About
This presentation will explore how disability policy shapes access to supports and services for children, youth, and families. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative research findings, the talk will highlight patterns and inequities in access, alongside the experiences and perspectives of families and other stakeholders navigating disability support systems. Together, these findings will illustrate how policy design, eligibility, and service delivery can influence who receives support and inform opportunities to build more equitable and accessible systems.
Speaker
Jennifer Zwicker, PhD, is Director of Social Policy and Health at the School of Public Policy and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She holds a Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Disability Policy for Children and Youth and serves as Chief Scientist for the Kids Brain Health Network.
Her research program evaluates interventions and informs policy related to the allocation of funding, services, and supports for children and youth with disabilities and/ or mental health concerns and their families. Central to her work is strong collaboration with interest holders and governments, enabling the translation of peer-reviewed research into policy papers, op-eds, and briefing notes for provincial and federal ministries and Senate committees.
Dr. Zwicker’s research has informed national initiatives, including the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences National Autism Strategy Working Group and the Royal Society of Canada Expert Working Group on disability-inclusive policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been recognized for her policy leadership as an Action Canada alumna, Governor General Leadership Forum participant, Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 recipient, and Killam Emerging Scholar.
Questions?
Ellie-Anna Minogianis
Training Program Manager, CanNRT
ellie-anna.minogianis@mcgill.ca