We conduct research to improve access to rehabilitation and habilitation globally.
The Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR) is a leading research hub which aims to improve the functioning and quality of life of people with disability or in need of rehabilitation.
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Recent meta-study review on definitions of disability, impairment, and rehabilitation in the health sciences, social sciences, law, and economics
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The IDRR has joined the WHO initiative: "Together for Science and Health”.
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Congratulation to Dr. Melissa Corso who successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled "Evaluating the Accuracy and Impact of Methodological Trade-Offs Used in Rapid Reviews on Results and Certainty of the Evidence: Meta-Research Studies in Systematic Reviews of Chronic Low Back Pain."
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We are pleased to announce the WHO Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health, Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research is now a member of the WHO Disability Health Equity Network.
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IDRR PhD graduate presented with 2026 Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award at Convocation.
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Researchers from the IDRR attended the Global Forum of World Health Organization Collaborating Centres in Lyon, joining over 800 centres worldwide to address emerging global health challenges and advance coordinated solutions.
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Recent study evaluating the accuracy of one compared to two independent reviewers for progressing titles and abstracts to full text screening, the first study in a series on methodological trade-offs used in rapid reviews
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Carol Cancelliere, DC, MPH, MBA, PhD, serves as Senior Scientist in Knowledge Translation & Health Policy position for the 2026–2029 term.
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Recent publication explores the prevalence, incidence, and associated factors of unmet health care needs among adults with osteoarthritis.
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Recent publication examines the prevalence and determinants of pain-related disabilities among First Nations people living off-reserve in Canada - highlighting the need for meaningful, collaborative relationships in health research with Indigenous peoples to advance the dialogue on functioning
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Recent article from institute scientists examines the Governance arrangements for rehabilitation services in health systems: an overview of systematic reviews
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Dr. Natalia Tukhareli has received the HSIC’s Langlands Innovation Award for Bibliotherapy Program on Healthy Aging. Conducted in collaboration with IDRR and LiNDR, the project has utilized the ‘shared reading’ approach to promote healthy aging to diverse older adult populations in Ontario
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New study from the institute suggests chronic back problems are positively associated with poor sleep quality among Ontarian older adults.
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Celebrate this International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, by taking part in local events in your community!
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It’s Time to Prioritize Rehabilitation for the Millions Living With Pain-Related Disability in Canada
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Recent article from institute scientists examines prevalence and characteristics of medical and rehabilitation utilization among Canadians with arthritis from 2001 to 2018
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Upcoming seminar on Reconceptualizing Social Justice and Leadership in the Health Professions
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Upcoming interactive webinar on low back pain with PAHO and the IDRR
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Congratulations to Dr. Astrid DeSouza on Her Successful Ph.D. Defence!
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Recent article from institute scientists proposes a global indicator and corresponding questions to measure effective coverage of rehabilitation through population-based surveys.
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How much do we really know about pain-related disabilities among Indigenous peoples in Canada? A new study from the Institute reveals not nearly enough
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Recent article from institute scientists examines if unmet rehabilitation needs are associated with health deterioration during COVID-19. A cross-sectional study of Canadians with disabilities
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Dr. Nora Bakaa has been awarded a CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship (2025)
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Dr. Hainan Yu has been awarded the prestigious CIHR Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS-D)
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The 2nd issue of the WHO Rehabilitation 2030 newsletter is out now
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Congratulations to Dr. Carol Cancelliere on being awarded the Rinaldi Research Chair in AI and Rehabilitation at the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR).
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Recent article from Institute scientists provides an in-depth review, which aims to describe the epidemiology of LBP in chiropractors and chiropractic students.
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Today, the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR) held an inauguration event to officially open the World Health Organization (WHO) designated Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health at Ontario Tech.
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Recent article from Institute scientists provides an in-depth, population-based analysis of characteristics and healthcare utilization patterns of Canadians with participation and activity limitations (2001-2010)
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Recent article from Institute scientists conducted comprehensive study assessing change in prevalence and characteristics of Canadians seeking chiropractic care between 2001 and 2018.
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The IDRR is a proud member of the WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance Research Workstream. Learn about the importance of advocating for the generation and utilization of high-quality health policy and systems research by clicking below.
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IDRR at Ontario Tech University Making a Global Impact
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First Rehabilitation 2030 newsletter is out! Learn about the recent activities of the Rehabilitation 2030 initiative and register for the 3rd and 4th webinars: “Addressing musculoskeletal conditions: an opportunity for health systems globally”.
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The IDRR will serve as the WHO Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health
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We are proud to announce the establishment of the Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
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Congratulations to Dr. Jessica J. Wong! Your dedication to helping older Canadians combat back pain and arthritis is truly inspiring.
Did you know?
Most people have experience a chronic condition that may require rehabilitation. In fact, there are 15 million Canadians who could benefit from rehabilitation. Our research aims to develop evidence that informs that informs policies, service delivery, and evidence-based approaches to improve functioning.
Featured
“Being part of IDRR has been an invaluable experience that has shaped my growth as a researcher. The collaborative and supportive environment has broadened my perspective on global rehabilitation research and strengthened my commitment to advancing research that can meaningfully impact health systems worldwide.”
Madeleine Simmons
Visiting Graduate Student
Madeleine is a Canadian physiotherapist and PhD student in her second year at Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway. Her doctoral work examines adolescent and young adult healthcare use for co-occurring musculoskeletal pain and psychological distress, with a focus on the roles of early-life adversity and potential buffering factors. Her research uses Norwegian population and registry data to study life-course influences on health and healthcare utilization.
“My time at the IDRR was a really enriching experience. I had the opportunity to learn from and work with thoughtful researchers, and to see how collaborative work in rehabilitation comes together in practice. It was a privilege to be part of such a supportive and engaging environment.”
Theo Konstantinidis
PhD Student
Theo is a Canadian PhD student in Epidemiology at Ontario Tech University, specializing in Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR) in rehabilitation. His doctoral research examines how knowledge is conceptualized, produced, and applied within HPSR in rehabilitation, with a focus on identifying research gaps and developing a consensus-based research agenda to inform future priorities. His work is situated within the broader context of global rehabilitation research and policy, particularly the World Health Organization’s Rehabilitation 2030 initiative and the efforts of Cochrane Rehabilitation to strengthen evidence-informed rehabilitation research and health systems.