Methodology
This research uses a qualitative, exploratory approach to understand how people living with psychosocial disability and trauma experience the NDIS. Semi-structured interviews centre lived experience, while a socio-legal and doctrinal analysis of decisions from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) examines how psychosocial disability, trauma, and “choice and control” are interpreted in practice. Together, these methods highlight gaps between policy, law, and real-world experiences.
PART A
​Research Type: ​
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Exploratory
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Data Collection:
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Systematic review of AAT cases
Data Analysis:
Thematic Analysis
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Socio-legal and doctrinal analysis
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Sample:
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23 AAT cases
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PART B
Research Type:
Exploratory
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Data Collection:
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Semi-structured interviews with 10 questions
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Data Analysis:
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Thematic Analysis
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Sample:
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23 participants of the NDIS
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Methodology Overview
This study used an exploratory research design to examine an under-researched issue affecting people living with psychosocial disability and trauma. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 adults aged 18–65 who identified as trauma survivors, experienced psychosocial disability, and held current NDIS packages. Participants generously shared their time and lived experiences to contribute to this research.
Participants were central to the study, recognising the importance of lived and living experience in advancing social science knowledge. Their involvement was critical to generating reliable and meaningful findings that reflect the broader experiences of people navigating the disability service system. Active participation also supported ethical, transparent, and collaborative research relationships between the researcher and the community.
Recruitment occurred through consumer advocacy and representative organisations across Australia, where information about the Your Experiences Matter (YEM) project was shared. Participation was voluntary, and remuneration was provided, funded through the researcher’s stipend and a grant from the Melbourne Disability Institute.
Interviews were guided by 10 open-ended questions exploring the types of supports trauma survivors identify as essential. Particular attention was given to participants’ experiences of choice, access to appropriate services, and the use of trauma-informed care in practice. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns, themes, and insights.
Participate Information
The following information is for people who previously participated in the semi-structured interview process as a reference point if required.
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Please note, the data analysis has commenced and preliminary findings have been found.
How will my data be stored?
All data collected in this study will be stored on a secured device/data storage system at the University of Melbourne and will be destroyed after 5 years. Only the primary researcher and her supervisors listed on the top of this statement will have access to the raw data. Care will be taken to protect your anonymity in any publication of this data. This will involve making sure that any excerpts from transcripts collected do not contain any identifying details. If you wish to review the transcript excerpts, please let the researcher know and she will give you an opportunity to remove any information prior to publication. It is possible that your data may be used in future research projects to validate original research results. Data might be used to prove or disprove a theory, bolster claims made in research or further knowledge around a specific topic or problem.
What are the possible benefits?
Participants of this study will not directly receive any benefits from participating in this research project. As a result of this study, people with psychosocial disability and trauma histories have an opportunity to discuss their experiences of accessing and utilising the NDIS through participating in an independent research project. This will help decision makers, organisations and employers to better understand what people’s needs look like and if they are being met by the current service system. It is hoped that this study will improve the quality of services people receive and provide recommendations for a practice model to support people with psychosocial disability as this currently does not exist.
What are the possible risks?
While there are minimal risks associated with participating in this research project, there is the chance that you may experience some distress related to talking about your experiences utilising the NDIS. Talking about issues related to your personal experiences of accessing and utilising the NDIS may be challenging and difficult for you. It is possible that you may encounter some discomfort discussing your experiences in this project. The researcher who is facilitating this research has extensive experience as a mental health social worker and is highly skilled in supporting people who experience distress. The researcher will contact the support person you nominate in your participant information form if necessary. The researcher will also give you contact details for mainstream services that you can access.
Other important information
Do I have to participate?
No. Participation is completely voluntary. You can withdraw at any time up until the final report has been written. If you wish to withdraw your participation, please contact the researcher directly.
Will I hear about the results?
If you want to hear about the results of this study, please register your interest in receiving a brief summary of the research in plain language with the researcher and you will be sent a copy of the final report when it is completed.
Is there any potential conflict of interest?
The interview sample is relatively small and therefore the researcher may have prior and ongoing relationships with participants. Participants will be informed of the facilitator and will be given the opportunity to declare any potential conflict.
Who is funding this project?
This project is funded by the University of Melbourne Stipend fund which is designed to support doctoral research projects.
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Who can I contact if I have any concerns about the project?
This research project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Melbourne. If you have any concerns or complaints about the conduct of this research project which you do not wish to discuss with the researcher, you should contact the Manager, Human Research Ethics, Research Ethics and Integrity, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010. Tel: +61 3 8344 2073 or Email: research-integrity@unimelb.edu.au. All complaints will be treated confidentially. In any correspondence please provide the name of the researcher: Keely Walsh or the ethics ID number:25840 as well as the research project title: Your Experiences Matter.
