What you'll investigate

This PhD project explores how a high-tech sensory unit program influences communication, learning, contented behaviour and participation in individuals with complex disabilities. The successful applicant will work with key stakeholders on a co-funded project between No Boundaries and ACU to:

• co-design the PhD studies
• explore stakeholder perspectives of the outcomes of involvement in the program
• identify key elements of the program that shape participant experiences and outcomes
• identify and pilot applicable outcome measures to gauge effectiveness over time
• make recommendations for creating environments conducive to participant engagement, communication, contented behaviour and participation

Opportunities for methodological and theoretical mentoring and collaborative publishing will be facilitated.

Scholarship package

The successful applicant will be awarded a scholarship package consisting of:

Your research community

Principal supervisor

Dr Amanda Brignell

Dr Amanda Brignell is a senior lecturer at ACU with extensive clinical experience as speech pathologist. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science (University of Sydney), Master of Public Health (University of New South Wales) and a PhD (University of Melbourne). Her research has primarily focused on the predictors and trajectories of language in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, including children who are minimally speaking and/or have complex presentations. She has also published on speech and language phenotype in rare genetic syndromes including NRXN1 deletion and Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Dr Brignell has expertise in systematic review methods. She held Hugh Rogers, Monash Health and Monash University research fellowships.

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The PhD candidate will also work with supervisors including Associate Professor Loretta Sheppard, and Dr Benita Powrie (School of Allied Health).

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences is driven by a commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing evidence-based practice across diverse communities. With a strong interdisciplinary focus, our researchers collaborate across nursing, allied health, public health, and biomedical sciences to address pressing health challenges locally and globally.

Visit the faculty research website

Industry partner

No Boundaries Disability Support Inc

Australia's leading disability support centre specialising in helping people achieve their potential through innovative experiential care. Home to arguably the most technologically advanced multi-suite Sensory Unit in the country, they offer highly qualified staff, expert day support, transport and specialist care for young adults transitioning from school and through adulthood.

Visit the No Boundaries website

How to apply

Applications close: Monday 13 July 2026, 11:59 pm AEST

Step 1: Assess your eligibility

Eligibility

Before you apply, confirm you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• This opportunity is open to domestic applicants only.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Policy.
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Requirements

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant should have:

• qualifications in speech pathology or occupational therapy
• experience working with people with complex disabilities in community settings
• experience in writing publications in peer-reviewed journals

Conditions

By applying, you acknowledge and accept the following conditions:

• The scholarship package is subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode.
• The scholarship conditions align with the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.
• The successful applicant will be required to assign their intellectual property (IP) to ACU as a condition of enrolment.

Step 2: Express your interest

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Amanda Brignell prior to applying for the PhD program and scholarship, to express their interest and discuss the project in detail.

Email: amanda.brignell@acu.edu.au

Step 3: Submit your application

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ACU, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus:

• A CV outlining relevant academic and practical experience; and
• A cover letter detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in the program of research described.

When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "Outcomes of a high-tech sensory program for adults with complex disabilities".