Overview
The Inclusive Commons is a unique human rights organization that combines the different but complementary approaches of public interest law and inclusive design to address the complex challenge of achieving equity within the full spectrum of human differences.
Our goal is to address gaps in complex areas of equity and inclusion of groups that have been historically marginalized, including people with disabilities. We do this by leveraging legal action and policy advocacy to create the conditions for inclusive design driven by the community.
History and Governance
The Inclusive Design Research Centre [IDRC] of the Ontario College of Arts and Design University and Ross & McBride, LLP have developed a collaboration known as The Inclusive Commons (TIC) to combine their community engagement, research, inclusive design, policy consultation/ development, and legal skills that are critical to advance disability-related justice, access to justice, equity and inclusion.
TIC is operated by an interim volunteer Board of Directors, including representatives from outside of the two founding organizations, whose duty is to serve the best interests of the TIC community. IDRC and Ross &McBride, LLP lend staff and in-kind and/or financial resources to operate TIC.
RELATED: TIC is not a subsidiary of either IDRC and/or Ross &McBride, LLP.
Vision and Values
The complex challenge of achieving cutting-edge equity and inclusion requires a diversity of approaches. The Inclusive Commons is adaptable and responsive to emerging opportunities that call for a combination of community engagement, research, inclusive design, policy consultation
development and legal approaches. TIC is guided by a core commitment to:
Inclusive
Work across sectors to break down silos and enable full participation of marginalized people with lived experience in human rights litigation, policy development, research, and inclusive design.
Tactically Optimistic
Embrace the opportunities and challenges brought about by disruptive changes in the built environment, systems, technology, institutions and culture that constantly reshape the space for social, economic, and cultural inclusion.
Adding, not Duplicating
Seek and prioritize work on emerging trends, challenges and practices that are not already being addressed through existing policy frameworks, litigation. legislation/regulations and/or practices.