Centre for Disability Studies
The Centre for Disability Studies is a non-profit affiliated with the University of Sydney that delivers clinical services, inclusive education programs, and disability research for people with intellectual disability across Australia, anchored by the proprietary I-CAN support needs assessment tool.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersSydney, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Centre for Disability Studies does
The Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) is a non-profit organisation affiliated with the Sydney School of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney, established in 1997 to improve the lives of people with intellectual disability through evidence-based research, clinical services and inclusive education. It operates from the Susan Wakil Health Building at the University of Sydney and runs a Complex Care Service clinic at Strathfield, delivering multidisciplinary health assessments and support needs assessments for adults with intellectual disability and complex needs.
Its core product is I-CAN (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs), a proprietary online assessment tool aligned to the World Health Organization ICF framework across 12 domains, now in version 6 (launched 2022) and licensed to assessors through paid accreditation. CDS complements I-CAN with the uni 2 beyond inclusive university program (enabling people with intellectual disability to attend University of Sydney lectures with peer mentors), the Complex Care Service multidisciplinary clinic, the Inclusive Research Network co-research model, an Internship Pathways Program for graduates, and e-learning healthcare courses delivered via its Acorn Learning Management System.
CDS is funded primarily through government grants from the NSW Ministry of Health, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, the NDIA, and the Australian Research Council, supplemented by philanthropic donations, I-CAN training fees, clinical consultation revenue, and paid work with disability organisations. Distribution is anchored in the University of Sydney affiliation, government partnerships (including a five-year NDIA partnership with the University of Melbourne) and the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health consortium, with go-to-market delivered through consultation, training, events and the Acorn LMS platform.
Centre for Disability Studies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Centre for Disability Studies
- Legal name
- Centre for Disability Studies
- Website
- https://cds.org.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Centre for Disability Studies is a non-profit affiliated with the University of Sydney that delivers clinical services, inclusive education programs, and disability research for people with intellectual disability across Australia, anchored by the proprietary I-CAN support needs assessment tool.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Centre for Disability Studies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Research and Clinical Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Social Assistance (624), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Accessibility, Accommodations & Assistive Services (EDALAFAN)
Keywords
Where Centre for Disability Studies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sydney
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Centre for Disability Studies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Research Grants and Government Funding: CDS operates as a non-profit organization relying on grants and donations. The organisation receives funding from Australian Research Council grants, NSW Ministry of Health grants, Commonwealth Department of Health contracts, and philanthropic foundations.
- Clinical Services: CDS provides clinical services including the Complex Care Service for adults with intellectual disability, and clinical consultation services to disability organisations. Revenue generated through service delivery.
- I-CAN Training and Licensing: CDS offers I-CAN v6 assessor training for $655 including accreditation, and annual re-accreditation for $195. The training provides access to the online I-CAN tool and licensing for practitioners.
- Healthcare Education Courses: CDS provides e-learning courses including preventative healthcare training for support workers, team leaders, allied health professionals and families at $25 per course.
- Consultation Services: CDS provides consultation services to private companies and NGOs on disability-inclusive practices, policy development, and evaluation services.
- Donations: CDS accepts donations to support its programs and research activities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | I-CAN v6 Assessor Training and Accreditation |
| Subscription | Annual | I-CAN Annual Re-accreditation |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Preventative Healthcare E-Learning Course |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Centre for Disability Studies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Centre for Disability Studies delivers research, clinical services, training, and inclusive programs for people with intellectual disability. Its core commercial and mission-critical offerings include the I-CAN online support needs assessment tool (delivered with accredited assessor training and licensing), the uni 2 beyond university audit and social inclusion program, the Complex Care Service multidisciplinary health clinic, clinical and policy consultation services for disability organisations, an e-learning preventative healthcare course, and the Internship Pathways Program that transitions graduates into open employment.
Product overview
CDS operates a portfolio of interconnected programs and services centred on improving the lives of people with intellectual disability. The core offerings include the I-CAN online assessment tool (used by certified NDIS practitioners for support needs planning), the uni 2 beyond university audit program, the Complex Care Service (a multidisciplinary health clinic), and the Inclusive Research Network (a co-research initiative). These are complemented by clinical consultation services, an e-learning preventative healthcare course, and an internship pathways program. The I-CAN tool serves as the backbone of the NDIA partnership, while uni 2 beyond feeds graduates into the Internship Pathways Program, creating a pipeline from education to employment.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- uni 2 beyond: An award-winning social inclusion initiative for people with intellectual disability who want to experience university life. Participants take part in university life as audit (non-enrolled) students with peer mentoring support.
- I-CAN
- Complex Care Service
- Inclusive Research Network (IRN)
- National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health (NCEIDH)
Products and services
- I-CAN (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs)
- I-CAN v6 Assessor Training and Accreditation
- uni 2 beyond
- Complex Care Service (CCS)
- Clinical Consultation Services
- Inclusive Research Network (IRN)
- Preventative Healthcare for People with Intellectual Disability (E-Learning)
- Internship Pathways Program
- I-CAN Support Needs Assessment (NDIA Partnership)
Quantifiable outcome
- 18 students in 2022 cohort - largest yet
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Centre for Disability Studies
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Centre for Disability Studies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Centre for Disability Studies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, notable and minor.
- University of SydneyflagshipCDS is affiliated with the Sydney School of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney. The partnership provides academic credibility, research infrastructure, and access to university resources and networks. CDS has operated since 1997 under this affiliation.
- University of MelbourneflagshipFive-year partnership with University of Melbourne to assist NDIA in developing and implementing a new support needs assessment process. CDS provides expertise in applied and lived-experience-led disability research while University provides academic strength.
