Education

PhD (Rehabilitation Science, McMaster)
MSc (Rehabilitation Science, Western)
BScOT (Western)

Research:

Research program of Dr. Beata Batorowicz concerns developing, implementing, and evaluating services that support and enrich social participation of children and young adults with disabilities, especially those who rely on assistive technology and/or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Through her research, Dr. Batorowicz aims to design and promote best services that enable meaningful participation and healthy lives of children and their families, as well as build capacity within communities. Dr. Batorowicz has been a Canadian lead on a large international project on development and participation of children who AAC, actively collaborating with 16 counties; her current funded project concern life aspirations, employment and leisure of young adults with communication and physical disabilities and developing accessibility guidelines in AAC. She is a Chair of the Research Committee of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) and Associate Editor of the AAC journal.

Teaching:

Areas of teaching expertise include assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication, environmental determinants of health, professional practice, and critical inquiry.

Currently accepting MSc and PhD students in the following areas of research:

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology
• Social and leisure participation of children and young people with disabilities
• Innovative measures of participation
• Use of technology for assessment purposes
• Transactional aspects of social interaction in context of development

Selected Peer Reviewed Publications:

Contribution to Peer Reviewed Books

Batorowicz, B. & Smith, M. (2020). Social context: Communication, leisure and recreation. In D. Green & Ch. Imms (Eds.). Participation: Optimising Outcomes in Childhood-Onset Neurodisability. pp. 67-82. Mac Keith Press: London, UK.

Kulis, A., Chrabota, U., Szmurlo, M, & Batorowicz, B. (2019). Terapia zajeciowa dzieci [Occupational Therapy for Children]. Warszawa, Poland: PZWL. (co-edited)

Batorowicz, B. (2019). Wspomagajace i alternatywne metody porozumiewania sie w terapii zajeciowej [Augmentative and alternative communication in occupational therapy]. In A. Kulis, U. Chrabota, M. Szmurlo, & B. Batorowicz. Terapia zajeciowa dzieci [Occupational Therapy for Children] (pp. 138-159) Warszawa, Poland: PZWL.

Batorowicz, B. (2019). Zabawa i zajecia w czasie wolnym [Play and free time activities] In A. Kulis, U. Chrabota, M. Szmurlo, & B. Batorowicz. Terapia zajeciowa dzieci [Occupational Therapy for Children] (pp. 126-137). Warszawa, Poland:  PZWL.

Batorowicz, B. (2017). Contribution of technology to communication quality: Research and Practices. In D. Deliberatio, D.R. Nunes, & M. J. Goncalves. Trilhando Juntos a Communicacao Alternativa [Treading Together Alternative Communication], p. 31-46. Marilia, Brazil: APBEE.

Petrenchik, T., King, G. & Batorowicz, B. (2011). Children and youth with disabilities: Enhancing mental health through positive experiences of doing and belonging. In S. Bazyk (Ed.) Mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention with children and youth: A guiding framework for occupational therapy, p. 189-205. Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press.

Journal Articles

Noyek, S., Vowles, C., Batorowicz, B., Davies, C., & Fayed N. (2020). Direct assessment of emotional well-being from children with severe motor and communication impairment: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2020.1810334

Kulis, A., Batorowicz, B., Chrabota, U. (2020). Validation of the Polish version of the Self-reported Experiences of Activity Settings (SEAS) questionnaire. Rehabilitacja Medyczna, 23(4), 4-9. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.1510

Nuri, R., Batorowicz, B., & Aldersey, H. M. (2019). Family supports and family and child related outcomes among families impacted by disability in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. Journal of Child Health Care, 1-18.

