CCDS has the vision of working towards an inclusive, equitable and accessible society that is sustainable for all. As a hub of knowledge on cross-disability issues, locally, nationally and globally, we seek behavioural and system level change through the use of community-based research, education and development. Seeking strategic partnerships with institutions, governments, organizations, businesses, and the public, we use high-quality evidence and include intersectionality, reflexivity, innovation, and excellence to make meaningful change in the disability and broader sector and beyond. Our work is guided by, and furthers the social justice intent of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and other international social justice frameworks.
The emerging research, policy and [practice] policy paradigm which seeks to reveal the complex interactions among multiple social categories (e.g., gender, race, class, culture, age, ability, sexuality) and ...
...the systems and processes of domination and oppression (e.g., sexism, racism, classism, colonialism, ageism, ableism, homophobia) that simultaneously produce experiences of discrimination and privilege.
— Hankivsky and Cormier, 2009
Social inclusion is the manner of understanding and engaging communities with a vision of promoting equity and providing opportunity to persons from all circumstances. It is a multidimensional concept that facilitates inclusion from a variety of fronts including increase of employment, elimination of poverty, enabling civic engagement, elimination of discrimination and the promotion of access to public resources.
— Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC)
— Morrow & Hardie, 2014
— Morrow & Hardie, 2014
Acting Chairperson
Toronto, Ontario
Miguel has extensive experience in career management strategies for people with disabilities and is extensive. He is currently a Senior Program Advisor with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) responsible for leading projects that help create employment opportunities for people with disabilities, has previously led diversity recruitment for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and managed an employment resource centre, as well as provided case management.
He conducted research on the psychosocial rehabilitation process for people with acquired disabilities, is co-author of Deafened People: Adjustment and Support and authored Rehabilitation of Deafened Adults: A Puzzle with Missing Pieces. Miguel has a Masters of Social Work degree, a Masters Certificate in Public Management and a Human Resources Management Certificate.
Secretary
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Katie Aubrecht, PhD, is Associate Editor Forums of Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal and former President of the Canadian Disability Studies Association - Association Canadienne des Études sur l’Incapacité. She holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Mount Saint Vincent University, where she works as Research Coordinator and adjunct professor and teaches graduate courses with the Department of Family Studies and Gerontology.
Katie’s research and teaching uses interpretive sociological theories and methods and an intersectional disability studies perspective to examine care relationships across the lifespan, with a focus on mental health and illness.
Dundas, Ontario
Peter A. Dunn, PhD has recently retired as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. He received his PhD from Brandeis University; Advanced Diploma and MSW from the University of Toronto; and B.A. from the University of Massachusetts.
He has been involved in five national research projects about disAbility policies which emphasize human rights funded through SSHRC. His writing includes the areas of disability policies, social exclusion, poverty, social housing and holism. He is currently writing an edited book about holistic healing. He is an enthusiastic dancer, social justice advocate and pet lover.
Treasurer
Calgary, Alberta
Ernie is an Executive Member and Treasurer of the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies. He is a former graduate of the University of Winnipeg, and has a long history of working with and advocating for minority populations in Canada, including persons with disabilities. Ernie lives in Calgary, Alberta where he is employed at Scotiabank as a Small Business Manager.
Guelph, Ontario
Flora considers herself a social justice advocate. Her desire to work with the disenfranchised was expressed by the completion of her PhD in Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. She aspires to effect change in the policies and procedures that surround restraining orders—to increase effectiveness against domestic violence while creating an overall better experience for women.
Her need to act as a change agent stems from her childhood—as a sibling to a younger brother living with Down’s Syndrome. At an early age, Flora became acutely aware of her role to challenge the formal structures that could dictate his life—while creating new and innovative ways for him to exist as an active, engaged and empowered member of society. She happily chose to undertake this life-long pursuit.
We are committed to credible, authentic and transparent approaches and outcomes.
We strive for innovative ideas, practices and policies individually and collectively.
We value all individuals for their knowledge and unique contributions.
We embrace and facilitate inclusion and intersectionality*.
We are dedicated to achieving distinction in all aspects of our mission.
