Disability & Accessibility in Research & Scholarship
A focus on disability and accessibility emphasizes creating inclusive environments, understanding, and celebrating the contributions of individuals with disabilities to education and knowledge-sharing.
Accessibility Mapping and Mobilities Research Lab (AMMRL)
TheAMMRL is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to exploring and advancing accessibility, mobility, and inclusion for diverse communities. By integrating innovative technologies, participatory methodologies, and critical social analysis, the lab addresses barriers to accessibility in urban environments, public spaces, and digital platforms. AMMRL collaborates with stakeholders across academia, industry, government, and community organizations to develop data-driven solutions, foster inclusive design practices, and promote equitable access for all, particularly focusing on marginalized and underrepresented populations.
Disability Policy Research Program (DiPO)
DiPO at the University of Calgary is committed to improving societal participation for individuals with disabilities by transforming research into meaningful action. Focused on evidence-based policy development, DiPO collaborates with practitioners, care providers, community members, and policymakers to deeply understand the needs and experiences of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The program prioritizes the translation of research findings into practical policies and programs that foster inclusion and equity, aiming to create a society where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.
Disability and Sexuality Lab
The Disability and Sexuality Lab stands out as a groundbreaking initiative with a dual mission: to partner with community organizations in co-developing research projects and to create accessible, relevant knowledge-sharing tools such as infographics, plain-language documents, visuals, and research summaries. The lab distinguishes itself by embracing a holistic perspective on sexual health. Rather than concentrating solely on risks, harm, and safety, it fosters an inclusive and positive dialogue around disability and sexuality, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of these interconnected topics.
Multisensory Studio
The Multisensory Studio is an innovative research hub that integrates sensory experiences—such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—with artistic methods to enrich research methodologies and knowledge dissemination. Under the leadership of Dr. Kathleen Sitter, Canada Research Chair in Multisensory Storytelling in Research and Knowledge Translation, the studio is dedicated to inclusivity, particularly for individuals within the disability community. It provides an accessible environment that supports the creation and sharing of diverse narratives, ensuring that storytelling is collaborative and engaging at every stage.
University of Calgary Accessibility Network (UCAN)
UCAN serves as a central hub for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in accessibility and disability research at the University of Calgary. Building on the success of the inaugural Disability and the City symposium held in March 2024, UCAN was established to foster connections, share resources, and advance efforts to create more accessible and inclusive cities and societies. Through interdisciplinary partnerships and community engagement, UCAN aims to drive meaningful change in accessibility practices and policies.
Canada Research Chairs | UCalgary
Canada Research Chair in Multi-Sensory Storytelling in Research and Knowledge Translation
Dr. Kathleen Sitter
Tier 2 - 2020-07-01
University of Calgary
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Research summary
One in five Canadians over the age of 15 has a disability. Dr. Kathleen Sitter, Canada Research Chair in Multi-Sensory Storytelling in Research and Knowledge Translation, is looking for ways create more inclusive societies for those with disabilities.
Canada Research Chair in Disability Policy for Children and Youth
Dr. Jennifer Zwicker
Tier 2 - 2020-03-01
University of Calgary
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research summary
Socio-economic status and access to services are two powerful predictors of adverse brain development in children and youth. As Canada Research Chair in Disability Policy for Children and Youth, Dr. Jennifer Zwicker wants to lessen the fragmentation of these services.
| Name | Faculty / School | Research Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Helen Carlson, PhD | Associate Professor (Research), Cumming School of Medicine | Brain neuroplasticity in children with stroke |
| Dr. Stephanie Chipeur | Azrieli Accelerator Professorship in Law & Disability Policy | Disability policy, law and built environment; disability and human rights; Disability Policy Research Program at the School of Public Policy, |
| Dr. Emma A. Climie, PhD, R. Psych | Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education | Director, Strengths in ADHD research lab; Lead researcher for the Carlson Family Research Award in ADHD. |
| Dr. Pamela Farrell | Assistant Professor, Werklund School of Education | Marginalized groups who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, including women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, as well as persons with (dis)abilities. |
| Dr. Victoria Fast, PhD | Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts | Lead, Accessible Mapping and Mobilities research lab with a distinctive vision: to embed accessibility considerations in cities, data and analysis, mapping technologies, educational curriculums, and urban standards. |
| Dr. Pil Hansen, PhD | Professor, School of Creative & Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts | Dramaturgies of Accessibility in the Performing Arts; Crip dance dramaturgs; deaf performers; learners with ADHD |
| Dr. Mingshan Lu, PhD, TCMD, Dr. Ac. | Professor, Economics, Faculty of Arts | Substance abuse and mental health; mental health and precision Chinese medicine and counselling psychology |
| Dr. Sarah MacEachern, MD, PhD, FRCPC | Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts | Precision Neurodevelopment Lab; Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as intellectual disability, autism, and ADHD. |
| Dr. Erica Makarenko, PsyD, R.Psych | Associate Professor (Teaching), Werklund School | Developmental psychopathology; child and youth mental health |
| Dr. Meredith Maroney, PhD | Assistant Professor, Werklund School of Education | Intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ identities; coping with minority stressors through the development of interventions for LGBTQ-autistic individuals |
| Dr. Alan Santinelo Martino | Assistant Professor, Cumming School of Medicine | Critical disability studies; gender and sexualities; feminist and critical disability studies; inclusive research methodologies. |
| Dr. Adam McCrimmon, PhD, RPsyc | Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education | Mental health; autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with specific emphasis on adolescence and adulthood, social skills, cognition and cognitive development, and supports to enhance these in persons with autism |
| Dr. Carly McMorris, PhD, R.Psyc | Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education | Health and well-being of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy. |
| Dr. David Nicholas | Professor, Faculty of Social Work | Neurodevelopmental disabilities and chronic health in childhood and adolescence |
| Alex Paquette, MSc | Neurodiversity & Work-Integrated Learning Specialist, Student Engagement | Supporting and advocating for postsecondary students with disabilities; neurodivergent individuals in postsecondary sector |
| Dr. Rain Prud’homme-Cranford, PhD | Associate Professor, Department of English, Faculty of Arts | Disability/chronic illness |
| Dr. Meadow Schroeder, PhD, R. Psych | Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education | Students with disabilities (learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder), adults with ADHD. |
| Dr. Kathleen Sitter | Canada Research Chair in Multisensory Research and Knowledge Translation, Faculty of Social Work | Adults and youth in areas of disability and mental health, human rights, and health care. Multisensory Studio |
| Dr. Gabrielle Wilcox, PsyD, NCSP, R.Psych | Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education | Students with intellectual disabilities, severe emotional/ behavioral problems; mental health |
| Dr. Gregor Wolbring, Phd | Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies | Ability studies; including Ability expectation and Ableism governance; disability studies; sustainability studies; science and technology governance studies; EDI; sports; burnout; intersectionality, attitudinal barriers and attitudinal accessibility |
| Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, PhD, MPP | Canada Research Chair (II) Disability Policy for Children and Youth; Director, Health Policy, School of Public Policy | Interventions and informs policy around allocation of funding, services, and supports for youth with disabilities and their families |
Acknowledgment of Contributions
The content and development of the Disability and Accessibility Knowledge Hub is a result of collaborative efforts. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following contributors:
- Research: Dr. Malinda S. Smith, Dr. Gregor Wolbring, and Ms. Tsion Berie
- Site Design: Ms. Tracy E. Garrick
- Editor: Dr. Malinda S. Smith