Empowering people with disabilities through innovative research

We ensure equitable opportunities for everyone by listening, caring, and sharing.

What is research to us?

Our approach to research goes beyond traditional methods that focus solely on studying materials and sources to establish facts and draw conclusions. Instead, we embrace an inclusive model that actively engages individuals with firsthand experience. By prioritising the voices of those most directly affected by the issue, we aim to create research that is both relevant and impactful. Furthermore, we are committed to sharing our findings in a clear and accessible way, ensuring that those who stand to benefit most from the research can easily engage with and apply its outcomes. We aim to embrace it all, unified under the pursuit we call ‘research’.

“Nothing about us, without us”

We Listen

We connect with individuals living with various abilities to learn about their experiences and challenges. We listen to understand what’s important from their perspective, using their insights to guide research, advocacy, and education.

Learn more about how we listen

We Care

We show our care by conducting meaningful research that reflects real-life experience. We support People with Lived Experience (PLEx) to participate, guide, and lead research in an inclusive and safe manner.

Learn more about how we care

We Share

We communicate our findings in a clear and accessible way. Our outreach is tailored to suit different audiences, using simple language to maximise impact. We share knowledge to improve the lives of people with disabilities and the broader community.

Learn more about how we share

Peer Group Presentations

Research Forum 27th September: Examining positive relationships between disabled people and support workers

31/08/2023

Johnny’s presentation will share the results from the study, which indicate that positive, sustainable support worker relationships depend on having clear communication, establishing boundaries, building trust and sustaining a sense of flow.

Research Forum 31st August: Diagnosis and Treatment for upper limb CRPS

16/08/2023

Exploring lived experiences of diagnosis and treatment for upper limb Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Research Forum 27th July: An Insider’s Guide to NZSCIR Data

10/07/2023

A lot has been happening with the NZ Spinal Cord Injury Registry over the past couple of years. We want to update everyone on these changes and introduce the new members of the Registry team. We’ll overview who we are, what we do & how NZ data can be accessed.

View All Past Presentations

Latest News

Lived Experience Event Invitation

10/12/2024

InternetNZ Web Accessibility Grant

05/06/2024

At the beginning of 2024, we successfully received funding to…

Research Forum 8th March 2023: Connecting with our Research Community

To kick off 2023, we are hosting our first Research Forum of the year in March.
This will be a forum exploring research priorities in the realms of lived experience of disability along with health, wellbeing and rehabilitation and how to bring them to bear in our workplaces and community.

Recruiting Now!

We are seeking participants for a study on what makes for positive relationships between Disabled People and Community Disability Support Workers in Canterbury.