As a non-profit research, social development, and design organization we successfully elevate marginalized voices, break through structures of exclusion, work in solidarity, convene safe spaces, grow, learn and unlearn, and build trust, which allow us to support systemically marginalized people and communities to create systems and structures that work for them.
To live an inclusive life means to belong, participate, and be valued on an equal basis with others in all aspects of personal, social, spiritual, cultural, economic, and political life. This cannot be fully achieved for anyone without inclusive communities and an inclusive society. This means the conditions are in place for all persons to live an inclusive life, without discrimination based on disability, gender, race, indigeneity, sexual orientation, religion, or other grounds on which people are so often systematically devalued and disadvantaged.
Informed by the systemic exclusion that people with intellectual disabilities and other marginalized groups face, NSI’s mission is to foster and support transformative social development. Guided by principles of full inclusion and human rights, we carry out research to identify issues and policy options. We foster social innovation to re-imagine inclusion and design new ways to meet unmet needs. Through capacity-building we strengthen leadership and constituencies for transformative change.
It is evident that our society works for some and not for others. The Institute began as a national think tank and training centre in 1970 to advance the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. In those early years, the Institute was motivated to change the structures and social arrangements in our society, which were built with outdated ideas, designed from old prejudices, and maintained by systems that valued some groups over others.
Over the years, the Institute expanded its work to include all Deaf and disabled people. In 2024, we became the New Society Institute to better reflect our evolving research and community development approach, which recognizes that people have many identities. They may be excluded because of their disability, their racialization, Indigeneity, migrant status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other devalued identities, which either singly or combined together systemically marginalize people in society.
The following principles guide NSI’s day-to-day work:
NSI produces and facilitates knowledge sharing, network building, training, and convening to advance inclusion. NSI carries out its mission through three main roles:
We believe people know what they need.
Our work is to make space, shift power, and support their vision of a just world.
Managing Director
Doris Rajan (she/her) has worked as a senior consultant in the non-profit sector for over 20 years, with a focus on gender-based violence, access to justice, Indigenous, racialized, migrant and disability justice issues. Doris has designed numerous international, national, and regional community-based social development and applied research projects and has authored numerous research reports and community-designed resources. Doris has a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in Social Policy and Research from Carleton University and a PhD in Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Toronto, where her research involved the development of a curriculum framework for a critical feminist/anti-oppression pedagogy of solidarity that would unify diverse Indigenous, Black, racialized, refugee and people with intellectual and/or mental health disability, to challenge structural gender-based violence. As an educator, Doris has taught at the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University and George Brown College. Doris is also a theatre and film artist.
Senior Advisor
For over 35 years, Michael Bach (he/him) has undertaken research and development in Canada and internationally on ways to advance the full inclusion and human rights of persons with disabilities. His research and publications cover disability theory, policy and practice in a range of areas including education, employment, and funding and delivery of community-based services. Michael’s particular area of expertise is in legal capacity of people with intellectual disabilities.
Michael holds a Ph. D. in Sociology and Equity Studies from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, where his dissertation focused on developing a more inclusive theory of personhood on which to challenge the usual equation between intellectual disability and legal incapacity. Michael has been an Open Society Foundations Fellow, which continued his international comparative research on the right to legal capacity for people with significant intellectual and cognitive disabilities.
Manager Social Development
Bianca (she/her) graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto Mississauga with an Honours Bachelor of Arts where she completed a Specialist in Criminology, Law & Society and Minor in Political Science.
Bianca is passionate about addressing housing and criminal justice issues and how they intersect with other complex issues in society such as gender-based violence, racism, and poverty.
Through research and advocacy, she works towards identifying and dismantling social and structural barriers that prevent individuals from accessing equity in society, contributing to an overall framework that creates social and systemic change. She engages in social justice research, community program design, develops strategies, tools, and recommendations to develop holistic methods that can strengthen the most systemically marginalized communities across Canada.
Manager of Online Services
Erick Nettel has more than 25-years of television and production and since 2011 he has been Managing Partner & Creative Producer at Nettel Media Inc. a video marketing company based in Burlington serving corporate clients and non-profit organizations.
Erick graduated with honours from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. He obtained an honours bachelor’s degree in communications majoring in Filmmaking. After graduation, he developed parallel careers in the Mexican television and film industries. He received a scholarship from the International Council for Canadian Studies, which allowed him to attend the Film Production program at Vancouver Film School where he obtained a certificate of excellence. Erick worked for more than a decade at Omni Television where he was the Senior Producer for the Diversity Programming Department.
