New agreement will support workforce development, research and service innovation across the Illawarra-Shoalhaven
As the disability sector navigates significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the Illawarra Disability Alliance (IDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for collaboration across education, research and community engagement to improve outcomes for people with disability in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven.
The partnership brings together UOW's research expertise and educational programs with the IDA's network of not-for-profit disability support providers, which collectively deliver services to thousands of people with disability and their families across the region.
UOW Vice-President Operations Mr Stephen Phillips said the partnership reflected the University's strong and longstanding commitment to the community.
"Partnerships like this are central to UOW's Strategic Plan 2030. By aligning our capabilities with areas of local need, we can foster meaningful collaborations and deliver impactful outcomes," Mr Phillips said.
"By bringing together UOW's research, education and community engagement strengths with the Illawarra Disability Alliance's expertise and networks, we will advance evidence-informed approaches to disability support and deliver sustainable, meaningful outcomes for people with disability and their families across the Illawarra-Shoalhaven."
Community Industry Group CEO, Nicky Sloan, said "The IDA is a long established collaborative group of local disability service providers who are pleased to be partnering formally with the University in this way. This MOU will help to support these not for profit registered NDIS services to better connect with the capabilities of the University to benefit disability services across the region and will enhance the teaching and learning opportunities in the critical growth area of disability for all students across the University"
CEO of Greenacres Disability Services, Karen Burdett, said "It's a complex time to be running disability services and we are confident this agreement will create real world opportunities for teams from the region's most capable providers to work in partnership with faculties across the University to support quality outcomes for people with disability across our region."
The planned reforms to the NDIS place emphasis on foundational support and early intervention, inclusive employment and evidence-informed practice. These changes will require providers, educators and researchers to work more closely together to ensure people with disability continue to receive effective support. By combining their expertise and resources, UOW and IDA can make a difference in each of these areas.
Under the MOU, the two organisations will explore joint initiatives in:
- allied health workforce development,
- student placements and work-integrated learning,
- applied research and program evaluation, and
- shared use of facilities and infrastructure
The partnership is intended to generate practical projects that strengthen disability services, create workforce pathways and improve outcomes for people with disability, their families and carers across the region.
UOW's expertise across health, early childhood development, education, social sciences and community research will support the partnership's focus on evidence-informed service delivery and workforce development.
