The role of the academic partners is primarily to initiate and coordinate the research activities undertaken by each team. Academic partners use their research skill to:
- Identify and frame research questions, in consultation with community partners
- Initiate a program of research spanning the five-year funding window
- Recommend the most appropriate research methodology for each project
- Undertake reviews of literature to ascertain the current state of knowledge on issues, and to determine whether further primary research is needed
- Conduct environmental scans to assess current best practices in the policy area
- Seek external funding as necessary to supplement CURA resources on specific projects
- Conduct policy analysis to identify policy affecting issues of importance to people with disabilities
- Prepare policy briefs to assemble policy-relevant research
- Participate as needed in knowledge mobilization activities
- Publish and present research findings as usual in traditional academic venues
In addition to the research functions outlined above, the academic partners also have responsibilities in training and scholarship. Academic faculty may also participate in:
- Classroom teaching regarding disability policy
- Supervision of graduate students working in the area of disability policy
- Contribute to skills development regarding research among the partners
- Employment and supervision of students as research assistants on specific projects
Finally, our academic partners also have responsibility to contribute as requested to the necessary documentation and reporting on the progress of their activities.
Founding Academic Partners
Mary Ann McColl, University Lead
Alice Aiken, Health Services Lead
Audrey Kobayashi, Citizenship Lead
Lyn Jongbloed, Employment Lead