Lynch, Y., Murray, J., Moulam, J., & Meredith, M., & Batorowicz, B., Goldbart, J…Judge, S. (2019). Decision Making in Communication Aid Recommendations in the UK: Cultural and Contextual Influencers. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, published early online: 04 Jul 2019; doi: 10.1080/07434618.2019.1599066

Benjamin, T., Rudman, D., Cameron, D., & Batorowicz, B. (2019). Potential of three approaches for advancing transformative occupation-based research with children and youth. Journal of Occupational Science, 26 (4), 559-574, doi: 10.1080/14427591.2018.1512054

Batorowicz, B., Stadskleiv, K., Renner, G., Dahlgren-Sandberg, A. & von Tetzchner, S. (2018). Assessment of aided language comprehension and use in children with severe speech and motor impairments. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Early on-line https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2017.1420689

Stadskleiv, K., Batorowicz, B., Massaro,M., van Balkom, H., & von Tetzchner, S. (2018). Visual-spatial cognition in children using aided communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Early on line: https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2017.1422017

Smith, M., Batorowicz, B., Dahlgren-Sandberg, A., Murray, J., Stadskleiv, K., van Balkom, H…. von Tetzchner, S. (2018). Constructing narratives to describe video events using aided communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Early on-line: https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2017.1422018.

von Tetzchner, S., Lunemon, K., Batorowicz, B., d’Oliveira de Paula Nunes, L.R., Walter, C., Judith Oxley…Deliberato, D. (2018). Communication aids provision and use among children and adolescents developing aided communication: An international survey. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Early on-line: https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2017.1422019

Batorowicz, B., King, G., Vane, F., Pinto, M., Raghavendra, P. (2017). Exploring the validation of a graphic symbol questionnaire to measure participation experiences of youth. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 33(2), 97-109.

Batorowicz, B., Stadskleiv, K., von Tetzchner, S., Missiuna, C. (2016). Children who use communication aids instruct peer and adult partners during play-based activity. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 32(2), 105-119.

Batorowicz, B., King, G., Mishra, L., & Missiuna C. (2016). An integrated model of social environment and social context for pediatric rehabilitation. Disability and Rehabilitation, 38(12), 1204-1215.

Batorowicz, B., Campbell, F., von Tetzchner, S., King G., & Missiuna C. (2014). Social participation of school-aged children who use communication aids: the views of children and parents. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 30(3), 237-251.

Stadskleiv, K., von Tetzchner, S., Batorowicz, B., Balkom, H., Dahlgren-Sandberg, A., & Renner, G. & (2014). Investigating executive functions in children with severe speech and movement disorders using structured tasks. Frontiers in Developmental Psychology, 5(992) http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00992

King, G., Batorowicz, B., Rigby, P., McMain-Klein, M., Thompson, L., & Pinto, M. (2014). Development of a measure to assess youth self-reported experiences of activity settings (SEAS). International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 61, 43-65.

King, G., Batorowicz, B., Rigby, P., Pinto, M., Thompson L., & Goh, F. (2014). The leisure activity settings and experiences of youth with severe disabilities. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 17, 259-269.

King, G., Rigby, P., Batorowicz, B., et al. (2014). Development of a Direct Observation Measure of Environmental Qualities of Activity Settings (MEQAS). Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 56, 763-769. This paper was nominated for the Gayle G. Arnold Award for Excellence.

Gibson, B. E., King, G., Kushki, A., Mistry, B., Thompson, L., Teachman, G., Batorowicz, B., McMain-Klein, M. (2013). A multi-method approach to studying activity setting participation: Integrating standardized questionnaires, qualitative methods and physiological measures. Disability and Rehabilitation, 36(19), 1652-60.

King, G., Rigby, P. & Batorowicz, B. (2013). Conceptualizing participation in context for children and youth with disabilities: an activity setting perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 35(18), 1578-1585.

Batorowicz, B., Missiuna, Ch., & Pollock, N. (2012). Technology to support written productivity in children with learning disabilities: a critical review. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(4), 211-224.

Batorowicz, B. & Shepherd, T. (2011). Teamwork in AAC: Examining Clinical Perceptions. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 27(1), 16-25.

Batorowicz, B. & Shepherd, T. (2008). Evaluating transdisciplinary model of team decision making: Measurement tool development. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 22(6), 612-620.

