The University of Lorraine has officially launched the International Chair on Disability and Organizational Transformation, known as IHTO. Hosted by IAE Nancy and CEREFIGE, the new academic initiative focuses on studying deep transformations within the disability field and actively participating in the professional training of sector stakeholders.

Disability is a relatively modern concept, having emerged at the beginning of the 20th century primarily as an administrative category. Over the past decades, evolving perspectives championed by international bodies and disability rights movements have fundamentally altered how society views impairments and social participation.

Understanding Modern Disability Frameworks

Modern disability frameworks define the situation not merely as a medical impairment, but as a limitation in social participation resulting from the interaction between personal factors and environmental obstacles. Despite this evolution, translating theoretical models into everyday organizational practices remains a persistent challenge across various sectors in France and beyond.

While the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted in 2006 and ratified by France in 2010, its practical principles are often unfamiliar to many practitioners and the general public. The IHTO Chair aims to bridge this gap by serving as a central hub for international research, bringing global insights directly into local organizational practices.

Core Objectives and Institutional Partnerships

A primary focus of the IHTO Chair is reimagining environments that have historically been designed exclusively by and for able-bodied individuals. Researchers and partners will collaborate to rethink collective efforts in compensating for disabilities, working alongside affected individuals to co-design accessible schools, workplaces, healthcare access, and support structures.

This ambitious partnership brings together key regional and national stakeholders, including the Regional Health Agency of Grand Est, the Ellen Poidatz Foundation, and prominent organizations such as OREAG, Adapei de la Meuse, and Adapei d’Ille-et-Vilaine. Together with future members, these founding entities form a robust network spanning France and Quebec dedicated to advancing inclusive participation.

Three Strategic Missions of the IHTO Chair

To drive meaningful change, the newly established chair has outlined three core missions designed to foster collaboration and produce actionable knowledge for society:

• Network Animation: Facilitating continuous dialogue through academic seminars, webinars, and specialized public events.
• Research Development: Designing, leading, and managing empirical research projects to generate rigorous new knowledge.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Sharing research findings widely to foster innovative organizational practices and deliver specialized professional training.

Shaping Inclusive Futures Across Territories

Co-directed by Loïc Andrien and Jean-Philippe Nau, the IHTO Chair aligns directly with the broader inclusive initiatives championed by the University of Lorraine. The leadership envisions the chair as a dynamic reflection space dedicated to helping local territories rethink how they integrate and value individuals with disabilities in every aspect of community and professional life.

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