Inclusivity in the Early Years

A healthy start to life is something we all take for granted. Healthy pregnancies, healthy mums and babies, connected families, strong development, engaged learners are all valued. But it is not always the case. Despite our best efforts some children do not get the best start to life. They face challenges due to disability, social determinants of health, gaps in the network of adults around them, or lack of support for the tough job of parenting. The Flinders Caring Futures Institute brings together over 200 researchers to tackle the complex care challenges that limit health and wellbeing in our communities. The multi-layer barriers that are embedded in our health, education and social care systems are the focus of our interdisciplinary teams that utilize innovative research methods, theoretically-informed knowledge translation, health and social care economics and digital technologies to ensure all South Australians have the supports in place to thrive.

Speakers: 

• Professor Joanne Arciuli, Lead: Communication, Cognition, and Wellbeing Research Group, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University on Self-reported School Satisfaction and Disability.
• Dr Nina Sivertsen, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University on Cultural continuity in health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in mainstream health.
• Dr Brittany Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University on TOPCHILD: Using tailored evidence in policy and practice.
• Dr Sarah Hunter, Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University on Caring for Caregivers: Navigating the Early Years System.

Chair: Professor Rebecca Golley, Matthew Flinders Professor, Deputy Director of the Flinders Caring Futures Institute.