Perspectives

David H. Pereyra

Education                                         

• Post-Doctoral Fellow. Inclusive Design Research Centre. OCAD University. Toronto, Canada.
• PhD. Philosophy in Theology. University of Toronto, Canada. 
• MA in Theology. University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, Canada. 
• MA Architect. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Argentina.

Professional Appointments

Research Endeavours 

Dr. Pereyra’s academic and research centres on interdisciplinary aspects of our multicultural society. He is particularly interested in howcreative experiences transmitting information, and communication can reach users and vice-versa. At the Inclusive Design Research Centre, David is responsible for outreach, collaboration and community engagement. He develops and maintains a community of expertadvisors from the disability community who collaborate in workshops, accessibility challenges and sensitivity training activities in different projects. These activities are as diverse as setting/learning policies, designing built environments, developing services, and creating accessible workflows and workshops, including managing the events and exhibits at the Open Gallery at 49 McCaul Street in Toronto.

Research Experience 

Accessible Canada, Accessible World (2023-25)

Canada is poised and counted upon to play a leading role in the global effort to advance accessibility standards. The project aims to build an expansive community of practice encompassing the full range of experiences of disability and other areas of expertise needed to achieve accessibility goals. Through in-person and online engagements, including an international conference, the project aims to co-develop resources to inform the next-generation models of accessibility standards and build capacity and expertise in the disability community and other stakeholder groups — funding organization: Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website: https://acaw-cama.idrc.ocadu.ca/en/

Regulating the Digital Domain (2023-26)

This project researches the systemic issues perpetuating the barriers and digital disparity for persons with disabilities in information and communication technologies. The research findings will apply as digital technologies and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) are implemented in all other priority areas. It will also capture the standards’ role in these interventions and their impact—fundingorganization: Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website:https://wecount.inclusivedesign.ca/rtdd/

Informing Standards for Acoustics and the Built Environment Co-Design (2023)

The co-design investigates the acoustic environment’s impact on persons with disabilities. In partnership with Accessibility Institute, Carleton University, the research team recommend a set of acoustics best practices and inform the creation of accessibility standards to improve the quality and comfort of the listening experience—funding organization: Canadian Accessibility Standards DevelopmentOrganization. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website: https://carleton.ca/accessibility-institute/projects/informing-standards-for-acoustics-and-the-built-environment/

Communication Access within the Accessible Canada Act (2021-2023)

IDRC is working to address communication access for people with speech, language, and communication disabilities. With advice from an advisory panel and Communication Disabilities Access Canada, this project focuses on communication access for people who have speech, language and communication disabilities, learning disability, intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, aphasia after a stroke, dementia, or multiple sclerosis—funding organization: Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization. Dr. Pereyra and Caren Watkins coordinate the project. Website: https://idrc.ocadu.ca/projects/communication-access-within-the-accessible-canada-act/

The Future of Work: Equitable Digital Systems (EDS) (2020-23)

EDS project examines the accessibility of the digital tools and systems we rely upon for work to ensure that current and emerging technology and digital systems and their associated practices are meeting the needs of and enabling work for persons with disabilities, specifically at systems used by organizations that the Accessible Canada Act, Bill C-81, regulates—funding organization: CanadianAccessibility Standards Development Organization. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website: https://idrc.ocadu.ca/projects/eds/

Optimizing Diversity with Disability (ODD) (2020-22)

ODD aims to investigate bias in hiring algorithms using non-disability-specific and synthesized disability-specific employment data. We aim to understand better how to mitigate algorithmic bias and use this knowledge in future projects to develop algorithms that can optimize diversity—funding organizations: Kessler Foundation and Microsoft. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website: https://idrc.ocadu.ca/projects/optimizing-diversity-with-disability/

We Count (2019-22)

The project addresses barriers to participation and employment for persons with disabilities in the rapidly growing data economy, tackling bias and exclusion of persons with disabilities in data systems. It ensures these systems recognize, understand and serve people with disabilities by creating innovative machine-learning strategies and addressing data gaps—funding organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Accessible Technology Program. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website: https://wecount.inclusivedesign.ca/

The Future of Work and Disability (2020-21)

The project brought together a study group of fifteen people, many with lived experience of disabilities, with researchers, artificial intelligence (AI) experts, data scientists, employment organizations and others engaged in the data ecosystem. The goal was to understand and examine intersecting topics of AI, automation, standards and employment as they mainly relate to persons with disabilities—funding organization: Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website: https://wecount.inclusivedesign.ca/views/fwd/

Ontario Public Service (OPS) Guidance on Inclusive Design of the Built Environment (2021)

The Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) at OCAD University was contracted in March 2021 to provide resources and guidance on inclusive design of the built environment to support capacity building within the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Accessibility Office and broader creation of a Centre of Expertise (COE) in the OPS. The final report summarizes these activities and the context for thinking about inclusive design and how it may be applied and developed further by the OPS Accessibility Office (OAO). Dr. Pereyra provided as an architect ad hoc guidance. 

