Research at Scope

Scope has been active in research for the past 30 years. Support for research is provided by the Scope Research team, which functions to grow the capacity of Scope and the sector as a whole to undertake research.

Scope has an extensive research program that is internationally recognised and, in many instances, conducted with our strong academic and service partners.

Our partners share our vision for research where we aim for a better life for people with a disability and their families.

To achieve this, the Research team supports and coordinates research done by many people across the organisation.

A wide range of people from all areas of the organisation have the requisite skills and resources to undertake research, and apply these to their practice.

Scope’s research is primarily concerned with the day to day realities that people with a disability live with. The Research team has a whole of life focus and understands that people with a disability have friends and families that also need support. Scope’s research is about genuine outcomes for people today.

Scope’s research seeks to ‘See the person’ and aims to:

• Achieve greater social inclusion for people with a disability
• Deliver real outcomes for each person through our services 
• Find new ways to support people with a disability to have a better life.

Through our research we explore ways of developing new or improved technologies, equipment, treatments, services or practices. View our web resources.

At a national level Scope is a member of Cerebral Palsy Australia, which plays an active role in commissioning, designing and managing research that highlights critical policy issues. Cerebral Palsy Australia has 13 Member Organisations across Australia who work collaboratively to support people with cerebral palsy and similar conditions.

This provides a national framework for research, innovation and information sharing for the benefit of all Australians.

Visit the Cerebral Palsy Australia Learning Centre to read research reports.

Key Research Functions

Current Research - View Scope’s research projects such as The 1-in-4 poll, The Measuring Outcomes Project, Supported Decision Making, The Bridging Project and Creating Inclusive Shopping Centres.

Public Policy Submissions - Scope Research addresses key public policy issues, particularly through discussion papers and responding to Government consultation processes.

Research & Ethics Approval - Scope has a registered Human Research Ethics Committee that approves all research undertaken by Scope staff and all research wishing to enlist Scope clients or staff as participants. All application forms and information are located here.

Resources - Useful resources for disability service staff, therapists, practitioners and families of young children with disability.

Communication Resource Centre (CRC) - Undertakes critical research in the area of complex communication needs. The CRC also develops innovative tools and products that are carefully evaluated before they are released. This research and innovation is recognised internationally. The CRC has also conducted major research projects in areas such as speech pathology.

Scope Research -" I have a great idea..."

If you think you have a great research or innovation idea contact our research team to find out how you might turn that idea into a reality.