King, G., Batorowicz, B., & Shepherd, T. (2008). Expertise in research-informed clinical decision making: Working effectively with families of children with little or no functional speech. Evidence-based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 2(2), 106-116.

Batorowicz, B., McDougall, S., & Shepherd, T. (2006). AAC and community partnerships: The participation path to community inclusion. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 22(3), 178-195.

Selected Abstracts of Peer Reviewed International Conferences

Haas, J., Marchiori, K., Tomczak, S., & Batorowicz, B. (2020, May). Children using speech generating devices talk about interests and future. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Conference. Presentation. Received CAOT Award for Best Students’ Paper.

Finak, P., Davies, C., Herder, K., & Batorowicz, B. (2020, May). Rehabilitation services for children and families living in rural areas. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Conference. Presentation.

Finak, P., Davies, C., Herder, K., & Batorowicz, B. (July 2020). Interdisciplinary pediatric services in rural areas. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Poster.

Shannon, K. & Batorowicz, B. Partnerships between education and health professionals in applying the principles of UDL within the school environment. Third Pan-Canadian Conference on Universal Design for Learning. October 2-4 Victoria, BC. Presentation.

Davies, C., Batorowicz, B., Perfect E. Noyek, S., Moslehi, A. Implementing a Novel Eye Gaze Assistive Technology Evaluation (EGATE) in Clinical Practice with Children with Disabilities. RESNA Annual Conference @ RehabWeek 2019, June 24-28. Toronto. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B. et al. Exploring​ ​the​ ​pragmatic​ ​reasoning​ ​of​ ​school-aged​ ​children​ ​who​ ​have​ ​physical disabilities​ ​and​ ​use​ ​augmentative​ ​and​ ​alternative​ ​communication​ ​(AAC). (2018). 18thBiennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, July 21-27, Gold Cost, Australia. Presentation.

Renner, G., Batorowicz, B, & von Tetzchner, S. Co-construction in children who use aided communication and their familiar communication partners. (2018). 18thBiennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, July 21-27, Gold Cost, Australia. Presentation.

*Agius, M., Batorowicz, B., & Murray, J. Teaching preschool children with ASD to request using a SGD with differing visual displays. (2018). 18thBiennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, July 21-27, Gold Cost, Australia. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B., Campbell, F., Stadskleiv, K., & von Tetzchner. (2016). Two girls who use communication aids interact with peers and adults: A story of discernment. 17th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, August 6-13, Toronto. Presentation.

Stadskleiv, K., Batorowicz, B. & von Tetzchner. (2016). The relationship between concepts and visual-spatial perception in children using aided communication. 17th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, August 6-13, Toronto. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B., Kulis, A., Chrabota, U., & Zychowicz, P. (2016). Why children do not participate in after school activities? Parents perspectives. 1st COTEC-ENOTHE Congress, 2016, Galway, Ireland. Presentation.

Kulis, A., Batorowicz, B. (2016). Views of children and parents on choosing extracurricular activities. 1st COTEC-ENOTHE Congress, 2016, Galway, Ireland. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B., Stadskleiv, K., von Tetzchner, S. & Missiuna, C. (2016). Including children who use AAC in play activities with peers. Child Health Symposium, May 26, London, Ontario. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B., Stadskleiv, K., & von Tetzchner. (2014). Participation of aided communicators in play with peers: Language for action. 16th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Lisbon, July 21- 26. Presentation.

Stadskleiv, K., Batorowicz, B., von Tetzchner, S. (2014). Investigating executive functioning in aided communicators. 16th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Lisbon, July 21-26. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B., Stadskleiv, K., & von Tetzchner, S. (2013). Acting on the physical world through aided communication. International Society on Early Intervention Regional Conference: Early intervention to promote child development and mental health: from institutional Care to Family Environment, July 1-3. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Presentation.

von Tetzchner, S., Batorowicz, B., & Stadskleiv, K., (2013). Augmentative and alternative communication in early intervention. International Society on Early Intervention Regional Conference: Early intervention to promote child development and mental health: from institutional Care to Family Environment, July 1-3, 2013, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Presentation.