He also has worked as Producer, Director of Photography and Editor for different award-winning independent documentaries including The R-Word, , (Re)Inventing Destiny, and the “The Healing Portraits Project.”
Program Coordinator, Social Development
Shanti is a womanist social worker who is deeply committed to serving and advocating for Indigenous people, Black and other racialized populations, immigrants, refugees, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with intellectual and physical disabilities. She is dedicated to social justice, equity, and liberation, focusing on dismantling systemic structures and policies that perpetuate inequality and striving to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Shanti holds a master’s in social work with minors in Disability Studies, Family Support, and Community Practice. Shanti volunteers at All-Stars Community Outreach, developing, implementing, and facilitating programs for families, seniors, youths, and children. In her volunteer work, she is actively involved in finding resources and support for immigrants, refugees, the homeless and survivors of gender-based violence.
Driven by a vision of a just and equitable world, Shanti is a lifelong learner and is dedicated to continuous learning and growth.
Senior Policy Researcher
As a Senior Policy Researcher and Indigenous woman with a PhD in Social Work, I bring over two decades of experience in policy development, research, and community engagement. My academic background includes Social Work and Psychology, which grounds my work in both critical analysis and human-centered practice. I specialize in Indigenous research methodologies, trauma-informed approaches, and community-led policy solutions that promote equity, healing, and self-determination. Much of my work focuses on housing, mental health, and justice reform, where I strive to center the voices and leadership of systemically marginalized communities. My approach bridges academic rigor with lived experience and cultural knowledge, ensuring that policy is responsive, inclusive, and transformative. Outside of work, I enjoy sailing and scuba diving, finding peace and perspective in the water—activities that nourish my spirit and reflect my deep connection to land and water.
Project Director, Right to Decide
Camille works for more than 15 years of experience in the field of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, both at national and international level. She has examined pilot projects on supported decision making internationally, which was the focus of her dissertation for her PhD in International Human Rights Law, which she holds from the University of Kent, UK. She is advocating for reforms of legal capacity in the Czech Republic and working with the judiciary to better use alternatives to guardianship. She is also a board member of Inclusion Europe.
Business Development and Sustainability Manager, The Accessibility Exchange
Lison Daubigeon is the Business Development and Sustainability Manager for The Accessibility Exchange. She holds a Master’s in Global Development and a background in Sociology and Anthropology, and brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector leading accessibility and equity-focused initiatives. A Certified Accessibility Professional (RHFAC), Lison has worked with government, municipalities, and community organizations to advance inclusive policies and practices. Her work is grounded in lived experience, relationship-building, and cross-sector collaboration to help organizations create more accessible and inclusive programs, services, and systems.
Developer, The Accessibility Exchange
Reni Stephen is the developer for The Accessibility Exchange. He is a full-stack developer who’s passionate about building scalable and modern web applications. He earned his Bachelor’s in Engineering from the University of Kerala. After moving to Canada, he pursued his Master’s in Informatics at Northeastern University, expanding his expertise in modern software development, cloud technologies, and data-driven systems. Reni has worked on a variety of projects, including SaaS platforms, enterprise applications, and API-driven backends. Reni believes in continuous learning, value-driven development, and crafting thoughtful, inclusive solutions that enhance user experiences and create meaningful impact.
Chair, Ontario
Clovis has provided leadership in the Human Services sector for over 25 years in the areas of homelessness, employment, social assistance, mental health, and disabilities. He is currently CEO of 360°kids, an organization serving homeless youth in York Region, and Co-founder of Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support, a group for Black caregivers supporting a family member with special needs. Clovis holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Guelph.
Director, Ontario
Fran Odette has worked in social justice and equity for approximately 25+ years. Her work has particularly focused on issues impacting women with disabilities and Deaf women. While in her position as Program Manager at Springtide Resources, Fran worked alongside Cory Silverberg to create and implement the Sexuality and Access Project.
Fran comes to this work from her own lived experience and as someone who is committed to advocating for people with disabilities to live their lives with self- determination and agency. She has delivered workshops with a focus on social justice, disability, and inclusion to audiences both provincially and nationally. Fran teaches critical disability studies courses in the Assaulted Women and Children’s Counsellor and Advocate (AWCCA) Program, Social Service Worker Program (SSW) and Liberal Arts and Sciences Division at George Brown College. Fran has co-authored journal articles on gender, disability, and access to equitable health services.
