December 10, 2025
The Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing at Toronto Metropolitan University, in partnership with DAWN Canada and the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, has launched a national survey titled “Women and gender-diverse people with disabilities’ experiences in accessing primary care in Canada.”
Primary care—including family doctors, walk-in clinics, urgent care, nurse-practitioner clinics, and emergency departments—forms the cornerstone of Canada’s healthcare system. However, women and gender-diverse people with disabilities often face significant barriers to accessing these essential services.
“This study is about listening to the lived experiences of women and gender-diverse people with disabilities. By centering their voices, we can better understand how inequities in our healthcare system are experienced and work towards change.” said Karen Soldatić, CERC in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing, Toronto Metropolitan University
This survey seeks to identify the specific challenges and needs of these communities within the Canadian context. Insights gathered will help shape advocacy efforts for more equitable, accessible, and inclusive primary care for all.
“Women and gender-diverse people with disabilities have long faced systemic barriers in accessing primary care. By participating in this survey, community members are contributing to vital research that will support advocacy for a more inclusive healthcare system.” said Bonnie Brayton, Chief Executive Officer, DAWN Canada
Participants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Live in Canada
- Identify as a woman or gender-diverse individual
- Have a disability that is not typically age-related.
The online survey will take a maximum of 45 minutes to complete. Paper copies are also available by request.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to equity and accessibility. Many veterans are persons with disabilities, which makes this study consistent with our commitment to understanding and addressing the various forms of marginalization. The survey includes an option to self-identify as a veteran to ensure that veterans’ experiences with care services are taken into account.” highlighted Sara Rodrigues, Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families
How to Participate
To complete the survey online, click here.
For a paper copy, please email: research.cerc.hecw@torontomu.ca. DAWN Canada will provide a reply-paid envelope and a print copy of the survey.
About the CERC in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing
The Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing is committed to advancing health equity through collaborative, interdisciplinary research and meaningful community partnerships. Housed at Toronto Metropolitan University, CERC HECW addresses systemic barriers to health by examining the social, economic, and cultural determinants of wellbeing. Our work bridges research, policy, and practice to generate innovative solutions that improve access to care, promote inclusion, and create sustainable, equitable health systems. By bringing together scholars, health practitioners, policymakers, and community members, we aim to amplify underrepresented voices and drive structural change that supports the health and wellbeing of all communities.
About DAWN Canada
Established in 1985, DAWN Canada is a national feminist, cross-disability human rights organization that works to address systems of oppression. We focus on addressing issues of disability through our four pillars: research, learning, policy and advocacy. DAWN’s mission to end the poverty, isolation, discrimination and violence experienced by women, girls and gender-diverse people who live with disabilities and/or are Deaf in Canada.
About the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families
The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families works with veterans, families, service providers, and researchers to bridge the gap between research and practice so that veterans and their families can receive the best possible mental health care and support services. The Atlas Institute was initially established as a Centre of Excellence on PTSD and related mental health conditions through the Veterans Affairs Minister’s mandate letter from November 2015, with funding and a budget announced in the federal budget of March 2017.
