IDEA-STEM helps governments, laboratories, and research organizations create scientific environments that are truly inclusive — not just compliant. Grounded in the Accessible Canada Act’s vision of a barrier-free Canada by 2040 and strengthened by lived-experience consultation, our work brings together Universal Design, accessibility standards, and human-centred research to transform how scientific spaces are planned, built, and managed.

We support leaders such as University of Toronto Scarborough to support modernizing scientific infrastructure, redesigning lab environments, and strengthening organizational culture so that accessibility is embedded from the start — in policy, procurement, training, safety, and everyday scientific practice. Our approach is evidence-driven and collaborative, drawing on national frameworks, international guidance, and the insights of scientists with disabilities across Canada.

Accessible Science Starts With Accessible Knowledge

From accessible equipment and sensory-friendly environments to strategic governance, emergency planning, and workforce inclusiveness, IDEA-STEM helps organizations close long-standing gaps and unlock the full potential of Canada’s scientific talent. We believe accessible labs are not only safer and more equitable — they are smarter, more productive, and essential to the future of science.

Explore the full suite of bilingual, multi-format resources from our collaborative project with the University of Toronto Scarborough, developed in partnership with federal science organizations to support accessible laboratory design across Canada for innovation, inclusion, and scientific excellence.

Full Reports

• English

• French