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Associate Chair - Shaniff Esmail

Shaniff Esmail, PhD, OT (c)
 

Associate Professor; Associate Chair
Department of Occupational Therapy
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
University of Alberta


 

Contact Information:
Phone: 492-0397
Fax: 492-4628 
E-mail: shaniff.esmail@ualberta.ca

  

 

Education:

University of Alberta              Doctor of Philosophy (Human Ecology)                 2005
University of Alberta              Master of Science in Occupational Therapy          1993


Research interests:

  • Sexuality and Disability
  • Sexuality Education & Curriculum Development for Individuals with Disabilities
  • Qualitative Analyses/Research in Sexuality, Disability and Quality of Life
  • Sexuality education for children with disabilities
  • Work Evaluation


Biosketch:
Primarily my research interests lie in the areas of sexuality and disability. Research areas include couples’ relations as we as sexuality education for children and adolescents with disabilities. Currently, as part of a major grant from the Canadian Council for Learning, we are conducting qualitative research on sexual education for adolescents with disabilities. The goal of the research is to develop sexual education guidelines for adolescents with disabilities that will match their unique situations.
 

Inspiration/Vision Statement:
Through my teaching and research, my vision is to allow people who are at a disadvantage a voice in order to assist them in participating in improving their quality of life for themselves as well as individuals in similar situations.

Primarily my research interests lie in the areas of sexuality and disability. Research areas include couples’ relations as we as sexuality education for children and adolescents with disabilities. Currently, as part of a major grant from the Canadian Council for Learning, we are conducting qualitative research on sexual education for adolescents with disabilities. The goal of the research is to develop sexual education guidelines for adolescents with disabilities that will match their unique situations.


Clinical or policy implications of research:
Sexual development and health is a key component to achieving and maintaining a high quality of life. Adding to the knowledge within specialized sexual education for specific populations, and developing such programs, will ensure individuals will be supported in their sexual health and development. Doing so will also help individuals achieve a high quality of life.


Recent publications: 

1) Esmail, S. Huang, J. & Leakey, M. The sexual experience: The lived experience of
women whose partners have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Way Ahead Multiple Sclerosis, Vol. 12, Part 2, March 2008.
 
2) Esmail, S., Munro B., Gibson, N., Couple’s Experience with Multiple Sclerosis in the
Context of Their Sexual Relationship. Sexuality and Disability Vol. 25, No 4, December 2007.
 
3) Esmail, S., The Sexual Experience: Revelations from Women with Multiple Sclerosis. Way
Ahead Multiple Sclerosis Trust Vol. 11, Part 3, July 2007
 
4) Esmail, S., Esmail, Y., Munroe B., Sexuality and Disability: The role of the Health Care
Professional in Providing Options and Alternatives For Couples. Sexuality and Disability Vol. 19, No 4, Winter 2001.
 
5) Munro, B.E.; Selman, J.; Esmail, S.; Ponzetti, J.J.Jr.. Are we there yet?: Using theatre in
sexual education. Accepted for publication, Oct.2007. The International Journal of Diversity in Organisations, Communities and Nations.


Links:
http://www.rmcourses.ualberta.ca/ot/shaniff/