Skip to Main Content

Dimensions at TMU: Inclusive Excellence in SRC

Accessibility and Mental Health

Unique Issues

In 1980s, Critical Disability Studies (CDS) emerged and discussed how disability is a social construct instead of only a medical problem that requires a medical solution. Disability is not simply a result of individual impairment but is constructed through social, cultural, and political contexts. CDS critiques societal norms and values that privilege able-bodiedness and marginalize those who do not fit these norms. This critique includes examining how laws, policies, and cultural practices reinforce ableism and exclude disabled individuals. 

Ellis, K., Garland-Thomson, R., & Kent, M. (Eds.). (2019). Manifestos for the future of critical disability studies : volume 1. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.

Journal Articles

Curran, T., Jones, M., Ferguson, S., Reed, M., Lawrence, A., Cull, N., & Stabb, M. (2021). Disabled young people's hopes and dreams in a rapidly changing society: A co-production peer research study (external link). Disability & Society, 36(4), 561-578.

Parekh, G., Cameron, D., Gaymes San Vicente, A., Gordon, A., Ineese-Nash, N., James, C.E., Murray, K., Reid, L., To, J., & Underwood, K. (2022). Equity and Human Rights in Special Education: Critical Reflective Practice Guide (external link) . Toronto: York University. (Project lead followed by co-authors in alphabetical order)

Underwood, K., & Frankel, E. (2012). (PDF file) The developmental systems approach to early intervention in Canada. Infants & Young Children, 25(4), 286-296.

Saunders, N.R., Janus, M., Porter, J., Lu, H., Gaskin, A., Kalappa, G., & Guttmann, A. (2021). Use of administrative record linkage to measure medical and social risk factors for early development vulnerability in Ontario, Canada (external link). International Journal of Population Data Science, 6(1), 1-19.

Snoddon, K. (2020). The social and epistemological violence of inclusive education for deaf learners (external link). Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 9(5), 185-213.

Snoddon, K., & Paul, J.J. (2020). Framing sign language as a health need in Canadian and international policy (external link). Maternal and Child Health Journal, 24(11), 1360-1364.