Dr. Shanon Phelan

Biography

Dr. Shanon Phelan is a Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University, focusing on critical disability studies. Her work advances equity and inclusion for disabled children, youth, and families using qualitative, participatory, and community-engaged methodologies to investigate how ableism shapes experiences of inclusion and belonging. Dr. Phelan's research addresses dominant discourses in childhood disability and aims to co-create knowledge that values disability as a facet of human diversity. Significant areas of her inquiry include child and youth culture, inclusive play and early learning, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and inclusive research methods. She leads the SHIFT Collective, which collaborates with community partners to foster systemic change in policy and practice. Current initiatives include exploring disability-inclusive frameworks in early childhood education and promoting well-being for children experiencing disability. Dr. Phelan has received multiple SSHRC grants and has published extensively in influential journals.

Research Interests

Experience