The MUHC and The Institute’s accessibility plan is commended by the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ)
The Institute is proud to recognize the outstanding work of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Accessibility Committee for their critical role in advancing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities at the MUHC and The Institute. The efforts of this 14-member committee were recently acknowledged by the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ), which commended the organization’s 2024–2025 Action Plan for its quality, thoroughness, and commitment to reducing barriers.
The committee includes members from The Institute’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) team and the MUHC, as well as a patient partner. It is led by committee chair Valentine Weber, Director of Multidisciplinary Services of Health and Social Services, and Yannick Guénette, Deputy Director of Operations at the MUHC.
The Action Plan highlights recent advances and accessibility initiatives undertaken by the MUHC and The Institute, including:
- Assessing the number of employees with disabilities,
- Establishing partnerships to offer internships,
- Developing institutional guides for the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities,
- Enhancing communication strategies for hearing impaired patients,
- Creating pedagogic videos recognizing the contribution of personnel with disabilities
- Acquiring books and materials in accessible formats
- Implementing various initiatives to ensure that documents, training, and services accessible to patients, employees and research participants.
In its review, the OPHQ highlighted the MUHC and The Institute’s strong engagement with the disability community, noting that the team consulted individuals with disabilities and their representatives to shape the plan. The OPHQ also commended the successful implementation of planned initiatives, which have contributed to greater social participation for people with disabilities. Additionally, the organization was recognized for fully meeting the legal requirements outlined in Article 61.1 of the Act aimed at promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
“This recognition underscores the dedication of our people and the impact of their work in fostering a more inclusive health care and research environment,” says Valentine Weber. “Looking ahead, we will continue strengthening our accessibility initiatives”.
“I am very proud of the role The Institute played,” adds Diego Herrera, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at The Institute. “The creation and implementation of this plan is the result of strong collaboration and a shared commitment to creating safe spaces where people with disabilities can access adapted healthcare and participate in research according to their needs.”
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