GTA Disability Coalition

GTA Disability Coalition Advancing equity, rights and full inclusion of disabled and Deaf people across the GTA.

The GTA Disability Coalition advances the equity, rights and full inclusion of disabled and Deaf people in the GTA by addressing disability income insecurity and poverty, inaccessible and unaffordable housing, TTC inaccessibility and unaffordability. How we came to be: Founded in 2018, the GTA Disability Coalition was developed by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto and disability communi

ty partners as a vehicle to mobilize a cross-disability response to issues of major concern to Deaf and disabled people in Toronto. Primarily focusing on influencing municipal level issues and policy change, the Coalition brings together a diverse membership of Deaf and disabled organizational partners.

TTC's Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) is seeking new members. "ACAT members provide advice and recommend...
07/30/2024

TTC's Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) is seeking new members. "ACAT members provide advice and recommendations to the TTC Board and staff on matters pertaining to accessibility on the TTC." Deadline to apply is August 27, 2024.
Follow this link for more info about ACAT and how to submit an application: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Advisory-Committee-on-Accessible-Transit-recruiting-new-members?fbclid=IwY2xjawEWLl1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRD8bLfXWBPDyH46IzM1yme1mbb7PfhCac6wCrvVgjgAJWc7z0oSq3aS5w_aem_adoWHFiJ9WVAVMKtxcFWzQ

The TTC is looking for new members to join its Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) for 2025. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on August 27, 2024.

07/08/2024

Vibrant and TTCriders: Virtual Workshop for Wheel-Trans users. Learn about:
- The Family of Services program
- How to appeal your conditional status
- Assessment tips
- How to get support with your appeal
- How to get more involved

For more info: https://www.vibranthealthcare.ca/health-promotion-prevention/ or call (416) 486 8666

Please register

07/08/2024

Thank you to our community partner TTCriders.ca for getting the word out about the TTC's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Phase 2 Public Survey. The survey is open until July 12th.
"The TTC will miss the deadline to make all subway stations fully accessible by 2025. Meanwhile, Wheel-Trans users continue to be concerned that the "Family of Services" program could become mandatory, and that "Conditional" users could lose their ability to book door-to-door rides. Key survey questions to answer:
- Question 6: Share your concern that all subway stations will not be accessible by 2025.
- Question 13: Share that Wheel-Trans "Family of Services" should not become mandatory."

07/02/2024

Disability Without Poverty makes it easier to contact your MP about improving the CDB "The Canada Disability Benefit Act is meant to reduce poverty and “support the financial security of persons with disabilities. It still can. $200 a month to so few people with disabilities is far below what is needed. Join DWP in demanding better. Much, much better. We need your help to make sure the message is loud and clear." https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/ask-your-mp/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-88kr0xTLukwHdTP57-apCP0Z2qIA6Hp_qMqAGgmxtt923zZbNh6IILFfUNNqi0lN3BpcI3T2Ah1D7DVeT180GK1CYWmg&_hsmi=313703347&utm_content=313703347&utm_source=hs_email

Sharing this call for volunteers during the CDB rally on July 4thFriends! For our Action around the Canada Disability Be...
07/02/2024

Sharing this call for volunteers during the CDB rally on July 4th
Friends! For our Action around the Canada Disability Benefit next week on 4 July 2024 at 11 AM, we need volunteers! 😄 If you're able to help out, contact [email protected]
For alt text, please see this Google Doc: https://buff.ly/3xFeBuD

Friends! For our Action around the Canada Disability Benefit next week on 4 July 2024 at 11 AM, we need volunteers! 😄 If you're able to help out, contact [email protected]

For alt text, please see this Google Doc: https://buff.ly/3xFeBuD

"NOTHING WITHOUT US: AN ACTION ABOUT THE CANADA DISABILITY BENEFITJoin us at Matt Cohen Park (across from Chrystia Freel...
06/26/2024

"NOTHING WITHOUT US: AN ACTION ABOUT THE CANADA DISABILITY BENEFIT
Join us at Matt Cohen Park (across from Chrystia Freeland’s Office) for a Community Gathering in Toronto to talk about the low proposed rates, access requirements, and other barriers of the coming Canada Disability Benefit. Let’s come together and make them listen!
WHEN: 4 July 2024 - Banner Making at 11:00AM Rally at 12:00 - 1:00.
WHERE: Matt Cohen Park 393 Bloor St W, Toronto (Bloor/Spadina)
ASL Interpretation will be available. Nearest TTC Station: Spadina Station (Elevator/Escalator on Line 2 Only)
Organized by ODSP Action Coalition, Disability without Poverty, Disability Justice Network of Ontario, and Income Security Advocacy Centre."

