OCAD University is proud to launch the Inclusive Design Institute (IDI), a generative hub of innovative applied research that addresses the timely and critical challenge of digital inclusion for the full range of human diversity. With eight postsecondary partner institutions and more than 100 multi-sector collaborators, this regional centre of expertise will prepare Ontario to respond to the increased demand worldwide for inclusive digital systems and practices, a demand that is intensified by an aging population and the adoption of accessibility legislation by all major trading partners. Supported by both the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Ministry for Economic Development and Innovation, the IDI will help train highly qualified personnel to fuel ongoing innovation in inclusive design and enable Ontario to take a leadership role globally.

Inclusion and diversity are not only values or rights to be protected, but also catalysts for new ideas, design principles that lead to better design, business strategies that make good business sense and potential economic drivers with ubiquitous social benefits. Inclusion and diversity are Ontario's richest untapped resources. Research at the IDI will help Ontario sustain and develop this resource and foster the inherent potential to create a vibrant, productive generator of innovative, inclusively designed information and communication systems and services.

Please join us for the official launch ceremony:

When: May 24th, Noon to 2pm
Where: 49 McCaul St., Toronto, Ont.

 OCAD University will host Designing Enabling Economies and Policies (DEEP), May 24 to 25, a program of the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict).

The conference brings together the world’s most influential digital inclusion thinkers, information and communications technology designers, persons with disabilities advocates and policy makers to identify levers and innovative new strategies for digital inclusion that go beyond current approaches. G3ict is an Advocacy Initiative of the UN GAID, the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development.

Don Tapscott, one of the world’s leading authorities on innovation, media and the economic and social impact of technology, is a key speaker at DEEP. Also among the line up is diversity activist and Toronto City Councillor for Toronto Centre-Rosedale, Kristyn Wong-Tam.
 
In addition, The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable David C. Onley will host participants for a reception in his suite at Queen’s Park.
 
Designed to foster substantive, in-depth discussion among decision makers promoting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in their respective countries, DEEP will analyze success factors and causes of failures of e-accessibility policies and programs. Areas of focus will include:
·       Accessible Education
·       Workplace Accommodation
·       Broadcasting and New Media
·       Telecommunications
·       Contents and Services

Plenary sessions will explore levers for change such as technological solutions; economic levers, demographics and market forces; the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and policy; education and training on accessibility and societal trends.

For the complete agenda, visit the Designing Enabling Economies and Policies conference website at: http://deep2012.idrc.ocad.ca/