Pictured (L-R): Dr Mei’en Lim, Theresa Pastor and Tarryn Culverhouse at the inaugural National Disability Awards
CliniKids — The Kids Research Institute Australia’s first standalone clinical service — has won the Excellence in Allied Health category at the inaugural National Disability Awards, announced in Melbourne tonight.
An initiative of National Disability Services, the awards aim to promote high-quality, sustainable disability services, while celebrating the achievements of disability service providers and their staff who demonstrate excellence and commitment to supporting people with disability.
CliniKids integrates world-class research with a clinical service for autistic children and their families — a first for autism in Australia. Working side-by-side, a team of researchers and clinicians (speech pathologists, clinical psychologists and occupational therapists) put research into practice, providing families with access to tailored supports and evidence-based therapies.
CliniKids General Manager Gemma Upson said it was wonderful for the clinical team to win the Excellence in Allied Health category, which recognises the contribution of allied health workers to provide clinical excellence, leadership, and education in the disability sector. CliniKids was also highly commended in the Excellence in Innovation category.
“This is a huge achievement and fantastic recognition of the amazing work the team delivers to families and the community every day,” Ms Upson said.
The Kids Research Institute Australia Director Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM congratulated the clinical team on the accolade.
“CliniKids brings together exceptional researchers and clinicians to ensure children and families have access to safe, evidence-based supports much faster than previously,” Professor Carapetis said.
“We are proud of the important work our teams do to make a difference to lives of autistic children and families to help them reach their potential.”
Pictured: The CliniKids Clinical team