CDER Research: Advancing Innovation in Disability and Customised Employment

CDERP has consistently been at the forefront of research and practice in disability and customised employment, shaping evidence-based approaches that foster meaningful and sustainable employment outcomes. Continuing this legacy, we have established CDER Research, a dedicated not-for-profit research entity focused on advancing knowledge and innovation in the field. CDER Research signifies the next step in the ongoing growth of CDERP.

CDER Research serves as a centre of excellence, building on decades of studies to inform policy, practice, and service delivery in Australia and beyond. Focusing on Customised Employment, disability employment policy, and workforce inclusion, CDER Research generates high-impact research that assists in transforming employment systems in accordance with international best practices, including UNCRPD Article 27 and the UN Sustainability Goals.

 Dr. Peter Smith, a leading expert in customised employment and disability workforce development, is at the forefront of this initiative. Under his leadership, CDER Research collaborates with government agencies, service providers, advocacy groups, and academic institutions globally to carry out comprehensive research and develop evidence-based solutions to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Emeritus Professor Trevor Parmenter AM, a distinguished authority in disability and employment, chairs the CDER Research board.  

CDER Research plays a crucial role in supporting the ongoing development of CDERP College’s training programs by ensuring that training curricula remain aligned with the latest research, best practices, and competency standards, including those established by ACRE and APSE. This research-driven approach enhances professional training for employment practitioners, equipping them with the skills to assist people with disabilities in achieving sustainable employment outcomes.

Additionally, CDER Research will continue to inform and enhance the Work First employment program, ensuring that its methods are grounded in the latest evidence on effective employment strategies. By integrating research into practice, CDER Research will improve the effectiveness of the Work First Customised Employment model, strengthen its alignment with international employment standards, and enhance employment pathways for individuals with disabilities.

With the launch of CDER Research, CDERP strengthens its commitment to promoting inclusive employment practices, ensuring that research brings real-world benefits to people with disabilities, employers, and service providers alike.