Research

Intellectual Disability and the Law

Recent work by Professor Susan Hayes has investigated the incidence of intellectual disability amongst a cohort of people appearing before New South Wales local courts. A follow-up project is aimed at identifying factors which may be instrumental in reducing recidivism among offenders with intellectual disability.

Hayes Ability Screening Index (HASI)

A screening test has been developed by Professor Susan Hayes to identify those people in contact with the justice system who may have an intellectual disability. The Hayes Ability Screening Index (HASI) has been used in Australia, Norway, Canada and the United Kingdom. The HASI is designed for use by non-psychologists including police, correctional officers, probation and parole officers, alcohol and other drug workers and lawyers, to enable a determination to be made as to whether a client may have an intellectual disability and needs to be referred for further diagnostic evaluation. For further details and Order Form visit the HASI web site or contact the office.

Consumer Education

Research investigated the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities with banks and other financial service providers. Many banks and other financial service providers have not considered the specific problems that customers with an intellectual disability face in their everyday financial transactions. In addition to this, banks are now moving away from providing face-to-face services which is a further difficulty for customers with an intellectual disability who may find it hard to access other modes of banking including ATMs, the internet and telephone banking.

Intellectual Disability, Sex-Offending and Anti-Libidinal Medication

An investigation was conducted into the effects of anti-libidinal medication on intellectually disabled sex offenders. Psychological and behavioural effects of medication were examined, along with the identification of the prevalent developmental and systemic factors consistent with sex-offending in this population.