

Teams are building partnerships.

People with lived experience are shaping decisions.

Most projects are now shifting from codesign into delivery and early testing.

Here's where each project is up to:

1. Shape Boosting Health Literacy Through Animated Micro-learning 
   Aruma
   This project is creating 18 short learning modules featuring animated videos to help people understand the importance of preventative health.
   Scripts, storyboards and videos have been developed by co-design.
   The team is partnering with health, communications and technology experts to make sure the micro-learning modules are evidence-based, accessible, and ready to use following the pilot phase. These videos will offer a new and accessible way for people to learn about preventative health. 
   They will be targeted at people with intellectual disability, as well as disability support workers and informal carers.
    
2. New Health Checklist CoDesigned With Consumers
   Murdoch Children’s Institute
   This project is developing a health checklist for people with cerebral palsy and intellectual disability.
   An Advisory Committee with lived experience leadership has guided each step.
   The team reviewed existing tools in Australia and overseas. They have also carried out extensive consultation with people with lived experience and health professionals. Ethics approval has been received.
   The checklist is now ready to be tested with consumers and clinicians. An Easy Read version is also being developed.
   With testing about to begin, the project is on track to deliver a practical, useful tool, shaped by the people who will use it.
    
3. "Me and My Medicines" Preparing for Pilot Workshops
   Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
   This project is helping people with intellectual disability understand their medicines and their rights.
   Governance structures are in place.
   Codesign activities included surveys, interviews and focus groups with people with lived experience, supporters and clinicians. These insights have helped shape new Easy Read resources and interactive workshop content.
   Pilot workshops will take place in early 2026. Me and My Medicines will fill an important gap in resources that help people understand and manage their medicines.
    
4. Building Connections in Western NSW
   Western NSW LHD
   This project focuses on relationship building and community-led engagement with Aboriginal communities in Western NSW.
   An Aboriginal Project Officer has been recruited and is leading engagement. The team has connected with Elders, Aboriginal Medical Services, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and health services across several communities.
   Governance and stakeholder mapping are underway.
   Engagement is progressing thoughtfully and at a pace determined by community priorities. While this has extended initial timeframes, it reflects our commitment to genuine, community-led processes.
   The project remains on track to develop practical recommendations informed by Aboriginal leadership and lived experience.
    
5. Improving Dental Transition Pathways in South Australia
   Women and Children’s Health Network
   This project is working to improve the transition from paediatric to adult dental care for people with intellectual disability.
   Research staff are in place. Ethics and governance approvals have been completed. A large audit of existing transition pathways has been finalised.
   People with intellectual disability and caregivers are contributing through a Research Advisory Group and Delphi studies, using accessible approaches such as Talking Mats. Literature reviews, focus groups and early Delphi rounds are informing the development of new transition pathways and outcome measures.
   Early findings are expected soon and co-design workshops will proceed shortly.
   The project will help build clearer, more supportive pathways for young people moving into adult dental care
    

Looking Ahead
Across all projects, some clear themes are emerging.

• Lived experience leadership is essential.
• Strong partnerships help drive progress.
• Flexibility is important when working in complex health systems.
• Projects are now preparing for piloting, evaluation and sharing results across the sector.

Thank you to all project teams, partners and participants for your commitment and collaboration.