Associate ProfessorJo Watson

Jo's research delves into the implications of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on the ability of signatory nations to uphold and safeguard the human rights of people with complex communication access needs, encompassing those with intellectual and multiple disabilities. As an experienced speech pathologist, her primary investigative pursuits revolve around empowering people with complex communication access needs to lead self-directed lives, achieved through the implementation of supported decision-making mechanisms and individualised support systems. Jo leads national and international research focused on supported decision making as it relates to a range of life decisions including end of life care, education, housing, support services, aging, relationships, health care and guardianship.

In addition to her work on supported decision-making, Jo is actively engaged in multifaceted research endeavours. One facet of her research delves into the intricate interplay between disability and refugee status, particularly concerning their impact on fundamental human rights. Furthermore, she maintains a keen research interest in the pivotal role of assistive technology in the lives of people with disabilities, drawing from her extensive experience managing Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Library at Temple University and her experience as a speech pathologist an augmentative and alternative communication.

Jo's scholarly pursuits extend to exploring the significance of nature in the lives of people with disabilities, recognizing its potential therapeutic and empowering effects. Moreover, she is deeply invested in investigating equitable access to healthcare, including mental health care, for people with intellectual disabilities, both on an individual and population level, striving to address systemic disparities and promote inclusivity within healthcare systems.

Jo is a qualitative participatory action research. This means her research is community-based and community led, guided by and co-designed by people with living experience of disability.