Connecting community: The role of indigenous management in disability care

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First published online 26 May 2025.

Why this study was done

This study looked at how Indigenous-managed disability organisations support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. The researchers wanted to understand whether Indigenous leadership and management make a difference to the quality and cultural safety of disability services.

What the study did

The researchers worked with disability service organisations in South-East Queensland. They interviewed staff and leaders from a range of organisations to learn about their experiences delivering disability supports and the role that Indigenous management plays in service delivery.

What the study found

The study found that Indigenous-managed organisations often provide services that are more culturally safe and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Key findings included:

  • Culture was embedded throughout service delivery rather than treated as an add-on.
  • Indigenous-managed organisations had stronger connections with local communities and families.
  • Participants reported higher levels of trust between service providers and community members.
  • Indigenous leadership helped organisations better understand and respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
  • Indigenous-managed organisations were more likely to employ Indigenous staff and create culturally welcoming environments.

What this means

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability experience barriers when accessing mainstream disability services. Services that are led and managed by Indigenous people may be better placed to understand community needs, build trust, and provide culturally appropriate support.

The findings suggest that Indigenous leadership should be recognised and supported as an important part of improving disability services and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Samantha Cooms, Ms. Warrika Watson and Dr. Gaala Watson

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 26 May 2025.

Why this study was done

This study looked at how Indigenous-managed disability organisations support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. The researchers wanted to understand whether Indigenous leadership and management make a difference to the quality and cultural safety of disability services.

What the study did

The researchers worked with disability service organisations in South-East Queensland. They interviewed staff and leaders from a range of organisations to learn about their experiences delivering disability supports and the role that Indigenous management plays in service delivery.

What the study found

The study found that Indigenous-managed organisations often provide services that are more culturally safe and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Key findings included:

  • Culture was embedded throughout service delivery rather than treated as an add-on.
  • Indigenous-managed organisations had stronger connections with local communities and families.
  • Participants reported higher levels of trust between service providers and community members.
  • Indigenous leadership helped organisations better understand and respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
  • Indigenous-managed organisations were more likely to employ Indigenous staff and create culturally welcoming environments.

What this means

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability experience barriers when accessing mainstream disability services. Services that are led and managed by Indigenous people may be better placed to understand community needs, build trust, and provide culturally appropriate support.

The findings suggest that Indigenous leadership should be recognised and supported as an important part of improving disability services and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Samantha Cooms, Ms. Warrika Watson and Dr. Gaala Watson

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.