Professor Haskell was Dean of Special Education at Deakin University School of Disability and Paramedical Studies. He was instrumental in pioneering teacher preparation programs and fostering research. He was as well very active as special education policy advisor on government and community committees, as conference organiser, as a member of associations for people with disabilities, and consultant editor to professional journals. He was elected Chairperson of The World Education Commission of Rehabilitation International (1992–1996), and had been an Australian delegate since 1976. He was an active member of ACROD at state and national levels. His many professional commitments included membership of the Victorian Psychological Society, consultant to UNESCO and UNICEF, and Chairman of the National Committee, Braille and Talking Book Society (1982–1984). His several honours include the Folke Bernadotte Award from Sweden and Member of the Order of Australia.