UBC Okanagan’s Allied Social Research Centres will launch the Disabilities Health Research Network (DHRN) in Kelowna this Friday, October 20.
DHRN Co-leaders Dr. Lawrence Berg, Canada Research Chair in Human Rights, Diversity and Identity at UBC Okanagan, and Dr. Bonnie Sawatzky, Assistant Professor in both the Division of Orthopaedic Engineering and Paediatric Orthopaedics at UBC Vancouver, will be on hand from 2 to 5 p.m. to explain the DHRN’s goal of increasing research into disability issues in B.C.
The launch of the DHRN takes place during Community Living Month and Autism Awareness Month (October) -- designations reflecting the growing importance of disability research in this province.
“Our Network’s goal is ambitious. DHRN wants to become the Disabilities Health Research hub for B.C. researchers and community partners,” says Dr. Berg.
The DHRN is aiming to increase knowledge of disability health issues by facilitating partnerships and networking between researchers, academics, health professionals, community organizations and advocates.
“By fostering innovative approaches that increase research scope and quality, the DHRN hopes to assist scientists, academics and community groups as they address the biological, social and community issues facing people with disabilities,” Dr. Berg notes.
The DHRN encourages participation and contributions from network members in a variety of disciplines and from disability community partners and health practitioners.
The DHRN is a Network member of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Health of Population Networks, and is operated out of the Community, Culture and Global Studies Unit at UBC Okanagan.
Location: Arts 368, 3rd Floor, Arts Building, UBC Okanagan Campus on Friday between 2 and 5 p.m.
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