Today we are able to announce our exciting new grant from the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) titled Children as Changemakers in Public Libraries.
https://content.ndrp.org.au/2026-funded-research-teams-announcement
The National Disability Research Partnership funds research led by and with people with disability. This will help to facilitate a collaborative and inclusive disability research program that builds evidence for successful policy and practice.
Their website states:
Nineteen projects, led by and with people with disability, get underway from August to October 2026 and run for 12 months.
NDRP has awarded $4.92 million to 19 disability-led and inclusive research projects, selected from a highly competitive field of 176 applications requesting a combined $46.27 million. Each of the awarded projects sit across three funding streams:
- Safety of people with disability: Ten projects addressing safety risks people with disability face across housing, agriculture, health care, the justice system and community life.
- Pathways to the elimination of restrictive practices: 3 projects building the evidence base to reduce and end the use of restrictive practices
- Accessible & Inclusive Communities: 6 projects working to make services, public spaces and community life more inclusive.
"Research is stronger and more relevant when people with disability help set its direction, make decisions and lead the work." NDRP CEO, Mary Sayers
Seven of the recipient teams will continue to build on the co-design work NDRP funded in its first round of 2025. This research will move the ideas that were developed with people with disability into the next phase of research.
Here is our grant
3. Children as Changemakers in Public Libraries
Children with disability are often excluded from research and decisions about the places and services they use. This project will work alongside children with disability in regional communities to understand what makes public places welcoming, accessible and inclusive for all children.
Kathy Cologon leads the project, partnering with children, families, Bathurst Library and other regional NSW libraries, community organisations and First Nations stakeholders. Through creative and accessible workshops, children share experiences and ideas through drawing, storytelling, photography, Braille, Auslan and other forms of communication that work for each child. Children help guide the research, findings and resources through project workshops and an ongoing Children's Advisory Group.
