Post by The Hospital for Sick Children

Meet Neil Merovitch, one of the voices helping shape a more inclusive SickKids for patients, families, staff, learners and volunteers. As Chair of SickKids’ Accessibility, Access and Inclusion Group, Neil works to raise awareness, foster dialogue and advocate for accessibility and inclusion across the organization. The group brings together staff, learners and volunteers with lived experience of disability and chronic illness, as well as allies, to help drive meaningful change. Neil, who has lived with multiple rare diseases since childhood, draws on his own experiences navigating the health system to help inform his work. As Chair, he leads the inclusion group as “a safe space to be able to discuss experiences with disability and inclusion within the organization.” "You can't rely on one person to be your perspective on disability, you need to do proper engagement," he says, emphasizing the importance of the diverse voices in the group. Since the Inclusion Group was founded in 2022, Neil has helped advocate for more thoughtful, accessible design — ensuring accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of planning. The group has contributed to major initiatives like Project Horizon, SickKids’ campus redevelopment project, and supports efforts that bring accessibility to life, like leading hospital tours that highlight accessibility in practice. One of Neil’s favourite moments was guiding an accessibility tour with SickKids President and CEO, Dr. Ronald Cohn. Neil also helps raise awareness with patients and families through The SKOOP, SickKids’ internal TV channel broadcast to inpatient rooms. Throughout the year, including during AccessAbility Week, he appears on the channel for Story Time or other activities. This year he hosted a trivia game alongside SickKids Research Program Coordinator David Manly, engaging viewers in conversations about science, disability and accessibility tools. For Neil, it’s about representation and bringing personal perspectives to every conversation — helping challenge assumptions and improve spaces for everyone. In addition to his role as Chair, Neil is a dedicated Child Life volunteer, helping to bring joy to patients playing games and crafting in Marnie’s Lounge. He’s also a member of the Accessibility Steering Committee, which oversees SickKids’ commitment to meeting and exceeding Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements. And finally, he also serves on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, helping advance a more inclusive environment across the organization. Thank you, Neil for helping move SickKids’ ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion forward — ensuring more people feel seen, heard and supported. #NAAW2026