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
discrimination
The 6th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March Saturday, September 24, 2016
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 Please note: accessible washrooms are not available at Queen’s Park. Please see information on accessible washrooms on the route page. Why we’re Marching: To bring recognition of the struggles and value … Continue reading The 6th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March Saturday, September 24, 2016
Real Change means an Accessible Canada for All
#On December 3rd, let's remind Trudeau what an #AccessibleCanada4All looks like. Canada has a new government, and with that new opportunities for change, new potential, new possibilities. Among those possibilities is the Canadians with Disabilities Act. It seems that Trudeau has taken up the call, and made this potential Act a part of the mandate … Continue reading Real Change means an Accessible Canada for All
“Here in Canada, we won’t see your disability”…unless we can profit from it.
The Parapan Am Games, August 2015. I was at the Torch Relay a few weeks ago, and one of the speakers, a well-known member of the disability community, and founder of a disability organization said, “Here in Canada, we won’t see your disability”. My jaw dropped. I wanted to believe that he hadn’t just said … Continue reading “Here in Canada, we won’t see your disability”…unless we can profit from it.
Why Canada needs more Disability Stories
I grew up in a small town of about 6000 people in rural Ontario. There were a few of us with disabilities in the area, but a small enough number that it was possible for those of us within that group to be at least vaguely familiar with each other. One I remember very clearly … Continue reading Why Canada needs more Disability Stories
My Picture
Take my picture take it if you dare Paint it in your mind an keep it there No gloss Every curve every scar Chin up chest out I am not what you see My true story Bared in imperfect harmony
Why Disabled Canadians should care about Bill C – 51
Today I was asked why disabled people should be concerned about bill C-51. This was my response : I'm not sure I'm understanding your question, are you saying that the serious potential for the violation of human rights is not a concern of the disability community? "Demonstrating without an official permit or protesting despite a … Continue reading Why Disabled Canadians should care about Bill C – 51
Ableism, not Assisted Suicide, is what we need to work against
Update January 23, 2016: Now that the panel has released its recommendations earlier this week, ableism in Canada is once again rearing its ugly head. Allen Mankewich, co-chair of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities, responded to one such example in the CBC this week. The Supreme Court decision on assisted suicide brings up a … Continue reading Ableism, not Assisted Suicide, is what we need to work against
Solidarity with the elevator workers strike
As of the end of May, there are no talks planned in the strike that's seen 1,400 Ontario members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors striking for more than a month with no end in sight. According to Ben McIntyre, business manager for the IUEC Local 50 in Toronto, the union's deal with the … Continue reading Solidarity with the elevator workers strike
Reproductive Justice includes Women with Disabilities
Earlier this month I spoke at a reproductive justice rally, and as much as I was honoured to be there, it wasn't something I ever thought I would do. For a long time I stayed out of the pro-choice conversation. I have always been pro-choice, but I didn't always feel included in the movement. My concerns about reproductive justice … Continue reading Reproductive Justice includes Women with Disabilities
Sit Down, Fight Back 