Rebecca Renwick

Professor
Photo of Rebecca Renwick
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Room 948
(416) 978-1818
r.renwick@utoronto.ca
Website: sites.utoronto.ca/qol

 

Biosketch

My educational background is in Social Psychology (PhD), Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. Much of my research has focused on quality of life and related issues (e.g., engagement in occupations, community, and society) for individuals with disability, from childhood through older adulthood. My research has also included attention to quality of life for families that include family members with disability and community quality of life. I am currently the Director of the Quality of Life Research Unit (QOLRU) in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. The activities of the QOLRU are qualitative and quantitative research, dissemination of information about the research conducted (including the conceptual models and measurement instruments developed through its research), and research consultation and education focused on issues related to quality of life.

My most recent research employs qualitative video methods to understand perspectives and experiences of children with intellectual/developmental disability about their own quality of life as well as those of youths with intellectual/developmental disability concerning their friendships and engagement in community life. In addition, I am engaged in participatory research with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities concerning media representations of people with intellectual/developmental disability and their meaningful engagement (or not) in community and society.

Cross Appointments
  • Rehabilitation Sciences Institute
  • Dalla Lana School of Public Health
  • Music and Health Research Collaboratory (Faculty of Music), Member
School of Graduate Studies

Full Member

Publications
Research Keywords

Community Engagement; Friendships of Youths with Intellectual/Developmental Disability; Media Representations of Disability (especially Intellectual/Developmental Disability); Quality of Life and Well-Being; Participatory Research,  Video Methods in Research