Professor Karen Nankervis
Professor
School of Education
+61 7 336 56493
Research Interests: Complex disability needs; Positive behaviour supports: Inclusion and participation
Publications
Book Chapters
Nankervis, Karen L. and Vassos, Maria V. (2019). Agencies and professions in the provision of care. Handbook of intellectual disabilities: integrating theory, research, and practice. (pp. 201-217) edited by Johnny L. Matson. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-20843-1_13
Nankervis, Karen (2015). Facts about intellectual disability. Education for inclusion and diversity. (pp. 263-264) Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Pearson Australia.
Nankervis, Karen, Cousins, Wendy, Válková, Hana and Macintyre, Tadhg (2014). Physical activity, exercise, and sport. Health Promotion For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities. (pp. 174-182) edited by Laurence Taggart and Wendy Cousins. Maidenhead, Berkshire, England: Open University Press.
Brown, M. and Nankervis, K. (2013). Learning disability nursing in the UK: issues and challenges. Practice leadership in mental health and intellectual disability nursing. (pp. 85-98) edited by Mark Jukes. London, United Kingdom: Quay Books.
Journal Articles
Lynn, Sasha, Carroll, Annemaree, Nankervis, Karen and Antrobus, Emma (2024). A systematic review of delivery modes in school‐based adolescent social–emotional learning programs—Current perspectives and future directions. Review of Education, 12 (3) ARTN e70019. doi: 10.1002/rev3.70019
Fisher, Alinka, Louise, Kymberly, Dobek, Monika, McRae, Jo, Clissold, Maverick, Reschke, Katrina, Fox, Russell, Leif, Erin, Vassos, Maria, Ellis, Jane, Annear, Katharine, Figueiredo, Sessina, Cubis, Lee, Cheung, Sau Chi, Spicer, Matthew, Nankervis, Karen, McVilly, Keith and Freeman, Rachel (2024). A positive behaviour support practice framework for disability and community services in Australia that prioritises human rights and evidence-based practices. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-12. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2402079
Vassos, Maria, Faragher, Rhonda, Nankervis, Karen, Breedt, Radostina, Boyle, Fran, Smith, Simon and Kelly, Jo (2023). The ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics and disability: findings from a scoping review and their human rights implications. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 8 (1), 151-166. doi: 10.1007/s41252-023-00362-1
Yanes, Tatiane, Nathan, Vaishnavi, Wallingford, Courtney, Faragher, Rhonda, Nankervis, Karen, Jacobs, Chris, Vassos, Maria, Boyle, Fran, Carroll, Annemaree, Smith, Simon and McInerney‐Leo, Aideen (2023). Australasian genetic counselors' attitudes toward disability and prenatal testing: Findings from a cross‐sectional survey. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 33 (4), 1-12. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1788
Vassos, M., Carberry, T., Davis, F., Wardale, S. and Nankervis, K. (2023). Can the Behaviour Intervention Plan Quality Evaluation, Version 2, be simplified for use by stakeholders with limited experience of positive behaviour support?. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 67 (5), 488-497. doi: 10.1111/jir.13020
Jorgensen, Mikaela, Nankervis, Karen and Chan, Jeffrey (2023). ‘Environments of concern’: reframing challenging behaviour within a human rights approach. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 69 (1), 95-100. doi: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2118513
Nankervis, Karen and Chan, Jeffrey (2021). Applying the CRPD to people with intellectual and developmental disability with behaviors of concern during COVID-19. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 18 (3) jppi.12374, 197-202. doi: 10.1111/jppi.12374
Nankervis, Karen, Ashman, Adrian, Weekes, Alysia and Carroll, Michael (2019). Interactions of Residents Who Have Intellectual Disability and Challenging Behaviours. International Journal of Disability Development and Education, 67 (1), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/1034912X.2019.1678742
Vassos, Maria, Nankervis, Karen, Gavidia-Payne, Susana and Chan, Jeffrey (2019). Using Common Determinants of Out-of-Home Care to Profile Parents of Children and Adolescents with a Disability: an Exploratory Study. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 3 (3), 267-280. doi: 10.1007/s41252-019-00108-y
Vassos, Maria, Nankervis, Karen and Chan, Jeffrey (2019). Clinical governance climate within disability service organizations from the perspective of allied health professionals: clinical governance climate. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 16 (1), 67-77. doi: 10.1111/jppi.12281
Young, J T, Davis, F J, Wardale, S, Vassos, M, van Dooren, K, Nankervis, K and Lennox, N G (2018). Severity of cognitive disability and mental health court determinations about fitness to stand trial. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 62 (2), 126-139. doi: 10.1111/jir.12468
Vassos, Maria, Nankervis, Karen, Skerry, Trevor and Lante, Kerrie (2017). Can the job demand-control-(support) model predict disability support worker burnout and work engagement?. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 44 (2), 1-11. doi: 10.3109/13668250.2017.1310818
