The Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society (IRIS) was established by Inclusion Canada (formerly the Canadian Association for Community Living) in 2008 to provide research, new ways of thinking, inspiration, and education to advance the well-being of people with an intellectual disability.

IRIS builds on the legacies of its predecessors – L’Institut Roeher Institute and the National Institute on Mental Retardation (NIMR), first established in 1969.

As with its predecessors, IRIS is anchored in the lived experiences of people with intellectual disabilities and their families and plays a unique role in generating the knowledge that governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders need to advance inclusive policy and social development.

IRIS continues the legacy of its predecessors in serving as a centre for innovation and excellence for Canadian and international audiences.