Centre for Disability Studies

Centre for Disability Studies The Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) is a non-profit organisation. CDS is affiliated with the Sydney School of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney.

We have been in operation since 1997 We have been in operation since 1997. Our vision is Building Capacity for Change. Our mission is to create and disseminate knowledge that improves the lives of people with disability. We focus on designing and developing research, teaching and workforce development initiatives, and clinical practice that informs disability policy and practice. Our work is guide

d by the lived experience of people with disability, and we strive to meaningfully engage people with disability in the creation, development and execution of our programs. The Centre for Disability Studies offers research, evaluation and expertise. We work with a range of stakeholders including people with disability, non government organisations across the sector, government, and family members. Through our close links with research communities worldwide we have both an Australian and international focus We consist of a multi-disciplinary team from diverse backgrounds including medicine, health sciences, education, psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, sociology and law. Our approach is person-centred and based upon the social model of disability

A huge thanks for the wonderful team at National Disability Services who welcomed Howard as an intern Admin Assistant wi...
01/05/2026

A huge thanks for the wonderful team at National Disability Services who welcomed Howard as an intern Admin Assistant with big smiles.

Howard is a member of our uni 2 beyond alumni program. Having successfully completed two years at Sydney Uni as part of our social inclusion initiative he is now progressing into our internship pathway.

If you aspire to be a more inclusive employer, please reach out to us, we have more enthusiastic interns ready to work!

New research study!The Centre for Disability Studies and the University of Melbourne are looking for adults with intelle...
28/04/2026

New research study!

The Centre for Disability Studies and the University of Melbourne are looking for adults with intellectual disability to take part in a research study about accessing allied health therapy services.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who do not currently have NDIS funding, including those who have previously had funding and lost access or are trying to get it back.

Who can take part?
• Adults (18+) living in Australia
• People with intellectual disability
• Those who have accessed or tried to access speech pathology, occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy
• People without current NDIS funding (including those who have lost access or are reapplying)

Participants will take part in a 45–60 minute interview and can choose to receive a $100 gift card or cash. A family member or trusted support person is welcome to join.

This project is part of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health.

📧 To find out more or express interest, email: [email protected]

Please share with your networks.

Now Hiring: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Centre for Disability StudiesAn exciting leadership opportunity is available...
24/04/2026

Now Hiring: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Centre for Disability Studies

An exciting leadership opportunity is available to guide the Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) through its next phase of strategic growth and impact.

As CEO, you will lead a nationally recognised organisation working at the intersection of research, practice and lived experience, in partnership with the University of Sydney. This role will drive research translation, sector influence, and sustainable organisational growth to improve outcomes for people with intellectual disability.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced executive leader with a strong commitment to social impact and evidence-based change.

📍 Camperdown, NSW
📅 Applications close: 8 May 2026

👉 Apply here: https://www.seek.com.au/job/91604088?tracking=SHR-WEB-SharedJob-anz-1

For a confidential discussion or to request the Candidate Information Pack, please contact: [email protected]

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

🎓 Applications Now Open!uni 2 beyond, the award-winning program from the Centre for Disability Studies, is now accepting...
16/04/2026

🎓 Applications Now Open!

uni 2 beyond, the award-winning program from the Centre for Disability Studies, is now accepting applications.

👉 Visit our website to learn how to apply or get in touch to find out more: https://cds.org.au/education-training/u2b/

We’re hiring! 🎉The Centre for Disability Studies and the University of Sydney are recruiting a Partnership Manager to he...
10/04/2026

We’re hiring! 🎉

The Centre for Disability Studies and the University of Sydney are recruiting a Partnership Manager to help build inclusive employment pathways for people with intellectual disability.

This role focuses on connecting with employers, creating internship opportunities, and supporting students and graduates from the uni 2 beyond program as they transition into work.

If you’re passionate about inclusion and want to make a real impact, this could be the perfect role for you!

👉 Apply now:

Applications are open for uni 2 beyond – Semester 2!The Centre for Disability Studies inclusive university program suppo...
03/03/2026

Applications are open for uni 2 beyond – Semester 2!