Centre Block Design Review. Parliamentary Precinct and CENTRUS’ Cultural Landscape (2021)

Dr. Pereyra advised Dr. Treviranus in her role as a Member of the Independent Design Review Panel on the accessibility of the design of the future new Central Block of Parliament Hill. 

Our Doors Are Open: Welcoming People with Disabilities in Places of Worship (2017/21)

The project offers faith communities creative ideas and guidance to increase inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. Pereyra proposed and created the project. Now is the principle research. In 2020, Dr. Pereyra got the Scholar Vital Worship Grant through the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship to continue his work—funding organizations: Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (2017-19) & Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (2020/21). Website: https://opendoors.idrc.ocadu.ca/

Business Innovation Guide for Inclusive Design and Accessibility (BIG IDeA)  (2017/19)

BIG IDeA brings together businesses, customers with lived experience of disability and the next generation of business leaders to collaboratively advance accessibility innovation in Ontario and create a culture of accessibility and inclusion. The project developed a platform to support businesses in Ontario in leading and innovating accessible and inclusive practices—funding organization:Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project. Website: https://bigidea.one/

aha! Accessibility Help and Advice (2015)

aha! developed and maintained a community of expert advisors from the disability community who collaborated in workshops, accessibility challenges and sensitivity training activities for small business employers in Ontario. These activities were as diverse as setting/learning policies, designing built environments, developing services, creating accessible workflow, and workshops—funding organization:Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. Dr. Pereyra coordinates the project.

Toronto 2015 Mapathon (2015)

Dr. Pereyra’s primary role was coordinating AXS Mapathons that engage students in grades 8-12 in Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games venues throughout Ontario and developing materials relating mapathon activities to various course curricula—fundingorganization: Government of Ontario.

Post-Doctoral Fellow 

Inclusive Design Research Center. OCAD University (July 2012 – July 2015)

The IDRC’s overarching purpose and commitment is to conduct inclusive participatory design involving the larger community and diverse end users.  This implies that over 90 listed collaborating organizations. David Pereyra organized this community engagement. His research explored methods to maximize users’ participation level, knowing that participation is the foundation of the IDRC’s success. 

Community Forum – Public Debate on Design of Public Spaces in the Built Environment (17/9/2012)

More than 75 people from different associations participated in a public forum to gather public comment on the Proposed Amendment to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. The goal was to document the amendment’s discussion and provide the conclusions and comments from the roundtable discussion to the Ministry of Community and Social Services. http://inclusivedesign.ca/public-forum-design-of-public-spaces-in-the-built-environment/

Disrupting/Undoing: Challenging Constructs of Disability (1-5/4/2013)

Exhibition and Salon OCAD University’s Inclusive Design Institute (IDI). The exhibition and salon posed the challenge to disrupt and reframe the concept of disability to feature a diverse aesthetic experience. https://davidhpereyra.com/disruptingundoing-challenges-constructs-of-disability/

Public Forum to gather comments on the progress towards achieving the goals for accessibility set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its standards (26/5/2014). 

The event began with opening remarks by Dean Mayo Moran of the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto. Dean Moran was conducting the second independent review of the province’s accessibility legislation

Publications

Books

Pereyra, David. Proclaiming Holy Scriptures: A Study of Place and Ritual, 2021. UK: Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies.

Forgiveness in Perspective, 2016, Inter-Disciplinary Press, Oxford: England. Edited by Francesca Dominello and David H. Pereyra. Pages 144. (R)

Chapters in multi-author volumes

Roberts, Vera and Pereyra, David. “Inclusive Co-research with Experts with Disabilities.” In  Handbook of Disability, edited by M. H. Rioux et al. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, 2023.

Pereyra, David. “Our Doors Are Open: Hospitality towards Immigrants with Special Needs in Places of Worship.” Pages 521-541. In Cercetari Doctorale În Pandemie – Procari, Solutii, Oportunitati, edited by Viorel Sava. Editura Doxologia, Iasi: Rumania and Institut für Ökumenische Theologie Ostkircheliche and Patrologie, Universität Graz: Austria, 2021.

