About Our Research
Our research is funded by national and provincial governments, international national and provincial institutes and foundations, industry, and local health services organizations. Our research partners include faculty from other universities, hospitals and other health and social service agencies, professional organizations, unions, and consumers. Academic, clinical, and student research in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy engage in three research fields: Enhancing Participation, Diversity and Inclusion, and Advancing the Science and Practice.
Research Fields
Enhancing Participation
Research in the field of Enhancing Participation focuses enabling individuals to carry out their valued activities and roles, despite any impairments or disabilities that they may have. Some examples of our research in this field include studies that enhance children’s success at school, facilitate adults’ re-integration into work, and adapt environments to allow older adults to live safely and comfortably in their homes. Read about some of our recent studies with individuals with physical disabilities, mental health issues, and social and developmental challenges:
In addition to the projects listed above, to learn more about our research in the area of enhancing participation, view the faculty profiles of:
- Anne Agur
- Donna Barker
- Heather Carnahan
- Lynn Cockburn
- Angela Colantonio
- Jane Davis
- Deirdre Dawson
- Andrea Duncan
- Susan Farrow
- Anne Fourt
- Sharon Friefeld
- Debbie Hebert
- Michael Iwama
- Sylvia Langlois
- Pat McKee
- Susan Rappolt
- Denise Reid
- Rebecca Renwick
- Rachel Stack
Diversity and Inclusion
Our research in the field of Diversity and Inclusion focuses on the cultures of the individuals and populations that we serve, and how to provide occupational therapy services that promote inclusion in schools, work and communities in Canada and internationally. Read more about our studies with individuals with disabilities:
| Investigator | Project |
|---|---|
| Lynn Cockburn | Promoting health and social participation: An analysis of disability related policies in the North West Province of Cameroon |
To learn more about our research in the area of diversity and inclusion, view the faculty profiles of:
- Debbie Cameron
- Anne Fourt
- Michael Iwama
- Michelle Keightley
- Bonnie Kirsh
- Helene Polatajko
- Denise Reid
- Rebecca Renwick
- Barry Trentham
Advancing the Science and Practice
In the field of Advancing Practice our research pushes the boundaries of occupational science and promotes best practice in occupational therapy. We develop and test models for understanding relationships between occupation, health, participation and well-being and create and evaluate assessment tools and treatment protocols. We also promote timely, appropriate and accountable professional practices through the application of research evidence to client needs through our professional expertise with the aid of new educational and information technologies:
To learn more about our research in the area of advancing practice, view the faculty profiles of:
- Donna Barker
- Jill Cameron
- Heather Carnahan
- Lynn Cockburn
- Jane Davis
- Deirdre Dawson
- Andrea Duncan
- Susan Farrow
- Sharon Friefeld
- Debbie Hebert
- Michael Iwama
- Michelle Keightley
- Bonnie Kirsh
- Sylvia Langlois
- Alex Mihailidis
- Susan Rappolt
- Rebecca Renwick
- Patty Rigby
- Rachel Stack
- Barry Trentham
