Hidden Disability

08/29/2023

Blue envelope for autistic drivers. A good start, that needs to become more broad. Imagine the benefits if it were paired with a hidden disability symbol.

Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.

08/20/2023

My presentation at the Parks Accessibility Conference, 2023
https://pac2023.ca/conference-recordings/
Scroll down to Day 2. Then click watch on YouTube. Then go to 1:42:20. It ends at 2:04:33. The last 10ish minutes are the live q/a.

Conference Live Stream Recordings Let us know what you thought about this year’s conference by completing our short feedback survey! Below you will find YouTube LiveStream recordings for each…

07/28/2023

988 for mental health crisis and su***de prevention coming to Canada

07/28/2023

Another example of how people with hidden disabilities are misunderstood -- with the result being harmful.

The Arlington police officers took down Delgardo Franklin II after he refused to surrender. It defied their training, a Post investigation found.

07/25/2023

I am speaking about the needs of the hidden disability community at the Park Accessibility Conference 2023, tomorrow (Wed.) 12:30-1 pm.
https://pac2023.ca/

Bringing together people with the desire to improve accessibility of our provincial and national parks!

06/22/2023

Finding opportunity, Accessibility Standards Canada
I would love someone to do research into the collective needs and shared experiences of the Hidden Disability Community. If I were able I would do this...but I can't.

Collectively, the hidden disability community is larger than the detectable disability community, but is less represented in research and advocacy. Such data and information would build awareness of our needs, as well as influence future research projects and , of course, influence the development of accessibility standards in Canada. We need this research!
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https://accessible.canada.ca/advancing-accessibility-standards-research

It is now time to submit an expression of interest for the opportunity to receive funding. Our program Advancing Accessibility Standards Research, works to build a more accessible Canada.

Your organization should submit an expression of interest if you have research projects that:
· move accessibility standards research forward;
· help create a national network of accessibility expertise;
· engage with:
o people with disabilities,
o other experts, and
o organizations to inform the research
· identify and share:
o research,
o information,
o best practices, and
o tools about accessibility barriers and standards.

Submit your expression of interest by August 18
You have to submit your expression of interest before 3 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on August 18 for consideration.

You can read all the details about our grants and contributions program online."

https://accessible.canada.ca/advancing-accessibility-standards-research
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Accessibility Standards Canada’s Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program supports research projects that try to find, take away and stop obstacles to accessibility.

06/01/2023

What we know:
- hidden disabilities are invisible and silent, and can be episodic or dynamic
- there are at least 6.2 million people with disabilities living in Canada
- there are more Canadians with hidden disabilities than with apparent disabilities yet hidden disabilities receive less research and advocacy than apparent disabilities
- there is no data, statistical, or research category for hidden disabilities
- accessibility standards are being developed for Canadian federal jurisdictions
- we need to find ways to ensure these accessibility standards include the hidden disability community
- please reach out to Accessibility Standards Canada to support Canada's Hidden Disability Community
https://accessible.canada.ca/contact

05/24/2023

Accessibility Standards seeking applications.

The Government of Canada is seeking applications to fill several positions on Accessibility Standards Canada’s Board of Directors.

Think you’d be a great fit? Find out more: http://ow.ly/N2F150OsqwU

Image: A row of empty chairs placed in a line. A yellow spotlight shines on one. The text: “Have a seat at the decision table” is written.

02/28/2023

Upcoming summit on episodic disability.

The theme of this year’s Summit is Centering Mental Health at Work This free, virtual Summit is a ground-breaking gathering that highlights research, tools, approaches to creating inclusion a…

01/17/2023

Canadians, please do this CBC survey, and be sure to mention hidden disabilities. Thanks.

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

12/03/2022

A national Hidden Disability Symbol:
It is time. It is right. It is needed.
December 3rd, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This is a reminder to those who have not yet spoken out on behalf of Canada’s Hidden Disability Community by sending the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion an email (draft below, for you use) asking for a national Hidden Disability Symbol.

Our sincere thanks to all those who have already done so! Your support is wonderful, and needed.

To send your email, copy the message below, or email your own message to Minister Qualtrough
at [email protected]. Please be sure to also cc Hidden Disability Symbol Canada at: [email protected].

Please spread the word. Forward this message to your contacts, peers, family and friends across Canada!

