RSIG Research Day

Research Special Interest Group Conference

After careful consideration of the concerns about public gatherings in light of the precautions for COVID 19 the OADD Board has decided that the 31st annual Conference April 6th – 9th, 2020 will be cancelled.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but feel this course of action protects not only the conference participants, presenters and vendors but the populations they serve.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the OADD office at oadd@oadd.org  Administrative staff will be working from home until April 5th but messages and emails will be returned.

Every year, the Research Special Interest Group presents a research day at the OADD conference on Developmental Disabilities.

The objectives of the RSIG meeting are:

  • To provide and update regarding the research being conducted to advance the field of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
  • To provide an opportunity for networking and collaboration for researchers, students, professionals and self-advocates with an interest in the field of developmental disabilities
  • To facilitate interest and support for research regarding developmental disabilities at the level of institutions (i.e., universities, colleges, community and government)

We accept posters and presentations from professional and student researchers from diverse disciplines who are engaged in research relating to intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Conference theme for 2020 is:

From Deinstitutionalization to Citizenship: Where Are We Now?

Call for RSIG Papers is now closed

Below is a copy of the 2018 RSIG Conference Schedule that can be used as a reference.

The 2020 Schedule will be posted as soon as it is available


8:30 9:15 Poster 1 (judging)
9:15 9:25 Opening Remarks
9:25 9:45 Data Blitz 1
9:45 11:00 Keynote and Discussion:

Nothing About Us Without Us! That Includes Research!

Peter Park in Conversation with Sue Hutton

11:00 11:15 Break
11:15 11:55 Symposium 1:

Music and Autism: A Strengths-Based Approach to Studying Cognition and Emotion Perception

Hadas Dahary, Shalini Sivathasan, Charlotte Rimmer & Eve-Marie Quintin, Mc Gill University

11:55 12:15 Presentation 1:

Training in Developmental Disabilities in Canadian Psychiatry Residency Programs

Rob Nicolson & Sarah O’Flanagan, Western University

12:15 12:35 Presentation 2:

Creating a ‘Wellness Resource’: Understanding Health and Wellness Goals for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Yani Hamdani & Amy McPherson, Bloorview Research Institute, University of Toronto

12:35 1:15 Lunch
1:15 1:45 Data Blitz 2
1:45 2:05 Presentation 3:

A Systematic Review of Post-Secondary Transition Interventions for Youth and Disabilities

Sally Lindsay, De-Lawrence Lamptey, Elaine Cagliostr, Dilakshan Srikanthan, Neda Mortaji & Leora Karon, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital; University of Toronto

2:05 2:25 Presentation 4:

Income Security Among People with Intellectual Disabilities: Comparing Strengths-based and Traditional Employment Services

Kelly Carr, Laura Chittle, Nancy Wallace-Gero, Sean Horton, Patricia Weir & Chad A. Sutherland, APEX Research Group, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario; Community Living Essex County

2:25 2:45 Presentation 5:

Individually Funded Services and Supports in Ontario: What’s Available and How is it Working

Barry Isaacs, Frances MacNeil & Amelia McIntrye, Surrey Place Centre

2:25 3:00 Break
3:00 3:40 Symposium 2:

The Use of Focus Groups to Engage Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Research and Knowledge Mobilization Processes

Virginie Cobigo, Lynne A. Potvin, Hajer Chalghoumi, Rawad Mcheimech, Casey Fulford & Natasha Plourde, University of Ottawa

3:40 4:00 Presentation 6:

Nuts and Bolts of Health Care for Direct Support Professionals

Mais Malhas, Erin Orr, Lauren Zaretsky, Janet Durbin & Yona Lunsky, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Ryerson University

4:00 4:30 Awards; Closing Remarks
4:30 5:15 Poster 2; wine and cheese