Deborah O'Connor

Deborah O'Connor is a Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of British Columbia, within the Faculty of Arts. With over 35 years of professional practice and research in aging and health care, her work focuses on dementia, personhood, citizenship, and social justice. She co-directs the Centre for Research on Personhood and Dementia (CRPD), an interdisciplinary hub addressing dementia through a biomedical and social lens, and is a founding member of the Citizenship and Dementia: International Research Network. Her research emphasizes reducing stigma, promoting social inclusion, and safeguarding human rights for people with dementia and their caregivers.

Key research areas include decision-making capacity, abuse/neglect dynamics, and the intersection of cultural identity with dementia care. She has led or co-led CIHR-funded studies, including projects on social citizenship and shared decision-making in end-of-life contexts. O'Connor's teaching fosters critical thinking and links theory, practice, and research. She has supervised over 90 graduate research projects and 30+ practicum placements, contributing to the next generation of social work professionals.

Her publications span journals like Dementia, Journal of Aging Studies, and Elder Law Review, addressing topics such as diagnostic disclosure, participatory action research, and long-term care communication. She advocates for culturally responsive care and systemic change to uphold the rights of older adults and people with dementia.