Research Streams

The CIIC works to achieve its mission through conducting research, supporting the academic and broader community to undertake research and disseminating research findings.

Policy, Practice  and Ethics

Primary Lead: Dr. Tim Stainton – School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts, UBC Vancouver

Co-Lead: Dr. Rachelle Hole – School of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Social Development, UBC Okanagan

This stream will have a broad focus on issues concerned with policy, structures, and direct practice in the field. This will encompass both Provincial (the primary responsible jurisdiction) and National policy and practice in Canada as well as international policy and practice developments. While issues directly affecting people with I/DD and their families will be the core focus, this stream will also extend to health care practices, which may impact people with I/DD as well as global issues such as the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability. Dr. Stainton is ideally suited to lead this stream having been recognized for many years as one of the leading international experts in this area and having consulted with governments and organization across Canada and internationally.

Employment and Transitions

Lead: Dr. Rachelle Hole – School of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Social Development, UBC Okanagan

Co-Lead: Dr. Tim Stainton – School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts, UBC Vancouver

Employment is a key aspiration for individuals with I/DD and a key priority of the community living sector. Research demonstrates that employment enhances quality of life for most working-age adults and is a key mechanism for enhancing social inclusion. This research stream focuses on improving employment outcomes for individuals with I/DD with an additional focus on transitioning youth. Intervening early is key to improving employment outcomes for individuals with I/DD.

 

 

Health and Well-being of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Families across the Life – Course

Primary Lead: Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch – School of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Vancouver

Co-Lead: Dr. Lise Olsen – School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, UBC Okanagan

It is well documented that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families experience health inequities across the life-course. This research cluster aims to illuminate socio-political and structural factors that contribute to inequities. This research will help to inform ethical and equitable policies and practices that support health and well-being across the life-course. 

 

 

Inclusive Education

Primary Lead: Dr. Leyton Schnellert – Faculty of Education, UBC

 

The Inclusive Education research stream is comprised of university faculty, educators, self advocates, and family members deeply committed to enacting and furthering inclusive education. This research stream is comprised of people with expertise in diverse research methodologies, theoretical approaches, and educational structures, practices, and pedagogies. We seek to mobilize and generate knowledge that supports the inclusion of students with I/DD through intersectional approaches that leverage potentialities across cognitive, sensory, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversities.

 

Working with Indigenous Communities 

Co-Lead: Sue Sterling-Bur, PhD Candidate, University of British Columbia Okanagan

Co-Lead: Dr. Rheanna Robinson,, Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, First Nations Studies, University of Northern BC

Indigenous peoples have much to teach when it comes to conceptualizing effective and meaningful practices of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Through respectful, reciprocal, relevant, and responsible relationship building, the Indigenous Research Stream will mobilize how Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and teachings have the potential to broaden contemporary understandings of inclusion in Canada, and around the world.