Wardale, Simon, Davis, Fiona, Vassos, Maria and Nankervis, Karen (2016). The outcome of a statewide audit of the quality of positive behaviour support plans. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 43 (2), 1-11. doi: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1254736
Chan, Jeffrey and Nankervis, Karen (2015). Stolen voices: Facilitated Communication is an abuse of human rights. Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 8 (3), 151-156. doi: 10.1080/17489539.2014.1001549
Carroll, Michael, Townsend, Clare, Brown, Alinta and Nankervis, Karen (2015). Population statistics as a source of intellectual disability data and possible indicators of co-occurring challenging behaviours in Indigenous adults. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 40 (3), 304-308. doi: 10.3109/13668250.2015.1041465
Vassos, Maria, Nankervis, Karen, Skerry, Trevor and Lante, Kerrie (2013). Work engagement and job burnout within the disability support worker population. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34 (11), 3884-3895. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.08.005
Vassos, Maria V. and Nankervis, Karen L. (2012). Investigating the importance of various individual, interpersonal, organisational and demographic variables when predicting job burnout in disability support workers. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33 (6), 1780-1791. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.04.016
Nankervis, Karen L., Rosewarne, Andrea C. and Vassos, Maria V. (2011). Respite and parental relinquishment of care: A comprehensive review of the available literature. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 8 (3), 150-162. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-1130.2011.00305.x
Nankervis, K., Rosewarne, A. and Vassos, M. (2011). Why do families relinquish care? An investigation of the factors that lead to relinquishment into out-of-home respite care. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55 (4), 422-433. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2011.01389.x
Jones, Linda K., Binger, Tara E., McKenzie, Christine R., Ramcharan, Paul and Nankervis, Karen (2010). Sexuality, pregnancy and midwifery care for women with intellectual disabilities: A pilot study on attitudes of university students. Contemporary Nurse, 35 (1), 47-57.
Hudson, AM, Matthews, JM, Gavidia-Payne, ST, Cameron, CA, Mildon, RL, Radler, GA and Nankervis, KL (2003). Evaluation of an intervention system for parents of children with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47 (4-5), 238-249. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2788.2003.00486.x
Conference Papers
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K., Faragher, R., Breedt, R. and Kelly, J. (2024). Exploring the ethical, legal and social implications of genomic technologies and disability - findings from a large-scale survey. Re‐imagining Connections, The 17th IASSIDD World Congress, Chicago, IL United States, 5-8 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
Nankervis, K., Vassos, M. and Faragher, R. (2024). Navigating the ethical, legal and social issues of genomics and disability: an inclusive framework. Re‐imagining Connections, The 17th IASSIDD World Congress, Chicago, IL United States, 5-8 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
Nankervis, K., Vassos, M., Carberry, T. and King, M. (2024). Developing the format and assessment criteria for an online, AI-based, positive behaviour support plan quality feedback tool. Re‐imagining Connections, The 17th IASSIDD World Congress, Chicago, IL, United States, 5-8 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Mcvilly, K., Kirley, M., Oliveira, E. A., Vassos, M. and Nankervis, K. (2024). The establishment and piloting of an AI driven online professional development and feedback program. Re‐imagining Connections, The 17th IASSIDD World Congress, Chicago, IL USA, 5-8 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Vassos, M. and Nankervis, K. (2024). The Behaviour Support Plan Quality Assessment (BSPQA) - a new tool to measure the quality of a positive behaviour support plan. Re‐imagining Connections, The 17th IASSIDD World Congress, Chicago, IL USA, 5-8 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Mcvilly, K., Fisher, A. and Nankervis, K. (2024). Navigating the landscape: exploring PBSP impact, AI ethics, and online professional development in disability support: a mini roundtable discussion. Re‐imagining Connections, The 17th IASSIDD World Congress, Chicago, IL USA, 5-8 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Faragher, R., Nankervis, K., Vassos, M., Boyle, F., Smith, S. and Kelly, J. (2024). Eliciting stakeholder views on ethical, legal and social issues of genomics in the context of disability: a modified Delphi study. 17th IASSIDD World Congress, Chicago, IL United States, 5 - 8 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/jir.13166
Nankervis, Karen and Vassos, Maria (2023). Why should I care about evidence? Direct support work and evidence-based practice. DSW Conference 2023, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-14 June 2023.
Vassos, Maria and Nankervis, Karen (2022). How can we help you? Exploring ways to support workplace wellbeing from a staff perspective. DSW Conference 2022, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-15 June 2022.
