Child Disability

Around 1 in 10 children have a disability that impacts on their ability to function in the same way as other children.

Sometimes they are born with these disabilities, sometimes they develop after birth, and sometimes they are caused by illness or injury. There are many types of disability, including intellectual, neurological, physical, sensory, and psychological, which can influence how the child thinks, behaves, and develops skills.

Disabilities can create many barriers for children and their families, which can significantly alter their quality of life.

Our vision is that all children impacted by disability and their families will live their best lives. We will support this vision by conducting an evidence- and consumer-informed program of research, underpinned by excellence in study design, analysis, and reporting.

To achieve this vision, we will:

1. Engage with children with disability and their families across all walks of life to better understand their needs,
2. Prevent or reduce disability and ensure that our research helps support meaningful and impactful changes,
3. Engage key stakeholders to improve access to services and influence policy and practice.
4. Collaborate with the community, health professionals, service providers, researchers, and policy makers.