Vice-President Research to guide CanAssist in planning its future
Dr. Howard Brunt, UVic’s Vice-President Research for the past five years, has been appointed interim Executive Director of CanAssist as it undergoes organizational renewal. Brunt, who recently agreed to remain as VP Research for an additional year, will hold the two positions concurrently.
CanAssist was created as a small volunteer venture in 1999 by UVic biologist Dr. Nigel Livingston, who saw a need for customized technologies to meet specific challenges faced by people living with disabilities. It now employs about 25 regular, full-time staff and many others who participate as co-op and graduate students, part-time researchers, technology testers and volunteers. CanAssist
became an official UVic entity in 2008 and reports to the UVic VP Academic through
Dr. Catherine Mateer, Associate VP Academic Planning (who is also CanAssist Advisory Board chair).
Earlier this year, CanAssist went through its first extensive external organizational review. It got high marks for the benefits it provides to people with disabilities – through customized technologies, community programs, raising awareness of disability issues, and a high level of student engagement.
The review recommended that CanAssist develop a strategic plan to clarify its vision and mission, and to guide its activities over the next three to five years. Brunt’s appointment allows Livingston, who continues as CanAssist director – research and development and academic liaison, to
focus his efforts on increasing linkages with UVic’s research and educational programs
in disability studies. Rounding out CanAssist’s leadership team is Dr. Doug Tolson,
director – operations and business development, and Robin Syme, director – partnerships.