Western Accessible Instruments Lab receives funding from Canada Foundation for Innovation
Western researchers have been awarded a total of $3.4 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to help meet Canada’s urgent challenges. The funded projects address areas in need of innovative solutions, including health care for an aging population, next-generation communication systems and environmental sustainability amid climate change.
The investment comes through the CFI’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), which will fuel 14 projects at Western. Among them is the Western Accessible Instruments Lab (WAIL), led by Music Education faculty member and Canada Research Chair in Music, Inclusion and Accessibility adam bell.
People with disabilities often face barriers to making and performing music due to inaccessible instruments and venues. The WAIL will work with musicians facing these barriers to create inclusive instruments, teaching methods and spaces where everyone can learn, play and share music.
To learn more about other JELF funded projects, read the Western News article:
"Western researchers receive $3.4M from Canada Foundation for Innovation," by Colleen MacDonald, October 10, 2025
