When Zali McPherson and Arabella Hely commenced their studies at the University of Canberra – a Bachelor of Science majoring in Applied Statistics and Psychological Sciences, and a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), respectively – they were excited to start working in fields they were passionate about.
Both were even more delighted when their applications for a paid internship at the University of Canberra through the Australian Disability Network’s Stepping into Internship Program were accepted, and the experience confirmed their enthusiasm for working in the healthcare sector.
Every year, the Australian Disability Network matches university students with disability (who are in their second last year, final year, or have recently graduated) with employers who are seeking interns in a variety of sectors. Students from UC have participated in previous years; however, this was the first time UC has accepted interns, with People and Diversity identifying opportunities across faculties and business units, that may be suitable. Once identified, the opportunities were promoted to students who may be eligible through InclusionUC.
The students completed internships with UC’s Health Research Institute (HRI) and found themselves drawing on both research and their own lived experiences as people with disability, to assist in developing a consumer-driven research framework for healthcare, for use by researchers in the Institute.
The framework is intended to support researchers to identify ways to improve healthcare services and research, by listening to the needs and feedback of health consumers. Zali and Arabella have accessed several health services in the past, and Zali has also had experience working at palliative care provider Clare Holland House, offering strong connections to the work and a fresh perspective for the framework.
“This has sparked my interest in consumer research, and has given me self-confidence as a health care consumer, around how valuable my contributions are,” says Arabella.
Zali agrees, saying “Both of us have an interest in research, but I don’t have a health degree,” she says. “So, my experience in health-related research is limited. It will help with my work in the future as I am now conscious of what patients and their families and volunteers are saying, and how we can better our healthcare research by incorporating what consumers are saying.”
Internship opportunities can be competitive. Having a disability and applying for an internship, as well as navigating any requests for adjustments or additional support could for many, prove to be a barrier to employment. It is this potential barrier that the Stepping Into Internship Program is aiming to address.
Written by Claire Haining – read the full article
This article first appeared in the University of Canberra’s Uncover magazine on July 4, 2024.
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