Stadskleiv, K., von Tetzchner, S., & Batorowicz, B. (2013). Assessing children who may need augmentative and alternative communication. International Society on Early Intervention Regional Conference: Early intervention to promote child development and mental health: from institutional Care to Family Environment, July 1-3, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Presentation.

King, G., Rigby, P., Batorowicz, B., Thompson, L., Pinto, M., Goh, F., McMain-Klein, M. (2013). Leisure activity setting profiles for youth with severe disabilities. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, June, Victoria, B.C. Presentation.

King, G., Rigby, P., Batorowicz, B., McMain-Klein, M., Thompson, L., & Petrenchik, T. (2012). A Direct Observation Measure of Environmental Qualities of Activity Settings (MEQAS). American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) 66th Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada. September 12-15. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B., Teachman, G., & King, G. (2012). A toolbox of innovative techniques and instruments to assess youth activity settings and experiences. 15th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. July 29-August 4. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B., Raghavendra P., & King, G. (2012). Development and validation of SEAS-PCS© to measure participation experiences of youth who use AAC. 15th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. July 29-August 4. Poster.

Batorowicz, B., Browning, N., &. Sellwood, D. (2012). Perspectives on participation, wellness and satisfying life: Implications to AAC. 15th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. July 29-August 4. Poster.

von Tetzchner, S., Batorowicz, B., et al. (2012). The development of communicative problem solving in aided communicators and naturally speaking children aged 5-15 years. 15th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. July 29-August 4. Workshop.

Batorowicz, B., King, G., Rigby, P., McMain-Klein, M., Thompson, L., & Petrenchik, T. (2012). Youth’s self-reported experiences of leisure activity settings. Canadian Occupational Therapy 2012 Conference, Quebec City, QC, June 6-9. Poster.

Rigby, P., King, G., Batorowicz, B., McMain-Klein, M., Thompson, L., & Petrenchik, T. (2012). Development of direct observation measure of the environmental qualities of the activity settings. Canadian Occupational Therapy Conference, Quebec City, QC, June 6-9. Presentation.

Mason, J., Scott, A., Rigby, P., King, G., & Batorowicz, B. (2012). Environmental qualities and experiences of recreational programs for youth with physical disabilities: A pilot study. Canadian Occupational Therapy Conference, Quebec City, QC, June 6-9. Poster.

Moosa, T. & Batorowicz, B. (2012). Life participation and people living with aphasia. Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) Conference, St. John’s, NL, May 9-12. Poster.

Batorowicz, B. & Browning, N. (2011). Perceptions of three young people on the use of assistive technology for writing: Case study. (Visao de tres jovens sobre o uso da tecnologia assistive para escrita: Estudo de caso). IV Brazilian Congress of Alternative Communication, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August-31-September 2. Poster.

Batorowicz, B. King, G. Rigby, P. & McMain-Klein, M. (2011). Evaluating environmental qualities and youth experiences of activity settings. The 8th Eastern and Central European Augmentative and Alternative Communication Conference: Let’s Talk Together AAC in Europe, Warsaw, June 30-July 2. Presentation.

von Tetzchner, S., Almeida, M.A, Balandin, Sue, Basil, C., Batorowicz, B., et al. (2010). The system and aid histories of children developing aided communication. The 14th Biennial ISAAC Conference, Barcelona, Spain. July 24-31. Workshop.

Batorowicz, B. & Browning, N. (2010). What do young people tell us about using assistive technology for written communication? The 14th Biennial Conference of the International Society for AAC, Barcelona, Spain. July 24-31. Poster.

Batorowicz, B. & Shepherd, T. (2010). Automatic and step scanning: What about 3-year-olds? The 14th Biennial Conference of the International Society for AAC, Barcelona, Spain. July 24-31. Presentation.

Batorowicz, B. & Moosa, T. (2010). People living with aphasia talk about changes in life participation. The 14th Biennial Conference of the International Society for AAC, Barcelona, Spain. July 24-31. Poster.