Developing a voice as a practitioner researcher

This exegesis titled 'Developing a voice as a practitioner researcher' outlines a research project that was undertaken during 2000 - 2004 as part of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), School of Education, Master program in the Research 'by project' mode. It is a narrative that documents a research journey that began with the intent to construct a purpose built building to accommodate an existing centre-based early intervention service. <br><br>In describes how in the process of constructing the Early Intervention Centre the researcher began to reflect, document and challenge the underpinning principles, practices and premises on which early intervention services and disability services are currently constructed. The outcome of which led to the development of an alternate model of service delivery, to support children with disabilities in publically funded preschools in the Hume Region 1and the implementation of a vocational educational and training program to support the existing workforce. <br><br>This exegesis seeks to contribute to a discussion on; the research process and the RMIT research by project methodology; the products created in the process of undertaking the research project; the use of storytelling and narratives as a method for encouraging social change; the value of individuals with disabilities and their families as legitimate experts in designing their individual supports. In doing so, it contributes to a new dialogue about the philosophy underpinning the current early intervention service system in relation to supporting families and children with disabilities. <br><br>By documenting the links between the learning made by me as a practitioner who was a consumer, action learner and researcher in the process of undertaking the project, it shares how the research by project framework was used to assist in the development of reflective practice.