Canadian Sciences Speakers Network

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Mahadeo Sukhai: Profile Photo

Mahadeo Sukhai

Kingston, Ontario

Position: Chief Operating Officer

Organization: IDEA-STEM

Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai is the world’s first congenitally blind geneticist. Currently the Chief Operating Officer of IDEA-STEM, an organization dedicated to improving the accessibility of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare education, research, training and work, Mahadeo has more than 20 years’ experience as an accessibility and inclusion professional, and as a researcher within this space, as well as more than 25 years’ experience as a scientist, researcher and educator in the medical sciences and healthcare related disciplines. Dr. Sukhai is a leading expert on accessibility of postsecondary education and employment for persons with disabilities. Dr. Sukhai is one of the originators of the discipline of and discourse on accessibility and inclusion in the sciences and in healthcare. He is the Chair of the Employment Technical Committee for Accessibility Standards Canada, tasked with developing accessible employment standards; as well as, the External Co-Chair of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Expert Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Systemic Ableism. Mahadeo also serves on the Boards for Health Data Research Network Canada and the Institute of Neurodiversity Canada, and is a member of the steering committee for Disability and Work in Canada. Dr. Sukhai currently holds adjunct faculty appointments in Queen’s Heath Sciences at Queen’s University (Kingston, ON); the Faculty of Business and Information Technology at Ontario Tech University (Oshawa, ON); and, in Inclusive Design at OCAD University (Toronto, ON). Mahadeo coaches and consults on accessibility and inclusion strategy, on inclusive leadership practice, and on conducting scientific research in accessible and inclusive ways.

Areas of Expertise:

+ Accessibility and inclusion in STEM research and training

Language(s):

+ English


About Me

Sector: Other

English proficiency: Read, Write, Speak

Title: Dr.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Gender: Cisgender Male

Demographic: South Asian

Disability: Sensory, Neurodivergence