West Australians interested in studying world's best practice in disability services are being encouraged to apply for the 2012 Count Me In scholarship program.

The Disability Services Commission is offering up to three scholarships worth $15,000 each for research in areas consistent with the three key priority areas of Count Me In: Disability Future Directions.

"These areas are personalised supports and services; participation and contribution; and economic and community foundations," Disability Services Minister Helen Morton said.

"The biennial scholarship program is open to anyone working within or interested in WA's disability sector. Scholarships are awarded on merit and recipients are required to share their findings with the disability sector."

Winners of the 2010 scholarships used their funding to research:

• Ways of building the capacity of parents to support and develop opportunities for inclusive experiences in secondary schools, looking at US and Canadian examples
• International best practices in the UK and Canada for personalised supports and services in professional services to inform and shape WA services
• Service and support systems for people with exceptionally complex needs, after the implementation of Valuing People Now (a UK strategy for people with learning disability) and the Bradley Report (a criminal justice system review).

"Applications are encouraged from staff, management or members of any organisation providing services, supports or advocacy to people with disability, their families and carers - as well as people with an interest in the sector," Mrs Morton said.