Please sign and share this petition from The Accessible Housing Network to the Federal Minister of Housing calling for t...
06/04/2024

Please sign and share this petition from The Accessible Housing Network to the Federal Minister of Housing calling for the National Building Code to be changed to make Universal Design mandatory in all new apartments and condos, so anyone can live there, regardless of age or disability.

Over 22% of Canadians have a disability, and yet there is no law in Canada requiring that housing be accessible. Seniors and people with disabilities are struggling in housing which does not meet their needs. The cost of building a new apartment is the same whether it is accessible or not, so why ar...

Mark your Calendars! The Disability Collective's Luminato Event is happening on Sunday June 16th in David Pecaut Square,...
06/04/2024

Mark your Calendars! The Disability Collective's Luminato Event is happening on Sunday June 16th in David Pecaut Square,
215 King Street West, Toronto. Schedule: Pop-Up Market: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Street Art: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Performance Showcase:
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Event and access info:

The Disability Collective is a not-for-profit organization and community of disabled artists dedicated to celebrating and showcasing disability in the arts. TDC strives to de-stigmatize disability and challenge perceptions of what disability looks like through promoting disabled artists in a variety...

FIX THE CANADA DISABILITY BENEFITAlly MP Mike Morrice has launched a petition to the House of Commons to immediately imp...
05/23/2024

FIX THE CANADA DISABILITY BENEFIT
Ally MP Mike Morrice has launched a petition to the House of Commons to immediately improve the profoundly insufficient CDB. Please consider signing and share widely.

In their 2021 platform, the Liberal party pledged they would introduce a benefit that would “reduce poverty among persons with disabilities in the same manner as the Guaranteed Income Supplement” – a $15 billion annual program that delivers a maximum amount of over $1,000 a month.

Sharing on behalf of our partner, CNIB
05/21/2024

Sharing on behalf of our partner, CNIB

Get on board and join CNIB’s advocacy campaign to improve public transit systems!

In October, CNIB first introduced “Get on Board” – a new advocacy initiative centred on examining the accessibility of publicly funded fixed-route transit services. This spring, we’re excited to launch the next phase of the Get on Board transit campaign targeting 12 new municipalities in Canada. If you live in Victoria, Calgary, Regina, Brandon, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Fredericton, Yarmouth, Goose Bay or Summerside – we hope you’ll get on board and share your insights and ideas on how to improve the accessibility of your local transit system!

Here’s how:
1. Ride public transit and share your feedback by participating in a survey about your experience.
2. Join us for a local town hall where we’ll engage local decision-makers on regional transit accessibility issues, examine the early secret-rider survey findings, and discuss key findings and recommendations.

For more information, including survey links and Town Hall registration details, visit: https://www.cnib.ca/en/get-board-accessible-public-transit

[Image description: A red and white CTrain car glides along an outdoor light rail track in downtown Calgary. In the centre of the image is a brushstroke overlay with the text: Get on Board!]

Pleased to share that it's CILT's 40th Anniversary year! Join us on June 3rd as CILT kicks off with "CILT through the De...
05/16/2024

Pleased to share that it's CILT's 40th Anniversary year! Join us on June 3rd as CILT kicks off with "CILT through the Decades:
Celebrating Independent Living Day Across Canada" Details are found within CILT's post below.

04/26/2024

Sharing on behalf our partner, The Empowerment Council...

The Empowerment Council and Patient Family Experience
Present: THE NEW AND IMPROVED, CAMH BILL OF PATIENT RIGHTS! The best bill of patient rights in the country. (As far as we know.) Everyone is welcome. IN PERSON OR ONLINE.

When: Tuesday April 30th, 4:30 – 6:00
Where: Arrell Family Auditorium, 2nd floor, 1025 Queen St W (QS entrance)
Or attend online: https://camh.webex.com/camh/j.php?MTID=mc39d7e7c0721d7cc595e907475fb13e1

*ASL interpretation provided*

Scenarios will be acted out. Rights will be applied!
Patients/clients/PWLE, staff, family/friends and advocates, people with disabilities, community members…

It would be helpful for us if you preregister in the MS form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5Oht0qUcfEGFuozlKvB3yZJBAPUIY8hPqXXEPUh8nl1UMFVKNThOM1VPUU9UV0VJMTVSRk44NzlKUC4u

Or just come!

The Bill: https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/your-rights/bill-of-patient-rights This event is part of a week of events by CAMH Patient and Family Experience.

