[community] Invitation to participate in Accessible Housing research with Sunnybrook

[Gloria Bernal Gomez]

Inclusive Design Community:

We have received this invitation from Luke Anderson (StopGap Foundation). In his new role as co-chair of the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition<https://toronto.uli.org/programs/the-accelerating-accessibility-coalition/> he is on a recruitment mission for participants to help break down the barriers to designing accessibility into housing.

The Accelerating Accessibility Coalition has partnered with Sunnybrook Research Institute and StopGap Foundation to identify measures, barriers and enablers to make homes more physically accessible. This project is funded by Accessibility Standards Canada/the Government of Canada. They aim to include 25 people from each of the accessibility and real estate communities that reflect the diversity of our communities.

They are reaching out to our community specifically with the hopes some of you can help them share this opportunity with your network and those who you think might be interested in participating. It involves a brief phone call and a one-hour online interview. Please have interested participants reply to Kirstin Yuzwa at Sunnybrook (kirstin.yuzwa at sri.utoronto.ca<mailto:kirstin.yuzwa at sri.utoronto.ca>). Kirstin is a Research Associate at St. John's Rehab Research Program at Sunnybrook Research Institute.

On behalf of Luke Anderson

Co-creating Housing Accessibility Priorities for People with Disabilities
“WE ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES & PROFESSIONALS TO TAKE PART IN A STUDY TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT IS NEEDED TO MAKE HOUSING MORE ACCESSIBLE IN ONTARIO.
This study is asking people with physical disabilities and professionals (e.g., real estate developers, trades persons, interior designers, health professionals, etc.) to take part in a 1-hour focus group or interview to discuss what is needed to improve housing accessibility for the disability community living in Ontario.”

WHAT IS INVOLVED? Focus groups or interviews will be done over Zoom. The project is offering a $25 gift card for your time.
TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE CONTACT: Kirstin Yuzwa, Research Associate +1 (416) 226-6780 x57605 or HousingStudy at sunnybrook.ca<mailto:HousingStudy at sunnybrook.ca>

Project Summary

The project, funded by Accessibility Standards Canada/the Government of Canada, will identify barriers that stand in the way of building housing that is physically accessible as well as the facilitators that will remove barriers and enable the building of accessible housing. These insights will be gleaned from the viewpoints of people with physical disabilities and those of professionals building housing.

This research will be done in the context of current building code requirements and measures put forward in the latest Accessible Dwellings standard published by CSA and ASC. It can inform the next generation of model accessibility standards and the work of the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition.