Research Programs PDF Print E-mail

Community Living Association maintains an active research program in the areas of intellectual disability, mental health, homelessness, criminal justice system, child safety and young people at risk of early school leaving or homelessness, and their families.

CLA has produced a range of publications related to these research areas. Our publications can be ordered online here.

If you have any interest on any of our research area, please contact Morrie O'Connor on 3266 5633

Current research

CLP is currently compiling a literature reivew in relation to people with intellectual disabilites and substance abuse. If you are interested in this area, please contact Morrie O'Connor on (07) 3266 5633.

CLA has also lodged an Australian research Grant Submission to research pathways on people with social disadvantage.

Publications List

  • "Journeys of Exclusion"This report explores the relationship between statutory child protection and experiences of exclusion in the lives of children and young people who have an intellectual disability. The focus being on the impacts on family and community relationships when children journey through and finally exit the care and protection of the state. (DOWNLOAD - Journeys of Exclusion)
  • "Working It Out." - Resourcing a Response to Young People who are homeless and have an intellectual disability. This report discusses the experience of the ARROS pilot project in working with young people with an intellectual/learning disability who are homeless.
  • "VOICES (1 & 2)" - People with an Intellectual Disability and Victims of Crime. Part A: Preventing Crime, Abuse and Exploitation within Services; Part B: Healing and Moving On. A resource manual for preventing and dealing with crime, abuse and exploitation of people with learning difficulties within services and for assisting people to recover from the trauma and move on with their lives. (DOWNLOAD - Part A ; Part B)
  • "Talking About Schools" - People with learning difficulties share their experiences of being bullied at school. Aims to enable the identification and intervention in bullying that exists in schools
  • "No Less Perfect"; the video - - People share their experience of life with an intellectual/learning disability. They explore work, school bullying, parenting, difference and their hopes and dreams.
  • "Normal is Everyone":Working with people with a Learning Difficulty - This manual shares knowledge and practice experience. The manual is in two parts: Part A - 'I might have a learning difficulty and I am not ever going to accept anyone calling me dumb - Definitions'. Part B - 'I have a learning difficulty and I'm no different from you. I can be hurt and I can be happy - Dimensions of Practice'.
  • "I need to sort my head out": Mental Health & Well-Being in the Lives of People with a Learning Difficulty - Report of the Dual Diagnoses Project.
  • "Lose the Stress . You can Relax"CD & DVD for people wanting clear practical guidance to reduce stress and anxiety. Features easy muscle relaxation exercises that quickly and effectively shift stored up stress.
  • "Talking About Bullying": People with a learning difficulty creatively address the issue of bullying in our community. This book identifies some significant impacts of bullying through the discussion of personal experiences and outlines one group's quest to create awareness and develop strategies to stop bullying.
  • "All of Us": This booklet promotes an inclusive community for people with intellectual disabilities.
  • "Which Way is Justice?: A Practice Manual for supporting people with an intellectual disability in the criminal justice system" - This manual is a resource for workers who have contact with people with an intellectual disability, or other impaired decision making capacity. It provides information on the Queensland criminal justice system, and ways to assist people with impaired decision making in this system. (DOWNLOAD - Which way is justice)

All these publications are now availbale to be downloaded online. We welcome feedback and comments. Please contact Morrie O'Connor on (07) 3266 5633 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Note: You will need Adobe Reader to read these documents.

If you would like a printed copy, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it