About SCIO

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

SCIO’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

At Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIO), we recognize that our strength and success are deeply rooted in the diversity of our community. Our commitment to EDI is integral to our mission of empowering individuals impacted by spinal cord injuries and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Our EDI strategy is a reflection of our dedication to creating a world that is accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all.

Our approach

SCIO’s approach to EDI is comprehensive, spanning from our internal practices to the services we provide and the advocacy work we undertake. We understand that equity, diversity, and inclusion must be woven into the fabric of our organization to truly reflect the communities we serve and to create lasting impact. Creating and fostering a sense of belonging remains at the core of our values. We acknowledge that the journey towards full equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing. SCIO is committed to continuous learning, growth, and adaptation in our EDI practices. We seek out partnerships, engage in open dialogue with our community, and embrace opportunities for education and awareness to ensure that our EDI strategy remains dynamic, effective, and reflective of the needs of the diverse individuals we serve.

In recruitment and workplace culture

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that not only welcomes diversity but celebrates it. Our recruitment processes are designed to ensure equity and accessibility, aiming to reflect the diverse communities we serve. We believe in the importance of every individual feeling empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work, ensuring a sense of belonging and representation across our organization.
We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:

Indigenous peoples
Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin
Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities
Persons who identify as women
Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

In our Services and Programs

SCIO’s services and programs are designed with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities.

Our commitment to EDI ensures that our offerings are accessible, relevant, and supportive of the diverse needs of our community.

Through peer support, service navigation, employment services, and advocacy, we strive to meet individuals where they are, acknowledging and respecting their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Advocacy for systemic change

Our advocacy work is rooted in the belief that systemic change is necessary to achieve a fully inclusive Ontario. SCIO actively engages in policy discussions and advocacy efforts to dismantle barriers and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across all sectors of society.

We leverage our expertise and the lived experiences of our community to push for changes that benefit not only individuals with spinal cord injuries but all those facing discrimination and exclusion.

Land Acknowledgement

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territories of many indigenous nations across Turtle Island. We recognize the importance of the land and our treaty agreements – we acknowledge the ancestral and unceded territories of all Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples.

As our Spinal Cord Injury Ontario community encompasses many geographies, we ask that everyone take a few moments of their day to find out which unceded or treaty territories you may live and work on.