Concordia University of Edmonton and Inclusion Alberta Launch National Institute for Inclusion
Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE), in partnership with Inclusion Alberta, is proud to announce the launch of the Canadian Institute of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (CIPD). This groundbreaking national hub is dedicated to advancing inclusive research, policy, and practice across Canada.
CUE is a dynamic and inclusive institution recognized for academic excellence and leadership in equity-focused education. Under the direction of President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Tim Loreman, a global expert in inclusive education, CUE has made inclusive learning a core part of its institutional identity.
Inclusion Alberta is a family-based, non-profit federation that for over 65 years has advocated alongside children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization has led efforts in inclusive education, employment, housing, and more.
The concept of the institute emerged in 2022 when Bruce Uditsky, Inclusion Alberta’s CEO Emeritus, approached Dr. Loreman with the vision. Uditsky wanted to build a space where academic research and lived experience could inform and strengthen one another.
A working group was formed, led by Dr. Carla Craveiro Salvado, Associate Vice-President of Research & Innovation and Dean of Graduate Studies at CUE. Through this collaboration, The Canadian Institute for the Inclusion of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities was formulated.
The Institute, to be housed in the Faculty of Education, led by Dr. Tim Cusack, will focus on:
- Leading and supporting research that advances inclusive education and community life
- Informing public policy grounded in evidence and lived experience
- Providing training and resources to educators, families, and community leaders
- Fostering partnerships across academic, nonprofit, and government sectors
“We’re thrilled to be entering into this unique partnership with CUE. A university-led Canadian Institute that focuses solely on the inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities has the ability to make an important impact on the knowledge, practices and approaches that will enable and advance the full inclusion of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. ” – Trish Bowman, CEO of Inclusion Alberta
“Teaching and research go hand-in-hand at CUE. This institute will allow us to make education a more inclusive and accessible space so that anybody—regardless of their background or circumstances—can flourish. Inclusion should be the norm, not the exception, and launching this institute is a powerful step in making that vision a reality.” – Dr. Tim Loreman, President & Vice-Chancellor of Concordia University of Edmonton
By bridging academic knowledge and grassroots advocacy, CIPD is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change in Canada where every person, regardless of ability can learn, work, and belong.
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Inclusion Alberta Chief Executive Officer Trish Bowman is available for interviews. Please contact Sara Protasow, Inclusion Alberta Communications Coordinator at sprotasow@inclusionalberta.org or 780-906-4693.
About Inclusion Alberta: Inclusion Alberta is a family based, non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. Together, we share a dream of meaningful family life and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As an advocacy organization we support families and individuals in their desire to be fully included in community life.
Concordia University of Edmonton is available for inquiries and interviews. Please contact CUE Media Relations at media@conordia.ab.ca for more details.
About CUE
Concordia University of Edmonton offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, concentrations and minors, four master’s degree programs, and one doctorate degree program, in addition to several after-degree programs, graduate and undergraduate certificates and diplomas, and continuing education programs. In and out of our classrooms and lecture halls, we translate what we learn into extraordinary hands-on experiences. Our ultimate goal has not changed since 1921: to be more than students and professors, to create a community of active citizens, of good and honourable people. For more information, visit www.concordia.ab.ca.