Dr. Gavin Wood

Dr. Gavin Wood leads a developing programme of research on children with disabilities at United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Innocenti, UNICEF’s dedicated Global Office of Research and Foresight in Florence, Italy. Central to his work is the Global Research Agenda for Children with Disabilities, which he and his team will publish later this year. It aims to highlight and close evidence gaps and address barriers that limit the inclusion of children with disabilities, especially in low-income settings. His work emphasizes co-leadership from the Global South and encourages the voices of children and youth with lived experiences to shape the future of inclusive access to health, assistive technologies, education, and play. Gavin’s research promotes social inclusion by encouraging children of all abilities to participate together, fostering self-esteem, and creating a sense of belonging. His work also highlights the underrepresentation of marginalized groups, such as girls with disabilities and children in humanitarian settings. Additionally, he explores the untapped potential of arts and culture-based programs, which show promise in reducing stigma and fostering inclusion. As his research evolves through collaboration worldwide, Gavin envisions a world where every child with a disability is empowered to grow and participate, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive society.