Equity in Access(ability) Conference/Access(ability in Equity Conference 2027

Advancing equitable, accessible experiences through research and community practice.

Our vision and mission
The Equity in Access(ability)/Ability (Access) in Equity Conference envisions a transformative, multi-disciplinary ecosystem where critical research and reflexive practice converge to dismantle systemic exclusion. We reject superficial compliance models. Instead, we disrupt the neoliberal and (neo)colonial structures that perpetuate inequities across disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and intersecting identities. By bridging the gap between rigorous scholarship and grassroots mobilization, we empower researchers, practitioners, and emerging graduate scholars to think beyond traditional institutional silos. Together, we generate actionable knowledge that fuels social movements, shapes democratic policy, and redefines educative leadership within global civil society.
Core Pillars of the Conference
  Multi-Disciplinary Inquiry We merge diverse fields of study to confront power, privilege, and structural inequities.  
Theory-to-Praxis Mobilization We turn rigorous research into concrete, community-based action that impacts policy.  
Cultivating Next-Gen Scholars We actively support graduate students with dedicated spaces for feedback and growth.  
Democratic Co-Creation
We break down institutional walls to build a truly inclusive, global knowledge network. 
Welcome Letter from the Founders
Welcome to the digital home of the Equity in Access(ability)/Ability (Access) in Equity Conference. 
When we first envisioned this gathering, we did so with a shared, urgent conviction: that educational leadership and policy cannot afford to be passive, procedural, or merely compliant. True inclusion requires us to directly confront power, privilege, oppression, and the structural inequities that traditional institutional frameworks quietly reproduce. 
This conference was born out of a desire to create a rigorous, multi-disciplinary nexus where complex critical scholarship directly fuels grassroots, community-based action. We explicitly reject the neoliberal assumptions and checkbox diversity models that dominate modern institutions. Instead, we invite you to help us co-create an alternative framework—one where theory and praxis work in seamless harmony to build a genuinely democratic and accessible society.
Mission
A Shared Mission of Critical Transformation
Our partnership bridges global critical scholarship with active institutional leadership. Dr. Stephanie Chitpin’s foundational work as series editor of the Transforming Education Through Critical Leadership, Policy and Practice book series has continually challenged conventional transformational leadership models that mask systemic barriers. Collaborating with Dr. Awad Ibrahim—Full Professor and Vice-Provost of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Ottawa—strengthens this vision. Dr. Ibrahim’s scholarship in critical education, cultural studies, and social justice perfectly aligns with our aim to redefine educational leadership within civil society.
Who This Space Is For
We designed this gathering to dismantle traditional hierarchies. Whether you are an established researcher challenging institutional power, a frontline practitioner acting on equity, a community member, or a graduate student seeking mentorship and critical academic networks, you are welcome here. Thank you for joining us in this vital work. Together, let us turn critical dialogue into actionable knowledge. 
In solidarity, 
Professor Stephanie Chitpin, PhD
Conference CoFounder
Series Editor, Transforming Education Through Critical Leadership, Policy and Practice 
Awad Ibrahim, PhD
Conference Co-Founder
Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, University of Ottawa 
Steering Committee Members 
Steven Van Zoost, PhD Chair of EiA 
Késa Munroe Anderson, PhD  
Ahlam Rahal, PhD Marketing and Communication Advisor
Who this space is for

The Team

Stephanie Chitpin, PhD

CoFounder

Series Editor, Transforming Education Through Critical Leadership, Policy and Practice

Awad Ibrahim, PhD

CoFounder

Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, University of Ottawa

Steven Van Zoost, PhD

Chair of EiA

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Késa Munroe Anderson, PhD

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Ahlam Rahal, PhD

Marketing and Communication Advisor

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The Conference

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  • Date:26/04/2027 09:00 PM - 29/04/2027 09:00 PM
  • Location To Be Announced
 

Services

Submit an Abstract

Registration and Abstract Submission Form Please complete this form to confirm your attendance and submit an abstract, if desired. Registration Fees* : 320 Euros for all participants Food for spouse: 139 Euros. *Registration deadline is January 29th, 2027 Full name Email address | Adresse courriel Residing country | Pays de résidence Title and affiliation | Titre et affiliation Date you plan to arrive in Seville Date Date you plan to depart from Seville Hotel room preference (booking by Jan. 29th, rate available from April 24th to May 1st 2027, mention the conference when booking) Single (214 Euros, breakfast included) Double (226 Euros, breakfast included) Are you submitting an abstract to this conference? Yes No Please send your abstract (maximum 150 words) by email to equityina2025@gmail.com: Publication Opportunity Selected paper presentations will be considered for publication in a special volume of the Transforming Education through Critical Leadership, Policy, and Practice book series, published by Wiley. To complete your registration, please send your completed form and proceed with your payment via PayPal to equityina2025@gmail.com

Keynotes & Research Talks - Copy

Inspiring presentations that translate current research into actionable insights for equitable access.

Community Networking

Structured opportunities to connect with peers, partners, and advocates building accessible experiences.

Contact

  • Ottawa, ON, Canada