Joanne Watson

Dr Joanne (Jo) Watson is a Senior Lecturer in Disabiltiy and Inclusion in the School of Health and Social Development. She coordinates the Post graduate disability and inclusion program at Deakin University. In addition to teaching, Jo is engaged in a wide range of research projects, as an early career researcher. Jo’s teaching and research is informed by a career of thirty years practicing as a Speech Pathologist. Jo’s broad research interests are centered around the impact of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on signatory nations’ capacity to support and protect the human rights of people with complex communication and support needs. Her current research focus is on supporting people with complex communication and support needs to live self-determined lives through supported decision making mechanisms and individualised supports. Jo has an extensive national and international profile, having practiced, taught and engaged in research in Hong Kong, China, Australia and the USA.