Anyone that is a member of CAN Collaborator Organization, or an approved CAN Collaborator Individual, can join this CoP if they have an interest in learning more about, and/or meeting with other experts in the field. Members are involved in enacting the business of the Network, as it relates to the priorities of the working group (as noted above).
In addition to these meetings, members who volunteer to get involved in an approved project can anticipate that there will be an additional two to three hours a month (approx.) commitment that is outside of required meeting times that is dedicated to contributing towards the work the project they are supporting, depending on their agreed upon role with the project. This time is dependant on the agreed upon work plan for the operating year and may fluctuate.
Please see Terms of Reference for the Research, Design and Innovation Community of Practice for more information on the governance of this Committee.
The Research, Design and Innovation CoP operates under the direction of two co-Leads. They provide leadership to the CoP by:
The CoP is currently working on two key projects:
There is a need for more intentional sharing of information about accessibility-related research, design and innovation. The knowledge to practice accessibility research exists within (and outside of) CAN. We want to better share and learn from one another to ensure people don’t need to re-invent the wheel when it comes to inclusive and accessibility-related research. This project will set up processes for content sharing of relevant information within the Network and beyond, through regular blog posts shared in CAN Newsletter and on the new CAN website, and will provide opportunities for CAN members to share their RDI-related knowledge and information on a continuous basis focusing on inclusion of members with lived experiences as much as possible.
The CoP has identified accessibility related gaps in the following research practices: including persons with a lived experience of disability in research design and as research participants; accessibility of research tools; accessibility of research spaces (physical and virtual); methodology of communicating and disseminating research information in an accessible way (publications, online, outreach activities, language). This guide will allow for shared learning that will promote accessible and inclusive research practices and address accessibility barriers in all aspects of research.
If you would like to get involved with one or more of these projects, we invite you to connect with us at [email protected] and we will introduce you to the Project Leads.
The Research, Design & Innovation Community of Practice is always open to recruiting new members who are passionate about advancing accessibility and who feel that their background and expertise could support the work of the CoP.
If you are interested, please contact [email protected] and we will coordinate a time to speak with you about becoming a member of the CoP.
