June 1 to 7: Quebec week for people with disabilities

Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how we can make our spaces – and our actions – more accessible and inclusive. Not just for patients, but for our colleagues and people we meet every day.  

What the MUHC is doing?  

The MUHC is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment. The Accessibility Committee was created to respond to requirements from the Office des personnes handicapés du Québec (OPHQ) to respect governmental policy and support people with disabilities in the exercise of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplace integration. All MUHC healthcare employees are encouraged to take part in training designed to help better understand different types of disabilities and respond in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and adapted to each person’s needs. 

In addition to this training, the MUHC is taking steps to support inclusion and opportunity.  

At the Montreal Children’s Hospital   

An apprenticeship program « Ados-Apprentis »  will launch this summer at the Montreal Children’s Hospital for teenagers living with disabilities, chronic health conditions or who have experienced long-term hospitalizations. “This two-week program offers job skills workshops and supportive work experience in a hospital setting,” says Jordana Saada, Senior Advisor, Patient Experience.  You can find more information here.  

At the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre  

The Institute is creating opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship through a new initiative.  

On June 4 and 5, The Institute will host two one-day internships for people with disabilities through the DuoEmploi program. These will take place in the EDI team and at the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE). “Interns will explore real work environments and tasks in roles like research assistant and administrative assistant,” says Diego Herrera, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist.  

Later in June, The Institute will host another internship through the MentorHabiletés – Roseph program. “At The Institute, we currently mentor two individuals through this program,” adds Diego.  

These initiatives aim to open doors — and build a more inclusive future, one opportunity at a time.