Nankervis, Karen and Vassos, Maria (2022). How can I tell if a behaviour support plan is good? A discussion of plan quality and the best ways to identify a good plan.. DSW Conference 2022, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-15 June 2022.
Faragher, Rhonda, Beswick, Kim, Cuskelly, Monica and Nankervis, Karen (2019). The affective impact of inclusive secondary mathematics for learners with Down syndrome: "I just love it!". Mathematics Education Research: Impacting Practice (Proceedings of the 42nd annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia), Perth, WA Australia, 1-4 July 2019. Perth: MERGA.
Vassos, M. and Nankervis, K. (2018). The early response tool: development and initial psychometric evaluation. 5th International IASSIDD Europe Congress, Athens, Greece, 17-20 July 2018. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/jar.12481
Davis, F., Wardale, S., Vassos, M. and Nankervis, K. (2016). The development of an 'easy to use' version of an evaluation tool to determine the quality of positive behaviour support plans. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
Steel, L., Brown, R., Nankervis, K. and Vassos, M. (2016). Findings from the pilot implementation of the Early Response Tool. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
Steel, L., Brown, R., Nankervis, K. and Vassos, M. (2016). The development of the Early Response Tool: A brief history. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K., Skerry, T. and Lante, K. (2016). Can the job demand-control-(support) model explain disability support worker burnout and work engagement?. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
Nankervis, K., Vassos, M. and Chan, J. (2016). Clinical governance: a relevant clinical practice framework to prevent the use of restrictive practices. IASSIDD 15th World Congress, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 15-19 August 2016. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/jir.12305
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K., Gavidia-Payne, S. and Chan, J. (2016). Profiling the psychosocial experiences of parents of children with disabilities on factors related to out-of-home care. IASSIDD 15th World Congress, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 15-19 August 2016. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K. and Chan, J. (2016). How do Australian disability support organisations describe the disability support worker position?. IASSIDD 15th World Congress, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 15-19 August 2016. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/jir.12305
Davis, F. and Nankervis, K. (2016). Training outcomes in positive behaviour supports. IASSIDD 15th World Congress, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 15-19 August 2016. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/jir.12305
Young, J., Davis, F., Van Dooren, K., Wardale, S., Vassos, M., Nankervis, K. and Lennox, N. (2016). Does severity of intellectual and developmental disability predict Mental Health Court decisions about fitness to stand trial?. 2016 IASSIDD World Congress, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 15-19 August 2016. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell.
Davis, Fiona J., Kiata-Holland, Liz, Wardale, Simon and Nankervis, Karen (2013). Quality of positive behaviour support plans. 3rd IASSIDD Asia-Pacifc Conference, Tokyo, Japan, 22 - 24 August 1013. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.. doi: 10.1111/jppi.12029
Nankervis, Karen and Chan, Jeffrey (2013). Safeguarding rights of persons with intellectual disabilities: A case study of the Queensland model. 3rd IASSIDD Asia-Pacifc Conference, Tokyo, Japan, 22 - 24 August 1013. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.. doi: 10.1111/jppi.12029
Nankervis, Karen, Vassos, Maria, Rosewarne, Andrea and Bayne, Barbara (2013). Investigating relinquishment of care of a family member with a disability from the perspective of the family. 3rd IASSIDD Asia-Pacifc Conference, Tokyo, Japan, 22 - 24 August 1013. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.. doi: 10.1111/jppi.12029
Nankervis, Karen, Carroll, Michael and Weekes, Alysia (2013). Peer interactions to facilitate positive life events for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours. 3rd IASSIDD Asia-Pacifc Conference, Tokyo, Japan, 22 - 24 August 1013. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.. doi: 10.1111/jppi.12029
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K. and Rosewarne, A. (2012). Investigating relinquishment of care from the perspective of the family - Preliminary findings. 2012 IASSIDWorld Congress, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 9-14 July 2012. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2012.01583_4.x
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K., Skerry, T. and Lante, K. (2012). Work engagement in disability support workers: Preliminary findings from a large scale evaluation from Australia. 2012 IASSIDWorld Congress, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 9-14 July 2012. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2012.01583_4.x
Nankervis, K. L. and Vassos, M. V. (2011). Job stressors, sources of satisfaction and levels of burnout experienced by an Australian sample of disability support workers. Joint Congress of the European Association for Mental Health in Intellectual Disability and IASSID Challenging Behaviour and Mental Health SIRG, Manchester, United Kingdom, 1-3 September 2011.
