By Rosie Hales, Communications Officer

Mary Ann McColl, Associate Director at the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research and professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy and the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, is one of two recipients of the 2013 Kenneth G. Langford Lifetime Membership Award for her research and work on spinal cord injuries, disability policy and access to services for people with disabilities.

The award recognizes the work of an individual whose commitment and devotion to the field of spinal cord injuries has resulted in significant advances on both on a national and global level.

The award is given by the Canadian Paraplegic Association and honours those who have inspired others to assist those living with spinal cord injuries to achieve their full potential.

“It’s an enormous honour,” says Dr. McColl. “I didn’t know that I was even nominated so it came as a complete surprise.”

Dr. McColl is the current Academic Lead for the Canadian Disability Policy Alliance, a collaboration between the academic community and policy partners who work to understand and enhance disability policy in Canada.

Her research focuses on disability policy, access to health services for those with disabilities, as well as primary care for special populations such as patients with spinal cord injuries and veterans.

“When people acknowledge that you’re making a difference then that’s just about as good as it gets,” says Dr. McColl, adding that she has worked in this area of research for the majority of her career.

The other recipient of the award is founding executive of the Ontario branch of the Canadian Paraplegic Association and Dr. McColl’s husband, Kirby Rowe.

The award was presented at the Canadian Paraplegic Association's annual meeting in June of this year.