I’d like to start off with thanks. Thanks to the organizers for keeping this movement growing and strong, thanks to my fellow speakers, it’s an honour to be up here with you, and thanks to all of you (indicating audience) for being here today. I’ve only got so much time, so I just want to … Continue reading My Speech at the 2019 Toronto Women’s March
Activism
I’m a Front-line Social Worker, and I Do Not Support Ford’s Cuts
A response to "Ontario Welfare Reforms Welcome News". Dear Editor, I’m writing in response to the editorial posted on July 31, 2018 with regard to Ontario’s recent “welfare reforms”. As a front-line social worker, a former recipient of the Ontario Disability Support Program, and a current City Council candidate for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, I thought I might … Continue reading I’m a Front-line Social Worker, and I Do Not Support Ford’s Cuts
Together we can Stop Ford’s attack on Democracy
Hello, my name is Melissa Graham, I’m a candidate in Toronto municipal election this year, in Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore. The following statement is not just to address the amazing people following and supporting my campaign, but to my friends and family across Ontario. The Big Smoke is in trouble Ontario, and we need your support. … Continue reading Together we can Stop Ford’s attack on Democracy
My Letter to Mayor Tory regarding Accessibility for the TTC in the 2018 Budget
Dear Mayor Tory, I write to you as a concerned citizen of Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore, and the City of Toronto, to request your support to continue with some accessible buses on the 501 streetcar line and other streetcar lines, and for shuttle bus service for major elevator disruptions, and that these items be reflected in … Continue reading My Letter to Mayor Tory regarding Accessibility for the TTC in the 2018 Budget
“Employment, employment, employment” and Ableism
I’m going to get right to the point here. An increased minimum wage is not harming disabled people. It is however doing a great job at highlighting the ableist and saneist bias that continues to exist within employment in Ontario and social services. When Bill 148 was still being debate, there were some who used … Continue reading “Employment, employment, employment” and Ableism
Toronto Disability Pride March: September 23, 2017
The 7th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March Saturday, September 23, 2017 Starting at Queens Park (111 Wellesley Street West) and marching to the School of Disability Studies at Ryerson (99 Gerrard Street East) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Why we’re Marching: To bring recognition of the struggles and value of people with disabilities as … Continue reading Toronto Disability Pride March: September 23, 2017
“We Need Not Remake the Past” – The Future of the Disability Movement
Presentation at the Canadian Disability Studies Association Conference 2017 Thank you to my fellow organizers and panelists. Before I get started, I’d like to identify myself within this conversation, as a white, employed person with a physical disability that is easily identified with, and the privilege that comes with those things. I also identify as … Continue reading “We Need Not Remake the Past” – The Future of the Disability Movement
Trudeau’s ‘accessible Canada’ includes unpaid work
Back in 2015, before the Canadian federal election, a movement of disabled people was building across the country. The call for a barrier-free Canada was built in that time by a small, dedicated group of people who reinforced their message daily through social media and on the ground action. Their methods were so effective, that … Continue reading Trudeau’s ‘accessible Canada’ includes unpaid work
Have your say on the future of the Canadians with Disabilities Act
The Federal Government will be hosting a public forum to get input from the public on what the promised Canadians with Disabilities Act should include. where and when this takes place: When: Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Time: 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm Where: Chelsea Hotel Toronto - Churchill Ballroom, 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto, ON … Continue reading Have your say on the future of the Canadians with Disabilities Act
Keep Affordable Housing in the Federal Budget
Let’s not let affordable housing be another broken promise from Trudeau. 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year. 1 in 5 renters spend more than half their income on housing. 1.5 million households can’t find decent housing they can afford. The affordability of housing for low-income families living in social and co‑operative housing is uncertain, … Continue reading Keep Affordable Housing in the Federal Budget
Sit Down, Fight Back 