Nankervis, K. L. and Vassos, M. V. (2011). Exploring the views of a sample of Australian disability support workers with regards to sources of work stress and satisfaction, and issues and trends affecting their practice. 46th Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability Conference, Glenelg, SA, Australia, 9-11 November 2011.
Vassos, M. V. and Nankervis, K. L. (2011). Predictors of job burnout amongst a sample of Australian disability support workers. 46th Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability Conference, Glenelg, SA, Australia, 9-11 November 2011. Adelaide, South Australia: ASID.
Nankervis, K., Townsend, C., Couzens, D., Lyons, I., Brown, A. and Mee, B. (2010). Challenging behaviour and restrictive practices: A review of progress since 2006. Third International Conference of IASSID - Europe, Rome, Italy, 20-22 October 2010. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2010.00582.x
Nankervis, Karen, Rosewarne, Andrea and Vassos, Maria (2010). An investigation into the causal factors of and the potential risk for relinquishment. 45th Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability Conference, Brisbane Australia, 29 September-1 October 2010.
Nankervis, K. and Wooderson, J. (2010). Positive behaviour support training and evaluation for staff. Third International Conference of IASSID-Europe, Rome, Italy, 20-22 October 2009.
Nankervis, K., Rosewarne, A. and Vassos, M. (2010). Why do families relinquish care of their family member with a disability?. Third International Conference of IASSID-Europe, Rome, Italy, 20-22 October 2009. WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC.
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K and Rosewarne, A. (2010). Does age and level of support needs influence the relinquishment of family members with a disability. Third International Conference of IASSID-Europe, Rome, Italy, 20-22 October 2010. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2010.00586.x
Nankervis, K., Rosewarne, A. and Vassos, M. (2010). The role that age and support needs play in a family's decision to relinquish care. ASSID 2010: 45th Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 29 September - 1 October 2010.
Rosewarne, Andrea, Payne, Michelle, Nankervis, Karen and Vassos, Maria (2009). An investigation into the causes of relinquishment into respite care. DSW09: 9th Annual ASSID Conference for Disability Support Workers, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 18-19 November 2009. Rosanna, VIC, Australia: Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability (ASID).
Leighton, DG, Hudson, AM and Nankervis, KL (2004). Factors affecting comprehension of the police caution. OXFORD: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING LTD.
Nankervis, K, Muir, P and Phillips, A (2004). Graduate capabilities as identified by key stakeholders in the disability sector. HOBOKEN: WILEY.
Gavidia-Payne, ST, Hudson, A, Matthews, J, Cameron, C and Nankervis, K (2004). Problem behaviour in children with disabilities: Parental strategies, supports and difficulties. OXFORD: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING LTD.
Nankervis, K, Toomey, J, Clark, D, Hudson, A and Radler, G (2004). The impact of a mentoring program for at risk young people with intellectual disability (ID). OXFORD: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING LTD.
Nankervis, K, Gavidia-Payne, S and Hudson, A (2000). Development and trailing of a support package for parents of children with an intellectual disability and challenging behaviour. OXFORD: BLACKWELL SCIENCE LTD.
Nankervis, K, Smith, D and Phillips, AH (2000). Prevention of sexual offending amongst adolescents with an intellectual disability: Identifying the risks. OXFORD: BLACKWELL SCIENCE LTD.
Nankervis, K (2000). Teaching of skills to people with an intellectual disability in residential settings. OXFORD: BLACKWELL SCIENCE LTD.
Research Reports
Nankervis, Karen and Vassos, Maria (2023). Evidence matters: developing quality behaviour support plans. Penrith, NSW Australia: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Vassos, Maria V., Nankervis, Karen L. and Chan, Jeffrey (2019). Defining the work of a disability support worker in Australia: A review of the work role. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17156.35206
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K. and Chan, J. (2015). Exploring the concepts of clinical governance and evidence-based practice within the disability service sector. Report of key findings for Yooralla. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Yooralla.
Vassos, M., Nankervis, K., Gavidia-Payne, S. and Chan, J. (2015). Profiling the experiences of parents of children and adolescents with disabilities on psychosocial factors related to out-of-home care. Report of key findings for Yooralla. Melbourne, Vic, Australia: Yooralla.
Department Technical Reports
Nankervis, K., Rosewarne, A. and Vassos, M. (2009). Review of the causal factors resulting in unavailable respite beds: Final report. Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, New South Wales Government.
Nankervis, K., Rosewarne, C. and Vassos, M. (2009). Review of the causal factors resulting in unavailable beds: A review of the literature. Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, New South Wales Government.
Nankervis, K., Reece, J., Vassos, M. and Abdilla, G. (2008). Literature review of disability support needs assessment and classification instruments: Final report. Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, New South Wales Government.