Advancing Equity in Public Health Emergencies: Collective Futures Roundtable

The ACCESS Lab, with support from an IHEP Knowledge Mobilization grant, recently launched the inaugural Collective Futures Roundtable, an initiative to embed equity into public health emergency planning by mobilizing knowledge on disability, race, and immigrant health.

The event, “Mobilizing Knowledge on Disability, Race, and Immigrant Health to Inform Planning for Pandemics and Other Public Health Emergencies” brought together community members, service providers, researchers, and policymakers to tackle systemic inequities in emergency preparedness. Designed to amplify Black and other racialized immigrants with disabilities experiences with healthcare, rehabilitation and support systems in Ontario, the roundtable focused on sharing gaps and exploring better ways to plan for future public health emergencies.

Hosted by Professor Chavon Niles, Principal Investigator and lead of the ACCESS Lab, the session opened with a powerful reminder, “Recovery isn’t about returning to normal; it’s about building what should have existed all along.”

Professor Niles shared findings from interviews, revealing critical gaps in belonging, accessibility, and systemic responsiveness. Participants spoke of mental health strain from isolation and neglect, disconnected health and settlement services, economic insecurity in precarious work, and the urgent need for representation to make recovery meaningful.

Shifting Systems, Not People

A panel discussion featuring Raihanna Hirji-Khalfan (Race & Disability Canada), Dr. Michelle Murti (Toronto Public Health), Nouma Hammash (Social Worker), and Dr. Notisha Massaquoi (UTSC) explored how to embed equity into emergency planning from the start. Panelists emphasized intersectional design and co-leadership with those most impacted upholding dignity in systems that remain ableist, and using data-informed strategies to address how racism and ableism intersect. Their insights underscored that recovery cannot mean returning to “normal.” Instead, the focus must be on shifting systems, not people, by restoring trust, prioritizing face-to-face engagement, and co-creating environments where equity is the starting point. Discussions throughout the day highlighted the power of community networks, the importance of allyship in policy change, and the need for early involvement of diverse community members. Practical steps included improving practitioner education and reducing burdens on support workers to ensure inclusive environments that benefit all.

Looking Ahead

This event marks an important step toward designing systems that serve all communities, not just some. With new funding from CIHR’s Planning and Dissemination Grants, the Collective Futures initiative will expand to host additional roundtables across Ontario in 2026. These sessions will continue to bring policymakers and community members together, ensuring that equity is embedded in public health planning from the very beginning.