04/05/2024

RSVP for TTCRIDERS Workshop for Wheel-Trans Users:
How To Appeal Conditional Status. https://www.ttcriders.ca/workshop_for_wheel_trans_users?recruiter_id=62855&fbclid=IwAR30DepHLWNxYr2UQIclP4cGx8bM3U5imWRLK764ae8V19ALAU2yYzuT1n0_aem_AWFTCkfxT5q-mkxEq5YMVM2CV2W3-FYBACTEBiC_SBUx4MMqx-G4isp1GFvQP0YV3W7fnzWo_1K7O5pwvQ1FnVFT
APRIL 10, 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Learn more about:
-What's Family of Services program.
-How to appeal & get supports.
-Tips for your Functional Assessment test.
-How to get more involved
Accessible Transit is a Human Right!
TTCriders.ca

04/05/2024

Help make Toronto more Accessible! The City of Toronto is updating its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP) for 2025-2029. The MYAP is a five-year strategic plan to remove barriers in City services, programs, and spaces that impact residents, visitors, and employees with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities, their support persons, and community organizations are invited to complete a 15-minute, confidential survey about their experiences.
The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, April 26.
For any questions or to request the survey in an alternative format, please email: [email protected] or call 416-975-4465, extension 540.
Access the Survey here: https://www.toronto.ca/.../get.../public-consultations/ PLEASE SHARE WIDELY!
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP): https://www.toronto.ca/.../multi-year-accessibility-plan/

02/23/2024

We're happy to announce our 5 speakers for:
"At the Intersections of Blackness & Disability: What would a Toronto that prioritizes Blackness and Disability Justice look like?"

When: Monday February 26, 2024, 1:00-2:30pm. Eastern Time

A discussion facilitated by CILT’s Joella Connaught and David Meyers and featuring:

• Liza Arnason, Founder/Chair of Ase Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities and Principal of Arnason Consulting
• Taryn Allen, CILT IDE+A facilitator, Educator, Disability Activist and Aspiring Author.
• Natasha "Courage" Bacchus, CILT IDE+A facilitator, performing artist, Deaf activist and Olympian.
• Kelly MacDonald, AMI Live Show Host of Kelly and Ramya.
• Tammy C. Yates-Rajaduray, Executive Director, Realize

All are welcome. Those of us who are not Black are encouraged to listen and learn.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcuypqzsjHdZUXwK5KEMHyeJ2fwLawQOj

More Info: [email protected]. (416-599-2458)
Access Supports: ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning are provided.

* Image Description: poster with flyer text set against a downtown Toronto skyline of high rise buildings, showing the top of the Rogers Centre and CN Tower.

People with Disabilities must be fully considered in Toronto's 2024 City budget. We disproportionately live with Disabil...
02/14/2024

People with Disabilities must be fully considered in Toronto's 2024 City budget. We disproportionately live with Disability Poverty, much of it legislated. Please watch this GTA Disability Coalition video in which 4 disabled people tell Toronto Council to boldly fund vital programs that reduce disability poverty in its February 14 vote.



We are grateful for the generous funding support from UUnited Way Greater Torontothat helped make our Disability Justice video series possible.

The GTA Disability Coalition’s Call to Action Video Project is a series of 3 short videos featuring Deaf and disabled community members sharing personal expe...

'Standing Room Only' on buses & streetcars makes the TTC inaccessible & unsafe for most disabled people. In this GTA Dis...
02/14/2024

'Standing Room Only' on buses & streetcars makes the TTC inaccessible & unsafe for most disabled people. In this GTA Disability Coalition video, three disabled TTC riders call on the City to provide reliable, accessible TTC service. Tomorrow, February 14, Toronto Council must vote to fix the TTC in the 2024 budget.



We are grateful for the generous funding support of the United Way Greater Toronto that helped make our Disability Justice video series possible.

The GTA Disability Coalition’s Call to Action Video Project is a series of 3 short videos featuring Deaf and disabled community members sharing personal expe...

Posting on behalf of Race and Disability Canada
12/07/2023

Posting on behalf of Race and Disability Canada

Sharing on behalf of Canadian Centre for Housing Rightshttps://housingrightscanada.com/secure-homes/Send a letter to you...
12/05/2023

Sharing on behalf of Canadian Centre for Housing Rights
https://housingrightscanada.com/secure-homes/
Send a letter to your government
Renters across Canada are in crisis. Right now, half of renters are worried about being able to pay their rent, and many lower income renters are struggling to afford necessities like medication and food. When affordable housing options are not available, renters may also be forced to live in precarious, inadequate and sometimes unsafe housing...follow the link to send letters to the Premier and minister responsible for housing.

Canada’s renters need secure homes. Send a letter to your Premier demanding action, now!

The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto Celebrates,International Day of Persons with Disabilities:History and Commu...
11/30/2023

The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto Celebrates,
International Day of Persons with Disabilities:
History and Community Action
Monday December 4th 1:00pm-2:30pm - On Zoom
The celebration and interactive discussion will provide history and knowledge of this year’s theme "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities“.

