OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Ontario Tech University is proud to announce the establishment of the Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Disability and Rehabilitation Research, made possible by a generous $1.25 million donation from the Hann-Kelly family. This gift marks a significant milestone as the first donor-named research chair within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the university.

Dr. Pierre Côté, appointed as Chair, leads the university’s Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR), dedicated to advancing access to rehabilitation and improved functioning for those in need of care. Individuals with disabilities face discrimination and significant obstacles to participation in society. This is particularly true for those in underserved communities.

Through a unique partnership between Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, the IDRR takes an interdisciplinary approach to disability and rehabilitation research. This innovative approach unites health scientists and social scientists to address health-related issues as well as broader challenges related to social justice, discrimination, inclusion, and equity of delivery of services.

The philanthropic contribution of the Hann-Kelly family highlights the urgent need to address obstacles impeding access to disability and rehabilitation services. The family’s generous commitment will provide the IDRR with the necessary resources to propel progress in this critical area. Thanks to the Hann-Kelly family’s investment, the IDRR will also help uncover new strategies to create effective, accessible and equitable rehabilitation services through their support of graduate students and additional research positions.

Dedicated champions of Ontario Tech since 2008, the Hann-Kelly family is known for its tremendous support within our university community. Beyond this latest contribution, the Hann-Kelly family has also removed financial barriers and sparked opportunity for 23 Ontario Tech students by supporting them through the Bob Hann Memorial Bursary and Deb Clarke Award.

Quotes

“We strongly believe that every individual living with a disability deserves unhindered access to the support and care essential for a productive and fulfilling life. We are very proud to have our name associated with the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research through the Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Disability and Rehabilitation Research and are excited by the impact our support will have, ushering in a future of tangible, positive change for countless lives.”
- Beth Kelly, on behalf of the Hann-Kelly family

“I am deeply honoured to serve as the first Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The generous gift from the Hann-Kelly family will cement the IDRR’s position as a global leader in rehabilitation research, and as a leading hub for the training of the next generation of disability and rehabilitation scholars.”
-Dr. Pierre Côté, Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Research and Rehabilitation Research, Ontario Tech University

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hann-Kelly family for their visionary generosity and support. The Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research is embarking on an important journey toward inclusivity, equity, and social justice. The Hann-Kelly family’s remarkable contribution will play a key role in helping break down barriers, improve the lives and well-being of people with disabilities, and foster a future where every individual has access to the care and services they need.”
- Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University