The Centre for Disability Studies inclusive university program supports people with intellectual disability to build skills in:

• social and community participation
• relationships
• lifelong learning

Learn more and apply here: https://cds.org.au/education-training/u2b/

🚀 We’re Hiring: Inclusive University Program CoordinatorThe Centre for Disability Studies is seeking a Program Coordinat...
01/03/2026

🚀 We’re Hiring: Inclusive University Program Coordinator

The Centre for Disability Studies is seeking a Program Coordinator to support the uni 2 beyond program at University of Sydney.

💡 Full-time, 12-month parental leave replacement
📍 On-campus role (Camperdown)

You will:
• Support students with intellectual disability to participate in university life
• Coordinate program activities and student support
• Recruit and train volunteer mentors
• Work with university staff to promote inclusion
• Manage program administration and compliance

We’re looking for someone with experience in inclusion and a passion for supporting students to thrive.

👉 Apply here: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/CDS/inclusive-university-program-coordinator-1

Allied health therapy services for people with intellectual disabilityWe are looking for people with intellectual disabi...
27/02/2026

Allied health therapy services for people with intellectual disability

We are looking for people with intellectual disability who access or are seeking access to therapy services (speech, occupational and physiotherapy).

Take part in a research study with the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies.

Eligibility:
• Be over 18
• Have intellectual disability
• Live in Australia
• Access or have tried to access speech pathology, physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy

For more information, email: [email protected]

Find more information including Easy Read resources on our website here: https://cds.org.au/the-centre/

The Prize Ceremony for Health Matters is next Thursday 26th February.Join us to celebrate artists with intellectual disa...
19/02/2026

The Prize Ceremony for Health Matters is next Thursday 26th February.

Join us to celebrate artists with intellectual disability from across Australia as we announce the winners.

📍 University of Sydney or Online
🗓 Thursday 26 February 2026
⏰ 6pm AEDT

Registrations close for in-person attendees today at 3pm.

Register here for the online or in-person event: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/health-matters-art-competition-prize-ceremony-tickets-1977681362192?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Health Matters! art competition is part of a large research project led by the Centre for Disability Studies as part of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health.

🎉 Health Matters! Art Competition – Shortlisted Artists Announced 🎉We are excited to announce the shortlisted artists fo...
13/02/2026

🎉 Health Matters! Art Competition – Shortlisted Artists Announced 🎉

We are excited to announce the shortlisted artists for the Health Matters! Art Competition.

Being shortlisted means the judges have selected your artwork as one of the top entries — and it is now in the running to win a prize. Congratulations to all the talented artists below. We are thrilled to celebrate your creativity and work.

🏆 Four prizes will be awarded
📅 Winners announced: Thursday 26 February
📍 Prize ceremony held online and in person

Shortlisted artists (alphabetical order):

Axel Andersen (VIC) – Reasonable and Necessary: The Great Feather Redistribution Scheme
Brett Roberts (NSW) – Snake River
Bridget Kelly (NSW) – Speak
Caoimhe McCooey (VIC) – Self Portrait of Who I Am
Clare Hooper (NSW) – My Places Drummoyne
Crystal Dowling (VIC) – Maladaptive daydreaming
Daniela McCormick (SA) – Ella's awesome health issues
Declan Kavanagh-Bugel (VIC) – Playing guitars, crying
Flynn Pearcy (VIC) – Midnight catch
Gillian Gehkre (QLD) – Perpetual Holiday
Holly Walton (VIC) – Amongst the Bush
Jamee Walters-Gill (VIC) – Melbourne Central Clock
Kylie Scott (NSW) – Kylie's hope clinic
Matthew Treanor (ACT) – A Mothers Hope
Roslyn Gear (NSW) – Pet Therapy
Sandon Overton (TAS) – Sunshine Smiles – Sad Storms
Shai De Vletter-Sont (NSW) – Inner Spiral
Simi Ghinisberg (NSW) – These Are the Sounds I Make #1
Ty Hardin (NSW) – NOT A NUMBER

🖼️ View the gallery:
https://tinyurl.com/yc8kza75

🗳️ Vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award (closes 13 February):
https://form.jotform.com/260191862546057

For any questions, please contact Dan Carey at [email protected]

Congratulations again to all our shortlisted artists! 👏

Address

D18/Susan Wakil Health Building, Western Avenue
Darlinghurst, NSW
2006

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61290363600

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