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Deadline for Submission of Briefs and Proposals October 15, 2006
We need to identify unique challenges that INMHA should consider as it begins to plan for strategic initiatives in the 2nd five-year term.
Millions of Canadians are affected by sensory and communication disorders that can leave them isolated, incapacitated and depressed. Vision loss is increasing at a frightening rate as our population ages and becomes afflicted with eye diseases that have no cures. Hearing and speech losses lead to failures of communication and social isolation. Diseases of the balance organs can leave people severely disabled. In these and other instances of sensory loss and communication disorders, there is a woeful lack of basic information that could provide the basis for rational treatment and cure.
Again we are following the successful model employed in response to the Kirby Commission that enabled some outstanding proposals related to mental health to be brought forward by stakeholders. In September 2005, INMHA received over 40 submissions from provincial authorities, voluntary organizations, scientists ranging from basic science to clinicians and population health and health services research, as well as the private sector. Four were selected for recommendation to the Kirby Commission by an international panel.
We need input from INMHA's stakeholders in all of its pillars, from researchers, trainees, policy makers, government officials, and voluntary health organizations (VHOs).
We are seeking input in identifying the biggest challenges for communication processes and sensory health research in Canada over the next ten years and suggestions about the means to resolve them. Sensory research includes not only normal functions and disorders related to vision and hearing but also to smell, taste, touch, heat, balance, pain, and proprioception. Communication research includes research on processes and impairments related to voice, speech and language.
Examples include, but are not limited to: translating current knowledge into best practices; patient oriented research; genetic and epigenetic factors; early life events affecting the incidence of sensory loss; timely access to services; prevention; the stigma people face with sensory loss and communication disorders; depression and other comorbidities; developing relevant animal models; developing international links and collaborations; etc. Be provocative and imaginative.
The proposals judged the best will serve as catalysts in the development of our strategic plan. They will likely lead to the development of Requests for Applications (RFAs), and, in the end, to enhanced funding in these areas.
Submit your brief by October 15, 2006. All proposals should be submitted electronically in English or in French (5 page maximum, single space, 12 points minimum, longer proposals will be automatically rejected) directly to the attention of INMHA Assistant Director, Richard Brière at richard.briere@douglas.mcgill.ca, Subject Line: Unique Challenges Proposal. Do not hesitate to contact him by e-mail or phone (514-761-6131 ext 3930) if you have any questions.
It is expected that the best proposals will serve as catalysts in the development of INMHA's strategic plan for 2006-2011. Best briefs may also lead to the development of future Requests for Applications focusing on these unique challenges during that period. Accordingly, names of applicants or organizations submitting proposals could be made public, and sections of submitted proposals could be used by INMHA and partners in future documents as considered to be in the public domain. Ultimately, the sensory health of all Canadians will benefit.
We are counting on you and your inputs are needed
This is critical to the future development of INMHA and of sensory research in Canada
