Launch of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research first multi-year Accessibility Plan 2023-2026
Message from the President

December 20, 2022

I am pleased to announce the launch of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research first multi-year Accessibility Plan in support of the Government of Canada's intent to achieve a barrier-free Canada by 2040.

Our Accessibility Plan aligns with the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act (2019); a law that benefits all Canadians, notably persons with disabilities, by proactively identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility. This Plan also reaffirms priorities in the CIHR Strategic Plan 2021-2031, and our continued commitment to value the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

Existing barriers make it more challenging for persons with disabilities to participate in research and the research funding system. Employees identifying as persons with disabilities are also under-represented in the CIHR workforce. The CIHR Accessibility Plan identifies and describes actions that we commit to take to remove and prevent barriers for persons with disabilities. Whether it is a CIHR employee, a researcher applying for funding, or a member of the public looking for information on our website, we are committed to equitable access for anyone who interacts with CIHR in-person or online.

I am truly grateful for the contributions of CIHR employees, and for the external advisors who have helped us develop various pillars of our Accessibility Plan through their lived, learned, and professional experience and expertise. This Plan is a starting point and will evolve over time. As we begin the activities in this Plan, we will continue to learn and use feedback obtained to make improvements to accessibility for the years to come.

Our path to full accessibility is one that I embrace and lead with pride. Please join me in making sure our collective actions match our words.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Strong, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FCAHS
President
Canadian Institutes of Health Research

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