Treasurer, Ontario
Aseefa is the Executive Director of Across Boundaries, an Ethnoracial Mental Health Centre in Toronto. Celebrating her remarkable 30-year journey at Across Boundaries, she emerges as the guiding force behind an organization recognized for providing mental health and addictions programs and services tailored to racialized individuals.
Aseefa’s focus extends to direct service programming for adults, youth, and families, addressing areas like the criminal justice system, homelessness, immigration, and the impact of their intersections on the lives of marginalized communities.
She is a tireless advocate for systemic change, serving on numerous local, provincial, and national boards and committees.
She played a pivotal role in Across Boundaries’ growth from a small team of four to a dedicated staff of forty-four, fostering partnerships with key organizations. Aseefa’s advocacy efforts are rooted in anti-oppression, anti-racism, and challenging anti-Black racism, earning her recognition for her commitment and dedication to this work. She is committed to reshaping mental health care for racialized and Black communities.
Director, Northwest Territories
Roger is a Tłı̨chǫ Dene lawyer born in Fort Smith, NWT and works in downtown Yellowknife, NWT. Roger comes from a family of professionals and focuses his talents on human rights protection and promoting Indigenous rights in Canada. He believes that “the institutions that will best serve the Dene people have not been built yet” and loves networking to share his vision for a healthier and more prosperous future for the Dene. Roger enjoys the grind of cabin life in the traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ people and likes to hunt, fish and snare critters for stews in the Dutch oven on his woodstove. He has also recently entered the world of creative writing and is inspired by artists such as Gil Scott-Heron and Tupac Shakur. Roger is inspired by NSI’s solidarity work and looks forward to exploring the reality of “intersectionality” of social condition, race, and disability with a view to finding solutions for inclusion of marginalized peoples.
Vice-Chair, British Columbia
Dr. Fiona Whittington-Walsh is the Lead Advisor on Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia. She teaches in the departments of sociology and policy studies, is a KPU Senator, and member of KPU’s Accessibility Committee. Fiona’s research includes gendered embodiment, disability and film, inclusive pedagogy, and post-secondary services for students with disabilities. A key aspect of her work is creating strong connections with the community. She is past president of Inclusion BC and has also been a Member of the Board of Directors for both Inclusion Canada and the New Society Institute, presently and formerly with the IRIS Institute.
I have been involved with the community living movement nationally and internationally since 1969, making presentations and serving on boards. I am an educator, beginning my career as a teacher in 1969 and retiring in 2013 as a Superintendent of Schools in British Columbia. I have lobbied Boards of Education and provincial governments to address the right of students living with a diverse ability to be included in all aspects of educational and community life. I am passionate about addressing the issues of people who are marginalized, and I am honoured to be involved with the Roots & Horizon Steering Committee of New Society Institute (formerly IRIS Institute).
I have worked in social planning and poverty reduction in New Brunswick for over two decades. As Executive Director of the Human Development Council in Saint John, I lead research and advocacy to address poverty, housing, and social inequities. I serve on committees and boards focused on community well-being, including Horizon Health’s Research Ethics Board, and regularly contribute to policy discussions on poverty, homelessness, and mental health. I am passionate about building more just, inclusive communities and advancing systemic change that respects human dignity. I am honoured to serve on the Roots & Horizon Steering Committee of the New Society Institute alongside dedicated colleagues.
In 1974 I began my community living journey in Welland as a preschool resource teacher, and went on to work in Port Colborne, Oshawa and Orangeville in Ontario. Moving to Brandon, MB in 1988, I was the Executive Director of Brandon Community Options until 1995 when I joined Inclusion Winnipeg, an advocacy organization. For thirty years I have worked in collaboration to promote social acceptance for everyone.
Defending and advancing the rights of all people is my passion. Inclusion for everyone is justice for everyone and my ongoing commitment to people who are marginalized has taught me the importance of advocacy and research. Together, they are essential for advancing rights, promoting inclusion and leading positive social change.
It is an honor and privilege to be a member of the Roots & Horizon committee of New Society Institute and the dedicated team that seeks to understand the barriers and the road to equal citizenship for all.
Through the Local Safety and Inclusion Solidarity Networks initiative, we work with many local organizations, including:
We work with many members from diverse disability and Deaf communities in Canada, including:
Alongside our partners, we work to research and advance the equal right to legal capacity for people with disabilities including:
NSI has developed a number of collaborations in Canada and internationally, including:
In its local-to-global initiatives to research and advance the equal right to decide and legal capacity for people with disabilities, New Society is partnering with: