Thesis title
Exploring supported decision making for disabled children and their whānau in a New Zealand education context.
Area of study
- Decision making with disabled children and their whānau
- Collaboration and engagement with whānau
- Student voice
- Goal setting in education in particular individual Education Plans
- Special education with Ongoing Resource Funded students
- Multi-disciplinary team
Supervisors
- Dr Allyson Calder, Senior lecturer, Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy (Primary supervisor)
- Associate Professor Meredith Perry, Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy
- Professor Missy Morton: Disability Studies and Inclusive Education, University of Auckland
Education background
- PhD enrolment 2023
- Masters in Physiotherapy (neurorehabilitation) 2020
- Diploma in Physiotherapy Otago Polytechnic 1987
Publications
Robinson, L., Calder, A., & Carrington, L. (2025). Collaborative goal setting for children with disability within education: A scoping review. New Zealand journal of physiotherapy, 52(3), 257-272. https://doi.org/10.15619/nzjp.v52i3.459
Presentations
- AUT Child and Youth Symposium 2026
- Australian Association of Special Education conference 2025
- PNZ conference 2022
- PSIG 2019, 2020, 2023
- Special Education Therapy forum 2019, 2023
Awards
University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship for part-time PhD 2023-2029.
Why did you choose the school of physiotherapy?
The flexibility of study at Otago Physiotherapy, including diverse topic options such as paediatrics and leadership alongside excellent distance learning opportunities, drew me back for my Master’s degree.
The supportive culture within the department, combined with my supervisors’ genuine engagement, expertise, and commitment to my research area, encouraged me to return to complete my PhD.
Best things so far about your study?
Being able to study while continuing to work in an area I am deeply passionate about, and the privilege of using my research to amplify the voices of whānau with disabled children.
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