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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

About IDRR

The Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research was formally approved by the Ontario Tech University Board of Governors on June 24, 2021.

Our History

In 2012, the Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (CDPR) was established through a research partnership between Ontario Tech University and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). The Centre was inaugurated by the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care on July 16, 2012.

The Centre is directed by Pierre Côté, DC, PhD, and works with related health research and innovative supportive agencies, educational partners, health-care delivery institutions, industry and government to examine questions focused on the prevention and management of chronic musculoskeletal and psychological conditions and disabilities. Research at the Centre will generate new ideas involving integrated, collaborative and evidence-informed approaches to health care. 

2012 CDPR Ribbon Cutting: From left: Bill Muirhead, Associate Provost, Academic Information Technology, Ontario Tech; Jay Triano, Dean, Graduate Education and Research Programs, CMCC;  Ellen Vogel, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech; Michael Owen, Vice-president, Research, Innovation and International, Ontario Tech; Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care; Pierre Côté, Director, Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation; and Jean Moss, President, CMCC 

Partners

Ontario Tech University

The IDRR includes two faculties from Ontario Tech University the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHSc) and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH). Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and innovative programs responsive to the needs of students, and the evolving 21st-century workplace. With more than 9,200 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 70 programs delivered by exceptional faculty, Ontario Tech promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Ontario Tech's commitment to accelerating economic growth and social innovation is realized through research collaborations with leading organizations such as CMCC, Ontario Power Generation, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Durham Regional Police Service. Ontario Tech marked its 10th anniversary on September 4, 2013.  To find out more about the University, visit ontariotechu.ca.

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

CMCC is recognized for creating leaders in spinal health through a four-year program leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.* With graduates practicing in 43 countries and faculty who are leaders in their fields, CMCC delivers world-class chiropractic education, research and patient care. 

Spearheaded by the McMorland Family Research Chair in Mechanobiology, with a focus on spine instability, degeneration and joint dysfunction, CMCC graduate students and researchers contribute to the understanding and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

The campus features modern teaching and laboratory space, including new simulation and biomechanics laboratories, and is extended across Toronto through its network of community-based interprofessional teaching clinics that serve diverse patient populations. CMCC is one of only 10 schools of anatomy designated by the Ontario Anatomy Act.

*This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for the period of March 24, 2011, to March 24, 2023. For more information, visit cmcc.ca.