Information:
Date: December 2, 2025
Time: 12:00-1:30pm
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE (please register)
Meaningful Connections: Research-Informed Strategies to Improve Social Networks
Social connections are a key predictor of various positive health outcomes. However, individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are reported to have fewer social connections compared to those without ID. Enhancing social opportunities for people with ID is an essential step toward improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
This presentation will provide an overview of research looking at different aspects of social connection for individuals with ID. Topics will include:
- the role of support staff in promoting social connection,
- the effects of a project intended to promote connection, involving both staff and supported individuals,
- the perspectives of individuals living with ID about their social networks and how they could be improved, and
- ongoing research on a self-management intervention to promote social connection for individuals with ID.
These projects represent work done at St.Amant Research Centre over the past several years. It is our hope that audience members will not only learn about some current and local research on social connection for individuals with ID, but will also learn about the interconnected levels of support that are involved when promoting social connection for individuals with ID.
Panelists: Rob Jeffrey and Katharine Kalinowski
Rob Jeffrey
Rob Jeffrey works as a Behaviour Analyst supporting the Jordan’s Principle Child First Initiative for St.Amant and has a settler background, who is lifelong resident of Manitoba. Recently, he graduated with his Master’s degree supervised by Dr. Toby Martin and is continuing onto his PhD. His research interests include examining social relationships of people with intellectual disabilities and Computer Aided Personalized System of Instruction (CAPSI). On top of his behaviour analytic work and research, Rob has a fascination with ethics, is a very proud cat dad, and enjoys consistently learning about new things.
Katharine Kalinowski
Katharine Kalinowski has worked with St.Amant for 11 years, starting as an Autism Tutor in 2014, moving to a role as Senior Autism Tutor, and is now in her current role as a Behaviour Analyst providing behavioural support to families living in the community, St.Amant school, as well as providing behavioural consultation to community schools. Katharine has her master’s degree in psychology and is currently working towards her PhD. Her research interests include promoting social connection for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and the role of self-management when supporting individuals with IDD to reach their social connection goals. Outside of her work and research, Katharine enjoys traveling, camping, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and her husky Arlo.