VisionBy 2010, <strong>Novita</strong> will be a recognised andcelebrated world leader in the research,development and provision of innovativechildren’s services.PurposeConnecting kids with their worldsStrategicDirections1. Opening our doors <strong>to</strong> new clients, newchallenges and new solutions2. Listening, learning and achieving3. Fostering creativity and productivityleading <strong>to</strong> sustainability4. Leading our industry through partnershipand sharing5. Connecting kids with their worldsContents3 Welcome <strong>to</strong> <strong>Research</strong> at <strong>Novita</strong> 10 Project summaries4 All about <strong>Novita</strong> 81 Publications and presentations5 <strong>Research</strong> at <strong>Novita</strong> 88 Grants and awards received6 <strong>Novita</strong>’s research team 91 Our research partners8 List of project summaries
Welcome <strong>to</strong> <strong>Research</strong> at <strong>Novita</strong>Welcome <strong>to</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s <strong>Services</strong>’ second<strong>Research</strong> <strong>Report</strong>, showcasing the past three years’work of our innovative research team.At <strong>Novita</strong>, we are committed <strong>to</strong> providing thebest possible therapy services, support andequipment solutions <strong>to</strong> our clients and theirfamilies. Undertaking research and building abody of research evidence is vital <strong>to</strong> ensure theservices we provide are effective, high quality anddeliver what our clients and their families require.<strong>Research</strong> enables us <strong>to</strong> be more accountable <strong>to</strong> oursupporters, clients and the community, while alsoimpacting on the broader community by assistingpeople of all ages living with disability locally andaround the world.Since the release of our first <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Report</strong> in<strong>2004</strong>, our dedicated research team has continued<strong>to</strong> work tirelessly alongside families, professionalstaff and other research partners <strong>to</strong> explore andidentify new and better ways <strong>to</strong> ‘connect kids withtheir worlds’ – both now and in<strong>to</strong> the future.Over the past few years we have continued<strong>to</strong> strengthen our relationships with universitydepartments across the nation and beyond, throughnumerous undergraduateand post-graduate studentresearch projects. Ourresearch team has alsoforged some exciting newinternational partnershipswith high-profile researchinstitutions includingBloorview Kids andthe Toron<strong>to</strong> RehabilitationInstitute (Canada), North EasternUniversity (USA) and the Universityof Newcastle (UK). This knowledgesharing on a global scale gives ourstaff, clients and partners first-handaccess <strong>to</strong> the latest research resultsand cutting-edge new technologiesfrom around the world.<strong>Novita</strong>’s research isincreasingly published in peerreviewedinternational researchjournals, further cementing our reputation as worldleaders in disability research and innovation.As always, underpinning <strong>Novita</strong>’s research successis the excellent financial support we receive from theAustralian and South Australian Governments, ourresearch partners, numerous funding bodies andthe broader community.We were also honored <strong>to</strong> receive extensive supportfrom the estate of the late Mrs Marjorie Edwards.This bequest will continue <strong>to</strong> support services <strong>to</strong>South Australian children and families living withdisabilities, by allowing us <strong>to</strong> undertake researchin<strong>to</strong> their experiences and the interventions,technology and supports that help them ‘connectwith their worlds’.We acknowledge the Channel 7 Children’s <strong>Research</strong>Foundation and the Australian Government’sDepartment of Communication, InformationTechnology and the Arts (DoCITA), whose ongoingsupport has enabled us <strong>to</strong> undertake a numberof crucial research projects that will help ensure abetter future for people living with disabilities.In looking <strong>to</strong> the future, <strong>Novita</strong> has reaffirmed theimportance of, and our commitment <strong>to</strong>, research.Through our new Strategic Plan (<strong>2007</strong>-2010), thenext stage of our researchdevelopment is theestablishment of a Divisionof <strong>Research</strong> and Innovation<strong>to</strong> bring all of our researchefforts <strong>to</strong>gether. Thisstructural change, beginningin 2008, will heighten theresearch profile and improvecollaboration with local,national and internationalorganisations.We encourage you <strong>to</strong> readon and discover more about<strong>Novita</strong>’s innovative andexciting research projects,many of which are alreadymaking a real and lastingdifference <strong>to</strong> hundreds of lives,both here in South Australiaand around the world.(pictured left <strong>to</strong> right)Andrew DowningVice-PresidentElizabeth RobinsonPresidentGlenn RappensbergChief Executive
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