Featuring presentations from:
Liza Arnason Ase Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities
Anne Borden Autistics for Autistics and host of the podcast Noncompliant
Rabia Khedr Disability without Poverty and Race and Disability Canada
John Mossa Centre for Independent Living in Toronto
Wendy Porch Centre for Independent Living in Toronto..and the GTA Disability Coalition

Advanced registration required at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuf-uqpjIsHNEnd8-WBsTalXAXRACwt0GL
ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning provided. Please submit additional access accommodation requests by November 28th. For assistance or info e-mail [email protected] or call 416-599-2458 ext. 293

Panel Discussion: What could the Canada Disability Benefit mean for poverty and food insecurity in Canada?Date: Oct 11, ...
10/05/2023

Panel Discussion: What could the Canada Disability Benefit mean for poverty and food insecurity in Canada?
Date: Oct 11, 2023
Time: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Location: Central YMCA - 20 Grosvenor St, Toronto
Access info: "Daily Bread Food Bank is committed to ensuring our events are accessible to all members of the community. The venue has fully accessible seating and washrooms, and an ASL Interpretation will be provided. If you require any accommodations or have questions about the event’s accessibility, please let us know when you register OR reach out to [email protected]

Join us for a panel discussion with leading advocates from the disability community about the forthcoming Canada Disability Benefit.

Pleased to share on behalf of our video project partner, Alexa Hickox the Unify Deaf Film Festival happening at TIFF Oct...
10/02/2023

Pleased to share on behalf of our video project partner, Alexa Hickox the Unify Deaf Film Festival happening at TIFF Oct 13-14.
13 October: short films at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
14-15 October: Workshop & Panel at Urbanspace, 401 Richmond St. W.”
For more info and to register, please visit:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unifydeaffilmfestival/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unifydeaffilmfestival
Image Description: There is an illustration of two blue TVs with eyes on them. Each TV has a dancing pair of legs. Bottom of the flyer are logos of the organizations that are supporting the event: TIFF, Urban Space, Silent Voice, Tangled Art & Disability, Undivided Productions, Ebony R. Gooden, Mata.sa.mata, Carodoodles, Aeterno Photography, Vano Dessert Design Co., Alessio Convito Art, Chris Corsini

09/19/2023

CILT welcomes you to join us in honouring “Truth and Reconciliation Week with Indigenous Elder Wanda Whitebird.”
When: Friday September 29, 2023, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern. On Zoom.

Elder Whitebird will bless the event, share teachings on Truth and Reconciliation and answer audience questions. Learn more about:
-Indigenous Peoples, their lands, and the effects of colonization
-Ways to honour Indigenous survivors
-Intergenerational impacts of residential schools
-The significance of Orange Shirt Day
-Ways settler allies can foster progress on Truth and Reconciliation

Access Supports: If you require ASL-English interpretation, please let us know within your registration form by September 26th, by 12:00pm. CART Captioning will be provided.
Register in advance for this meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsceigrTsuGdNBCk2x_P7E-k31dIK1tAtm

To explore more resources prior to the event, please go to National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) https://nctr.ca/
If you need assistance with registering, please e-mail [email protected] or call 416-599-2458 ext. 293.

Please note, you will not be able to join the session without registering first. If you require any other access accommodations, please let us know in the Questions and Comments section of the registration. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

CILT acknowledges the generous ongoing support of
United Way Greater Toronto City of Toronto
Independent Living Canada / Vie autonome Canada

08/29/2023

Apply now for the Fair Pass Transit Discount to save money on transit fares. Apply for Fair Pass The Fair Pass Transit Discount Program now accepts applications from any low-income Toronto resident aged 20-64 years old. The eligibility criteria and application process have changed. The Fair Pass Tra...

08/17/2023

We are pleased to introduce GTADC’s first cohort of Access Animators: Bev, Minette and Veronica! Access Animators will participate in our civic advocacy campaigns and events, and will advance disability and Deaf community engagement within City of Toronto planning and policy. Working closely with GTADC lead partners, our team will expand their expertise on anti-ableism and disability justice through facilitator and peer leadership skills training. Thank you for joining us, Bev, Minette and Veronica!

Applications call out for the 2023 Helen Henderson Literary Award.The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto is proud ...
08/14/2023

Applications call out for the 2023 Helen Henderson Literary Award.
The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto is proud to present:
The Helen Henderson Literary Award. This award will be granted to a CILT member, or an ally recommended by a CILT member, who produced an outstanding piece of writing related to raising public awareness of a disability issue or barrier. Award recipient will receive a Lifetime Membership at CILT, and a cash prize of $200. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: September 22nd, 2023 by 5:00 pm

Applications call out for the 2023 Helen Henderson Literary Award Published: July 25, 2023 The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto is proud to present:The Helen Henderson Literary Award This award will be granted to a CILT member, or an ally recommended by a CILT member, who produced an outstan...

08/02/2023

Welcome to the GTA Disability Coalition! We are very excited about sharing our work with you and finding ways to collaborate on critical issues facing our communities. Please join us and also let your networks know that we are here :)

Address

Toronto, ON

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when GTA Disability Coalition posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share