- National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)coreNDIA appointed the University of Melbourne and CDS partnership to develop and implement a new process for assessing support needs of NDIS participants using I-CAN v6 as the starting point.
- National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health (NCEIDH)flagshipCDS is proud to be part of the consortium for NCEIDH, focused on improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disability through advocacy, clinical, and research experience.
- Daffodil Centre at University of SydneycoreCDS collaborates with Daffodil Centre on cervical screening campaign for people with intellectual disability, developing accessible resources and educational materials.
- Sydney Opera HousenotableCDS developed a tailored training package and mentorship program for Sydney Opera House staff to support new employees with intellectual disability, including an Inclusion Framework and interactive workshops.
- Independent Living VillagesminorCDS worked with Independent Living Villages to analyse their resident engagement strategy and provide recommendations for improvement through policy review and stakeholder interviews.
- Fragile X Association AustralianotablePartnership to identify gaps in support needs for adults ageing with Fragile X syndrome and create online training resources for aged care and disability support workers.
- 3DN at University of New South WalesminorCollaboration partner in Fragile X Care project, working together to create online training modules and resources for supporting adults ageing with Fragile X.
- Flinders UniversitynotableCollaboration with Flinders University on establishing community of practice for inclusive university education for people with intellectual disability.
- Achieve AustraliaminorPartner organisation in NDIS: Rhetoric versus Reality? research project examining how people with intellectual disability are having their needs met under NDIS.
- The Housing ConnectionminorPartner organisation in NDIS research project on individualised funding and its effect on wellbeing, self-esteem, voice, choice and control.
- Uniting NSW/ACTminorPartner organisation in NDIS research project examining lived experience of people with intellectual disability under the NDIS.
- The Synod of the Uniting Church in VictoriaminorPartner organisation in NDIS research project on individualised funding impact on people with intellectual disability.
- Trinity College DublinnotablePartnership hosting events with Professor Mary McCarron from Trinity College Dublin on ageing and intellectual disability, leveraging her expertise through IDS-TILDA longitudinal research.
- NSW Department of Communities and JusticecoreContract with NSW Department of Communities and Justice to provide advice and review Companion Card applications for people with significant and permanent disability.
- Legal Aid NSWnotableCDS provides consultant clinical assessments for Legal Aid NSW clients engaged in NDIS AAT eligibility or funding decision appeals.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Centre for Disability Studies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Inclusion Australia: National advocacy organisation for people with intellectual disability; comparable in lived-experience-led research, policy engagement, and inclusive practice focus in Australia.
- Achieve Australia: NDIS-registered disability service provider; partnered with CDS on NDIS research and operates in overlapping disability support space. Comparable in serving people with intellectual disability in NSW.
- Jigsaw Australia: Work-integrated social enterprise supporting people with intellectual disability into open employment; CDS's Tim Hayes previously led transitions for 100+ participants there. Closely comparable in disability employment pathway mission.
- 3DN - Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (UNSW): UNSW-affiliated research centre focused on intellectual and developmental disability mental health; comparable in mission, academic affiliation, and clinical/research scope. CDS staff have prior 3DN connections.
- University of Melbourne Disability Research Initiative: Academic research institution partnering with CDS on the NDIA support needs assessment project; comparable in disability research, policy engagement, and inclusive education focus.
- Flinders University - Inclusive Education Practice: Partner on community of practice for inclusive university education for people with intellectual disability; comparable academic-institutional approach to inclusive post-secondary education.
- La Trobe Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health: Australian academic centre conducting disability and health research; comparable in producing evidence-based research for disability policy and practice in Australia.
Broad incumbents
- National Disability Services (NDS): Australia's peak industry body for disability service providers; broader scope but operates in the same disability service ecosystem where CDS engages. Comparable as a stakeholder/partner network.
Emerging players
- Down Syndrome Australia: National disability organisation providing information, advocacy, and support for people with Down syndrome; comparable in mission to support people with intellectual disability and their families across Australia.
- Special Olympics Australia: National disability sports organisation delivering programs for people with intellectual disability; overlaps with CDS's disability inclusion mission and serves a similar population in Australia.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Centre for Disability Studies social profiles
Digital presenceCentre for Disability Studies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Centre for Disability Studies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Centre for Disability Studies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Centre for Disability Studies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Centre for Disability Studies
What does Centre for Disability Studies do?
Centre for Disability Studies delivers research, clinical services, training, and inclusive programs for people with intellectual disability. Its core commercial and mission-critical offerings include the I-CAN online support needs assessment tool (delivered with accredited assessor training and licensing), the uni 2 beyond university audit and social inclusion program, the Complex Care Service multidisciplinary health clinic, clinical and policy consultation services for disability organisations, an e-learning preventative healthcare course, and the Internship Pathways Program that transitions graduates into open employment.
Is Centre for Disability Studies a public or private company?
Centre for Disability Studies is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Centre for Disability Studies founded?
Centre for Disability Studies was founded in 1997. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Centre for Disability Studies based?
Centre for Disability Studies is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Centre for Disability Studies make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Research Grants and Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are clinical Services, I-CAN Training and Licensing, healthcare Education Courses, consultation Services and donations.
Who are Centre for Disability Studies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Inclusion Australia, Achieve Australia, Jigsaw Australia, 3DN - Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (UNSW), University of Melbourne Disability Research Initiative, Flinders University - Inclusive Education Practice and La Trobe Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health. National Disability Services (NDS) is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are Down Syndrome Australia and Special Olympics Australia.
Does Centre for Disability Studies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Centre for Disability Studies.
What industry is Centre for Disability Studies in?
Centre for Disability Studies's product category is Disability Research and Clinical Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech), with a secondary code of BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.