Register Now for the International Summit on Mental Health and Disability 2026
Welcome
Welcome to the International Summit on Mental Health & Disability 2026. More than 150 Mental Health & Disability experts will converge in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for a 3-day summit where insights to overcome challenges & improve mental health & disability services among immigrants in Canada & globally will be shared.
WHY ATTEND ISMHD 2026?
The International Summit on Mental Health and Disability (ISMHD 2026) organised by Mulongo Diaspora Foundation and will take place on May 01-05 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
At this summit, while exploring the effects of immigration on mental health, participants shall discuss the following topics:
- The prevalence of PTSD and factors that promote resilience, considering diverse migration experiences such as war, natural disasters, and persecution.
- How intersecting identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender) intersect with immigrant status to influence mental health outcomes and access to disability services.
- Implications of immigration policies, legal uncertainties, and barriers to accessing mental health services and disability accommodations for immigrants and refugees.
- How social integration, community support, and a sense of belonging contribute to positive mental health outcomes and reduce disability-related disparities among immigrant populations.
- Strategies to address gaps in culturally competent and language-accessible mental health services for immigrants and refugees, including successful models and practices from various regions.
- The unique mental health challenges of immigrant children, adolescents, and families, including issues related to acculturation, education, and intergenerational trauma.
- The role of technology and tele-health in improving access to mental health services. and disability accommodations for immigrants living in remote or underserved areas.
- How employment status, workplace discrimination, and economic stress affect the mental health and well-being of immigrant populations, and identifying supportive workplace practices.
- Public health strategies to support the mental health needs of immigrants and refugees, including disaster preparedness, crisis intervention, and initiatives for health promotion.
- Strategies to promote international collaboration in research, policy development, and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the mental health and disability challenges faced by diverse immigrant populations worldwide.
What you need to know
Mental Health in Canada according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
- In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness.
- By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have or have had a mental illness.
Who is affected?
- Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.
- 39% of Ontario high-school students indicate a moderate-to-serious level of psychological distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). A further 17% indicate a serious level of psychological distress.
- Men have higher rates of substance use disorders than women, while women have higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders.
- Mental and physical health are linked. People with a long-term physical health condition such as chronic pain are much more likely to also experience mood disorders. Conversely, people with a mood disorder are at much higher risk of developing a long-term medical condition.
- People with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use disorder compared to the general population. At least 20% of people with a mental illness have a co-occurring substance use disorder. For people with schizophrenia, the number may be as high as 50%.
- Similarly, people with substance use disorders are up to 3 times more likely to have a mental illness. More than 15% of people with a substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental illness.
- Canadians in the lowest income group are 3 to 4 times more likely than those in the highest income group to report poor to fair mental health.
- Studies in various Canadian cities have indicated that between 23% and 67% of homeless people may have a mental illness.
