Universal Design for Learning Community of Practice
Funding: Public Engagement Accelerator Fund, Memorial University Vice-President Research Startup Support
Overview: Launched in May 2025, the Universal Design for Learning Community of Practice in Newfoundland and Labrador brings together educators, students, and community members committed to advancing accessible and inclusive education. Through workshops, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the initiative supports the practical application of UDL across educational and community settings.
Disability and Gender-Based Violence Study
Funding: Mitacs Globalink Research Internship; Memorial University Vice-President Research Startup Support; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Knowledge Synthesis Grant
Overview: This qualitative study explores disabled survivors’ experiences of gender-based violence in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through in-depth interviews with 13 participants, the research examines how disability and ableism shape experiences of violence, access to support, and institutional responses. The initial findings were published in 2026, with additional research examining police responses and the experiences of survivors with ADHD.
Universal Design for Learning in Practice-Based Social Work Education
Funding: Teaching Enhancement through Scholarly Inquiry (TESI) Program, Memorial University Vice-President Research Startup Support
Overview: This study explores students’ experiences of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in undergraduate social work education. Drawing on student interviews, classroom observations, and course materials, the research examines how UDL can support accessibility, participation, and belonging in practice-based learning. Findings were published in 2026, with additional knowledge sharing ongoing.
Reproductive Justice Through Research-Creation
Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant; Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Overview: This participatory, arts-based study explores disabled young people’s experiences of reproductive healthcare and decision-making in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through focus groups with 22 participants aged 18–24, the project examines accessibility, autonomy, and experiences of care. Analysis is underway, alongside the development of comics-based approaches to sharing participants’ experiences and research findings.
Academic Integrity in Social Work Education
Funding: 2026 AtlanticOER Development Grant, Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries (CAAL-CBPA)
Overview: This project involves developing nine accessible, self-paced learning modules to support undergraduate social work students in understanding academic integrity and its connections to ethical professional practice. Designed using Universal Design for Learning principles, the modules provide practical examples, videos, and interactive learning activities. The learning series is being piloted in Fall 2026, with plans to make it freely available as an open educational resource.
Accommodations in Canadian Social Work Education
Funding: Mitacs Globalink Research Internship; Memorial University Vice-President Research Startup Support
Overview: This national study examines disabled social work students’ experiences of accommodations, accessibility, and belonging in Canadian social work programs. Through a survey of 154 students and focus groups with 18 students, the research explores institutional barriers, disability disclosure, relationships with faculty, and opportunities to strengthen disability-affirming social work education. Data collection is complete, and analysis is ongoing.