genU partners in national research to address everyday harm in disability support
Strengthening everyday practice across the disability sector requires collaboration, innovation and a clear understanding of the lived realities of people with disability.
Over the past several years, genU has partnered in the ‘Preventing Everyday Harm’ initiative, a significant national research project led by Flinders University in collaboration with UNSW Sydney and funded through the Australian Research Council Linkage Scheme.
Commencing in 2022, ‘Preventing Everyday Harm’ brought together leading researchers, universities and disability service providers from across Australia. The research focused on identifying and responding to the everyday, often unintentional harms that can occur within support relationships — including in family and informal support contexts — and developing practical, evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for people with disability.
Everyday harm refers to actions that may seem minor, but can have cumulative and lasting impacts. Examples include speaking about a person rather than directly with them, overlooking their preferences or failing to respect their right to choice. Research highlights that these harms are often unrecognised, yet significantly affect wellbeing, dignity, relationships and a person’s sense of identity.
genU’s Quality and Practice team contributed practice-based insight, feedback and expertise to support the project. This collective input from several disability service providers has helped shape a robust and practical suite of resources, now available through the Preventing Everyday Harm website.
The ‘Preventing Everyday Harm’ website brings together tools, learning resources and real-world examples designed to build awareness of everyday harm and support more respectful, person-centred practice across the disability sector.
genU values partnerships that translate research into meaningful improvement. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and to contributing to evidence-based practice that enhances everyday experiences and outcomes for people with disability.
genU is grateful for the researchers, partner organisations and contributors, whose expertise and collaboration made this important work possible. Their collective effort represents a significant step forward in strengthening safe, respectful and high-quality disability support.
Learn more about Preventing Everyday Harm, its impact on daily life for people with disability, and how harm can be recognised and repaired.