Research and Development

 

Research has a vital role in StFX’s vision of a society of full accessibility and inclusion. In concert with governments and industry, StFX has developed initiatives, programs and projects that put accessibility in the spotlight. 

Province appoints StFX University Sociology Professor Dr. Katie Aubrecht to conduct an independent review of the Accessibility Act

StFX University Sociology Professor, Dr. Katie Aubrecht, has been appointed to conduct an independent review of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act. The review will focus on identifying possible changes to the legislation, the standard development processes and Access by Design - the plan to make Nova Scotia accessible by 2030.

Link to Media Story

Link to Government Press Release

Centre for Employment Innovation

The Centre for Employment Innovation (CEI) at StFX strengthens the development and delivery of employment services in Nova Scotia through various activities, partnerships, projects and research. The CEI works diligently with its partners to:

• enhance diversity, education and inclusion within workplaces;
• foster exemplary career development practices
• conduct applied and practitioner-based research
• encourage collaboration for a greater collective impact for all Nova Scotians. 

Link to StFX Centre for Employment Innovation webpage

Link to Youth Accessibility Research

Spatializing Care Lab

Led by Director, Dr. Katie Aubrecht, the Spatializing Care Lab is home to a participatory arts-informed health research infrastructure that supports and enhances meaningful and ethical community engagement. Projects focus on structures and conditions that influence mental health and wellness inequities and disparities. 

Learn more about upcoming, ongoing and completed research projects. 

COLLAB4CARE

The overarching goal of the Accessibility as a Collaborative Practice (Collab4Care) project is to assess and improve accessibility within the university sector in Eastern Canada. The project involves a review of knowledge, policy and practice, with a focus on accessibility as collaborative practice in Maple League Universities. This information will be crucial in supporting knowledge and implementation of accessibility legislation in a new, dynamic and evolving context.

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Katie Aubrecht (St.F.X., Sociology), Dr. Erin Austen (St.F.X., Psychology)
Co-Investigators: Dr. Cynthia Bruce (Acadia, Education), Dr. Mary Ellen Donnan (Bishop’s, Sociology), Dr. Jane Dryden (Mount Alison University, Philosophy)

Link to Collab4Care Project Webpage

Reducing sedentary behaviour for people with disabilities in rural assisted community living settings

Effective strategies are needed to improve and maintain function and quality of life among people with intellectual disability in Nova Scotia. Dr. Amanda Casey from StFX is working with CACL-Antigonish to explore ways to support people in assisted living and strategies to stay physically active. 

Link to Project Webpage

Disability, access, equity and education: Creating welcoming communities

A two-day gathering on August 26-27, 2019 explored questions of disability, access, equity and education from diverse perspectives. The program included activities designed to stimulate conversation and creative approaches to disability and difference in university, education, work and community settings. 

Link to Session Recordings