About

This Pressbook is a free, open-access resource for learning about accessible and inclusive healthcare, centering the expertise of disabled, Deaf, and mad people. Developed in collaboration with researchers, educators, disability networks, and community members, it brings together curriculum and multimedia resources to support learning in classroom settings and independent study.

Many of the materials in this Pressbook were first piloted in Fall 2024 in the School of Disability Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University, where 51 students participated in lectures and facilitated community visits with disabled, Deaf, and mad people across the Greater Toronto Area. This resource includes recordings, interviews, and other multimedia content produced during that pilot.

Sections labeled From the Community feature audio and video clips created during the pilot course, highlighting reflections and insights shared by community hosts and other participants. In addition, the Pressbook concludes with a documentary and two podcasts developed with disabled, Deaf, and mad community members. All of these materials were created collaboratively and reflect the lived experiences of our local communities.

Using This Resource

This Pressbook can be used in multiple ways:

• As a standalone learning resource for students and independent learners
• As curriculum for instructors integrating accessible healthcare content into their courses
• As a guide for running a course that includes community visits, or as an alternative for those unable to facilitate them

For more details on how to use this resource, see How to Use This Pressbook.

We encourage you to use this resource and would love to hear if you have integrated it into your curriculum. Please consider notifying Dr. Ignagni if you are using part of this Pressbook, identifying the learning focus and the number of learners.