MsValerie Watchorn

Valerie's research is grounded in extensive clinical experience as an occupational therapist, where she has witnessed firsthand how unsupportive environments and a lack of appropriate assistive technology significantly restrict people's participation and inclusion in meaningful activities.  Valerie is actively involved in research on environmental design and assistive technology as enablers for people with disability, older people and those who are neurodivergent. Her interests include the application of co-design, universal design, and neuro-inclusive design in built environments, as well as working to ensure that people with lived experience play a meaningful role in research processes. To advance knowledge in the areas of environmental design, assistive technology and co-design, Valerie prioritises research that is interdisciplinary, collaborative, and user-centered.