For more information:
• Hidden Disability Symbol Canada
Facebook: Disability hdscanada.wordpress.com ,
Instagram: Twitter: .
• Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan-2.html.
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities
https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities

Thank you so much for your support!
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Sample Message to MP Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

Dear Minister Qualtrough,

I support a national Hidden Disability Symbol as a necessary part of Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

A national Hidden Disability Symbol is needed by Canada’s Hidden Disability Community for:
o self-advocacy;
o improving social and systemic awareness and support;
o recruitment of disabled employees;
o identification of needs and standards for accessibility and accommodation;
o respecting individual rights to privacy; and
o preventing negative social, economic, and systemic interactions and disadvantages.
Please make this happen. Thank you.
Learn more at https://hdscanada.wordpress.com/

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL CODE]

It is time. It is right. It is needed. Because hidden disabilities are not readily apparent to others, there is a need for awareness, self-advocacy and representation of the Hidden Disability Community (HDC). As a symbol of Canada’s commitment to our Hidden Disability Community, a national Hidden ...

12/02/2022

Tomorrow, December 3rd, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. LET'S NOT FORGET THE HIDDEN DISABILITY COMMUNITY
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol and give the hidden disability the recognition and attention they deserve. 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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12/02/2022

Universal designs are meant to help physical disabilities cope, but they don't help with mental health.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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12/02/2022

The Hidden Disability Community needs to be heard and seen. Now is the time.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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12/01/2022

The movement for a Hidden Disability Symbol in Canada is going strong! Please take a 2 MINUTE ACTION to tell Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion of Canada, WHY CANADA NEEDS a HIDDEN DISABILITY SYMBOL.

This is an action for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd. There is a sample email you can copy below OR write your own message.

➡️ Minister Qualtrough's Email:
[email protected]

➡️ Please CC Hidden Disability Symbol Canada: [email protected]

Hidden Disability hdscanada.wordpress.com

SAMPLE EMAIL

Dear Minister Qualtrough,

Canada’s Hidden Disability Community needs a national Hidden Disability Symbol for individuals to use for self-advocacy, and as a social and systemic awareness and transformation tool. Further, I believe a national Hidden Disability Symbol should be included in Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Because of this, I am a supporter of the movement for Canada to adopt a national recognized Hidden Disability Symbol.

Learn more: https://hdscanada.wordpress.com/

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]

11/30/2022

I can spend 3-4 months feeling depressed and 1-2 months manic, averaging three days a week.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/30/2022

Areas with a lot of noise, light and motion can become problematic and force you to leave.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/29/2022

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT!
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/29/2022

Wherever there is a lot of noise, my hidden disability keeps me out. That includes places like malls. 👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol to make life easier for those with hidden disabilities. 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/29/2022

With a Hidden Disability, you may feel like you're constantly looking for a place to sit, like me.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol to make life easier for those with hidden disabilities. 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/29/2022

December 3rd is Internationa Day of Persons with Disabilities, including HIDDEN DISABILITIES.👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/29/2022

The Hidden Disability community needs the recognition it deserves.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/28/2022

The Hidden Disability elephant is EVERYWHERE!
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/28/2022

A survey says that 51% of those in the Hidden Disability community feel more confident with a Hidden Disability symbol.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/28/2022

You may have or know someone with a HIDDEN DISABILITY.
👉 Join our movement to implement a National Hidden Disability Symbol 🇨🇦 LINK IN BIO.

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11/28/2022

A national Hidden Disability Symbol in Canada:
It is time. It is right. It is needed.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is fast approaching on December 3rd, and as a co-founder of Hidden Disability Symbol Canada I am asking Canadian residents and citizens to do one simple thing to support the Hidden Disability Community in Canada.

Please email MP Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion to let her know you are in support of a national Hidden Disability symbol. Please copy this message below, or email your own message to Minister Qualtrough on or before
December 3rd at [email protected]. Please be sure to also CC Hidden Disability Symbol Canada at: [email protected].

Please spread the word. Forward this message to your contacts, peers, family and friends across Canada!

For more information:
• Hidden Disability Symbol Canada
Facebook: Disability hdscanada.wordpress.com ,
Instagram: Twitter: .
• Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan-2.html.
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities
https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities

Thank you so much for your support!

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Sample Message to MP Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

Dear Minister Qualtrough,

I support a national Hidden Disability Symbol as a necessary part of Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

A national Hidden Disability Symbol is needed by Canada’s Hidden Disability Community for:
o self-advocacy;
o improving social and systemic awareness and support;
o recruitment of disabled employees;
o identification of needs and standards for accessibility and accommodation;
o respecting individual rights to privacy; and
o preventing negative social, economic, and systemic interactions and disadvantages.
Please make this happen. Thank you.
Learn more at https://hdscanada.wordpress.com/

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL CODE]

Hidden Disability hdscanada.wordpress.com

It is time. It is right. It is needed. Because hidden disabilities are not readily apparent to others, there is a need for awareness, self-advocacy and representation of the Hidden Disability Community (HDC). As a symbol of Canada’s commitment to our Hidden Disability Community, a national Hidden ...