Pereyra, David. “The Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Roman Catholic Church: Where an Experience of Mercy and Forgiveness Can Fail.” In Forgiveness in Perspective, 2016, Inter-Disciplinary Press, Oxford: England. Editors: Francesca Dominello and David H. Pereyra.

Pereyra, David. “Wholehearted Silences Complete a Meaningful Conversation.” Pages 186-196. In Blessed are the Eyes that CatchDivine Whispering, 2015, Schüren Verlag, Marburg: Germany. Editors: Freek L. Bakker and others.

Pereyra, David. “Privileged Places of Marian Piety in South America.” In The Changing World Religion Map, edited by Stanley D. Brunn. New York: Springer, 2014.

Pereyra, David. “Strengths and Inadequacies of the Ritual of Forgiveness in the Roman Catholic Church: The Sacrament of Penance.” InWebbing Vicissitudes of Forgiveness. Edited by Karen Bettez Halnon. Oxford: Inter-Disciplinary Press, 2014.

Pereyra, David. “Rediscovering Architecture’s Role in the Proclamation of Sacred Scriptures.” In Proceedings of the 2dn International Conference of the European Architectural History Network. Edited by Hilde Heynen. Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie Van Belgie Voor Wetenshappen en Kunsten. Brussels, 2012.

Journal articles

“Accessibility for Different Abilities: A Report,” in Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, vol. 5, issue 1. 2016. McMaster University, Waterloo.

“Play, Symbol and Festival in Worship Design,” in 2A Architecture & Art: Architecture, Culture & Spirituality Part II, Spring 2011, issue 17. (Dubai: 2011).

Papers presented at scholarly meetings and symposia

XII^th-XIII^th editions of the “Studia Theologica Doctoralia” – International Symposium. Theme: Doctoral Research in Pandemic –Challenges, Solutions, Opportunities. Presentación: “Our Doors are Open: Hospitality towards Immigrants with Special Needs in Places of Worship.” Cuza University, Graz University, Balamand University and Aristotle University. Rumania. May 10-11, 2021.

Online Seminar Our Doors Are Open at Domuni Universitas. October 2019 to November 2019. International.

Parliament of World’s Religions. Workshop: Our Doors Are Open. Toronto, November 3, 2018.

Interfaith Seminar: Opening Your Doors: Welcoming People with Disabilities in Places of Worship. Presentation: “Making Buildings andFacilities Accessible in Places of Worship.” OCAD University. Toronto, September 8, 2018.

12th International Gathering of the Ecclesiological Investigations. The Church and Migration: Global In-Difference? Presentation: “OurDoors are Open Hospitality towards Immigrants with Special Needs in Places of Worship.” University of St. Michael’s College. Toronto, June 25-27, 2018.

II Seminario Internacional: Diseño de Productos, Basado en la Interacción, la Experiencia y las Emociones. Presentation: “DiseñoInclusivo e Incluyente: El lugar donde el usuario se transforma en protagonista.” Universidad de Chile: Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo. Santiago de Chile, Chile. November 2017.

8th Seminario Internacional de Investigación en Diseño & 6th Encuentro de Semilleros de investigación y Diseño. Keynote speaker. Presentation: “Inclusive Design, Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University.” Universidad Azuay. Cuenca, Ecuador. October2016.

The Society of Christian Ethics: Annual Meeting. Toronto. January 2016. Panel Presentation: “Cosmopolitanism and Christian Ethics: Navigating the Complexities of Latino/ Identity across the Canadian-U.S. border.” Panellists: Jeremy Cruz, St. John’s University; NestorMedina, Regent University; David Pereyra, University of OCAD University; Rene Sanchez, University of Portland.

International Conference: Vatican II: The Promise of Renewal. Presentation: “The Danger of Taking Our Current Rituals for Granted.” University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto. Ontario, Canada. May 2015.

Conference on Patristic Preaching and its History of Reception. Plenary Session: “Ritual Places for Reading Sacred Scriptures and Preaching: the Ambo in Early Christian Worship.” Pappas Patristic Institute, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Boston, MA.October 2014.

Six Annual ACS Symposium. The 2014 Symposium: The Architecture of Spirituality in a Multicultural Setting. Presentation: “Developing a Contemporary Sacred Space Identity in a Multicultural Setting.” Trinity College in the University of Toronto. Toronto. June 2014.

Inter-Disciplinary.Net. 6^th Global Conference on “Forgiveness: Probing the Boundaries.” Presentation: “Strengths and Inadequacies ofRituals of Forgiveness.” Oxford University, UK. July 2013.

