Across the GI community, researchers engage with accessibility to varying degrees, but face shared challenges that make this work difficult to sustain. A key underlying issue is scale: researchers frequently work in isolation, often as the only person working on accessibility within their institution. Managing the demands of accessibility‑oriented research—including building community partnerships, navigating ethical complexity, and developing appropriate evaluation practices—can be especially difficult when undertaken alone.
This special session brings together accessibility researchers in Canada to respond to these shared challenges through collective reflection, knowledge‑sharing, and collaboration. The session will combine a moderated fireside conversation, facilitated small‑group discussions, and collaborative planning activities to identify concrete next steps, including opportunities for collaboration, shared infrastructure or practices, and joint funding proposals.
Graphics Interface provides an ideal setting for this conversation, offering a scale that supports meaningful cross‑career discussion, connection‑building, and more sustainable, collaborative approaches to accessibility research. Participants will leave with new connections, shared insights, and practical ideas for building resilient, accessibility‑oriented research practices in Canada.
The session is open to anyone at GI interested in accessibility‑related work, including students, early‑career researchers, and established scholars. It welcomes both seasoned accessibility researchers and those for whom accessibility is a smaller—or even aspirational—focus. You’re welcome to join without registering in advance. If you already know you’ll be attending, we’d appreciate you filling out the RSVP form, as it helps us prepare thoughtfully. The form asks for a few short details about you (name, affiliation, etc.), and offers opportunities to suggest discussion topics or let us know about any accessibility supports you may need.
We are committed to making this events accessible to everyone. If you need an accommodation or service to participate fully, please complete the RSVP form or contact Karyn Moffatt at karyn.moffatt@mcgill.ca. Sharing requests as early as possible helps ensure we are able to make the necessary arrangements.