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IDAEL

The Indigenous-Disability Affirming Early Learning and Care (IDAEL) partnership is a collaborative research initiative led by Dr. Kathryn Underwood and Dr. Nicole Ineese-Nash. Funded by SSHRC PDG #890-2024-0206, the project brings together disabled, Indigenous, Black communities and other partners to co-develop disability-affirming and culturally grounded training and governance models.

Goals and Objectives

This project will support the maintenance and development of community partnerships to inform, co-develop, and implement early childhood inclusion practices in various contexts. The project will engage Indigenous Elders, disabled youth, and community agencies in re-thinking state supported care and developing new models for inclusion.

Activities

  1. Build sustainable governance models to promote inclusive practices
  2. Identify a broad range of culturally appropriate strategies to address systemic barriers in early childhood education and care
  3. Pilot and evaluate training materials
  4. Implement and pilot training materials at scale

 

Learn more about the IDAEL Advisory Council  (opens in new window) 
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A Partnership Between:

  • Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)
  • Independent First Nations (IFN)
  • Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg
  • Keepers of the Circle (KOTC)
  • Early Childhood Development Institute (ECDI)
  • African Canadian Social Development Council (ACSDC)
  • Finding Our Power Together (FOPT)
  • Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
  • Peel Region
  • Wellington County
  • City of Hamilton
  • City of Toronto