Silence and Religion in Film. International Conference on Film and Religion, organized by the Dutch Research Group “Moving Visions” and the International Research Group “Film und Theologie.” Presentation: “Wholehearted Silence Complete a Meaningful Conversation.”Faculty of Theology and Religious Sciences (State) University of Groningen. Nederland. June 2013.

Sociedad Argentina de Teología. XXXI Semana Argentina de Teología. “Discursos científicos y discursos teológicos. Creer en el contextode los nuevos saberes.” Presentation: “El lenguaje del juego, del símbolo y de la fiesta. La celebración litúrgica como experiencia de lo trascendente.” Buenos Aires, Argentina. July 2012.

European Architectural History Network. Second International Meeting. Presentation: “Rediscovering Architecture’s Role in theProclamation of Sacred Scriptures.” Palais des Académies, Brussels, Belgium. June 2012.

Commun(icat)ing Bodies. The Body & Religion Conference. February 2012. University of Graz, Austria. Presentation: “The Word throughthe Lector’s Body: The Medium for Proclamation.”

Fellowship of Catholic Scholars: The Catholic Mind & the Prophetic Voice of the Arts. Presentation: “The Marginalization of the Beauty inImpoverished Communities.” Loretto College, University of Toronto. Canada. October 2011.

Architecture, Culture & Spirituality (ACS). Second Annual ACS Symposium. The 2010 Symposium had three open sessions: Place andScholarship; Theory and Philosophy; Design, Art, and Process. Presentation: “Play, Symbol, and Festival in Liturgical Environment.” Abbey at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, USA. June 2011.

Academic Experience

• Adjunct Professor in Research and Graduate Studies. Faculty of Design and Office of Research & Graduate Studies, OCAD University, Toronto — 2012-2015. 
• Liturgy in English and Spanish, Early Christian Art and the Our Doors Seminar.
• Faculty of Theology, Domuni Universitas, France — 2015-present
• History of Christianity 1 to 850 CE, Early Christian Art, Islamic Art, and Sacred Architecture. Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College, Canada — 2012-present.
• Islamic Art. Continuing Education Division. University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto — 2017.
• Christian Imagination I: Visual Arts. Faculty of Art and Sciences. University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto — 2016.
• Christianity in Latin America. Faculty of Art and Sciences. University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto —2014.
• Comparative Religions. Faculty of Liberal Arts & Science, OCAD University, Toronto — 2013-present. 
• Values in Current Films Release. Continuing Education. University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto — 2013-2015. 
• Encountering Sacred Space and Sacred Places. Part I, II & III. Continuing Education. University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto — 2012. 
• Understanding Religious Architecture Today. Continuing Education. University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto — 2011. 
• Teaching Assistant of the course “Introduction to Liturgy.” Faculty of Theology. University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto — 2010. 
• Coordinator of the Liturgy Seminar. TST Liturgy Seminar. Toronto School of Theology. University of Toronto — 2007-present.
• Associate professor of Sacred Architecture, Theory and Practice. Faculty of Architecture. Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina — 1994-1999.

Working Experience as a Designer

Working Experience as an Architect 

Planning and Construction of:

• Project for a chapel at St Joseph’s College at University of Alberta. Edmonton – Canada. 2014-2015        
• Project for a new altar, ambo and presidential chair for the chapel at St Mary’s University. Calgary – Canada. 2012-2013.      
• Dominican Centro for Preaching at the University of Toronto. Toronto – Canada. 2011-2012        
• Metropolitan Church Inmaculada Concepción. Buenos Aires – Argentina. 1998-2000        
• Community Centre San Antonio de Padua. Buenos Aires –  Argentina. 1998-1999        
• San Francisco de Asis College. Remodelation. Lanús – Argentina. 1997-1998        
• Community Centre and Parish Church Asunción de María. Buenos Aires – Argentina. 1996-2002        
• Interior Renovation Parish Church Nuestra Señora de Itatí. Buenos Aires – Argentina. 1994-1996        
• Historical Chapel Santa Ana de Glew – Soldi Frescos. Buenos Aires – Argentina. 1994-1996        
• Community Centre San Antonio. Buenos Aires – Argentina. 1994-1995        
• Community Centre House Nuestra Señora del Valle. Ezeiza – Argentina. 1994-1995        
• Community Centre Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. Argentina. 1993-1996        
• San Juan Highschool. Remodelation. Buenos Aires – Argentina. 1993-1994        
• Community Centre SJM Vianney. Buenos Aires – Argentina. 1993-1995        
• Inmaculada Concepcion College. Highschool and Undergraduate Program. Argentina. 1992-1998        
• Formation Centre, Seminary Diócesis de Lomas de Zamora. Argentina. 1989-1990        

Memberships

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