Think Tank

In April, BAIL’s lead researcher, Johnny Bourke, and knowledge translation specialist, Dr. Jo Nunnerley, attended a two-day think tank in Auckland that brought together a number of disability advocates and researchers. Facilitated by the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the think tank aimed to identify health and social issues that disability communities considered priority areas. Discussion then explored ways of developing potential research collaborations to potentially address those areas. A number of areas were explored through group discussion including access and communication, identity politics, and systems and services. The diverse experience of those present ensured that a range of views were discussed, and potential research areas were explored. A summary of the think tank is being organized by the conveners and will be available soon. The think tank was a great opportunity to meet and share ideas and concerns regarding the complex world of disability, and hopefully the momentum gained will develop into fruitful research opportunities that improve the lives of disabled people.