Research summary
Ableism is discrimination based on a person’s physical and mental abilities. It permeates Canadian society, leading to the exclusion and oppression of people with disabilities. As Canada Research Chair in Disability, Health, and Social Justice, Dr. Kelly Fritsch is shedding light on the persistent and intersecting structural barriers that impede people with disabilities from flourishing in Canada.
She and her research team are studying how the expertise and cultural knowledge that people with disabilities contribute to Canada are not only challenging ableist oppression, but cultivating more justice-oriented, accessible futures. By documenting and sharing the knowledge, culture and social movement practices of disability justice, Fritsch’s team aims to better understand and respond to the needs of people with disabilities in Canada. Ultimately, their research will challenge ableism, inform Canadian disability policy, and enhance disability justice.