CILT

2023 City Budget Town Hall
2023-01-16 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
2023 City Budget Town Hall
Monday, January 16, 2023 at 02:00 PM
Zoom

Join Social Planning Toronto and partners on January 16 to hear our analyses of Toronto’s 2023 City Budget. We will talk about what is in the budget and offer insights on its impact on critical programs and services, then hold a dialogue on collective priorities and action.
For decades, Social Planning Toronto has been offering budget town halls that translate complex budget documents for community organizations, groups, and residents so they can more effectively shape the City Budget. With the current state of the city and recent pieces of legislation eroding local democracy, it is more important than ever that we come together to analyze the proposed budget and discuss what communities need moving forward.
Please register to secure your spot for this virtual event.
If you require any support (i.e. ASL interpretation) to attend the event, please contact Jonella Evangelista, jevangelista@socialplanningtoronto.org

Disabled Writers' Drop In
2023-01-20 14:00 - 15:00
Disabled Writers’ Drop In: A monthly virtual meet-up for Disabled Writers
Friday January 20
2pm-3pm EST

Each meet up will have:
-Opening go around sharing the “rose and thorn” of our writing this month
-20 minutes of writing time together, a prompt will be given but you are welcome to bring anything you like to work on
-Depending on the size of the group, optional sharing of a few lines of your writing (no formal feedback, we will listen to each other’s words and can use the reaction buttons)
-Closing listening to a poem
This monthly meet up is a chance for Disabled writers to connect and write in community. Emerging and experienced writer’s welcome. Whether you write all the time or are wanting to find ways to incorporate more writing into your life this is a chance to spend an hour together and make some room for our writing.
To register email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

CILT Peer Connect
2023-01-27 13:00 - 14:30
CILT Peer Connect

Friday January 27, 1pm-2:30pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:30pm

Where: Over zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 291 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

Disabled Writers' Drop In
2023-02-15 14:00 - 15:00
Disabled Writers’ Drop In: A monthly virtual meet-up for Disabled Writers
Wednesday February 15
2pm-3pm EST

Each meet up will have:
-Opening go around sharing the “rose and thorn” of our writing this month
-20 minutes of writing time together, a prompt will be given but you are welcome to bring anything you like to work on
-Depending on the size of the group, optional sharing of a few lines of your writing (no formal feedback, we will listen to each other’s words and can use the reaction buttons)
-Closing listening to a poem
This monthly meet up is a chance for Disabled writers to connect and write in community. Emerging and experienced writer’s welcome. Whether you write all the time or are wanting to find ways to incorporate more writing into your life this is a chance to spend an hour together and make some room for our writing.
To register email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

Up With Women Information Session
2023-02-16 13:00 - 14:00
Up With Women Information Session
Join us on Thursday February 16, 1pm-2pm over Zoom to learn more about Up With Women and see if it might be right for you! Up With Women is a registered charity dedicated to helping low-income women and gender diverse individuals build sustainable, prosperous careers and businesses with the aim of permanently exiting poverty.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcuuhpz0vHtHHPWwpOqn4Og2haaRJYsWO
Registration Deadline: Monday Feb 13, 2023 at 12pm
Access: ASL-English Interpretation will be provided if need is confirmed by registration deadline, autocaptions will be turned on. Please let us know about any other access needs when you register.
Up With Women clients undergo a year-long intensive program of career and entrepreneurship-based one-on-one customized coaching, in-depth personality and emotional assessment tools, group-support sessions, and soft-skills development. We partner clients with International Coaching Federation-certified professional coaches for twice-monthly career coaching. All coaches provide their services at pro-bono, thereby allowing Up With Women to deliver high quality service at a very low cost. One-on-one coaching is also supplemented by group peer learning sessions and referrals to other community resources, such as housing, legal and immigration. In addition to our main coaching program, graduates are offered the opportunity to continue their career development journey through such initiatives as our Community Leadership Program and a customized Employment and Entrepreneurship Development Program.
Eligibility:
Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply. There is an interview process to determine best fit.

Income: You are earning or receiving some kind of regular income (social assistance, a job, etc.), but are living below or around the poverty line.
Health & Safety: You have reached a point of stability in health and safety where you can commit to a year-long, intensive program. You have other supports in place.
Fluency: You have an English or French proficiency of LINC 6 or higher
To note: Clients must be 18+ but there is no upper age cap and seniors are welcome to apply. We have no education requirements and no immigration/status requirements. Find out more here: https://upwithwomen.org/

CILT Peer Connect
2023-02-22 13:00 - 14:30
CILT Peer Connect

Wednesday February 22, 1pm-2:30pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:30pm

Where: Over zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 291 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

Women On The Move (WOTM)
2023-02-23 13:00 - 14:30
WOTM-Community-Flyer-3-1
Women On The Move (WOTM)
Community Consultation on Zoom

When: February 23, 1pm-2:30pm

Register by Feb 17 by emailing email anobile@nellies.org or filling out this form:
https://forms.gle/gcDhf52oC6BXJBSz9

Access: ASL-English Interpretation will be provided if need is confirmed by Feb 17th, auto captions will be turned on. Please let us know about any other access needs when you register.

Women on the Move is a collaborative user centered program for people with disabilities who identify as women, non-binary or transgender. We are hosting a community consultation to learn from the community what are the gaps in programs and services for folks with disabilities. Our goal is to co-design a program with community members to meet their needs.

Brought to you by: Nellies Shelter, Education and Advocacy for women and girls and CILT (Centre for Independent Living Toronto)

Disabled Writers' Drop In
2023-03-17 14:00 - 15:00
Disabled Writers’ Drop In: A monthly virtual meet-up for Disabled Writers
Friday March 17
2pm-3pm EST

Each meet up will have:
-Opening go around sharing the “rose and thorn” of our writing this month
-20 minutes of writing time together, a prompt will be given but you are welcome to bring anything you like to work on
-Depending on the size of the group, optional sharing of a few lines of your writing (no formal feedback, we will listen to each other’s words and can use the reaction buttons)
-Closing listening to a poem
This monthly meet up is a chance for Disabled writers to connect and write in community. Emerging and experienced writer’s welcome. Whether you write all the time or are wanting to find ways to incorporate more writing into your life this is a chance to spend an hour together and make some room for our writing.
To register email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

CILT Peer Connect
2023-03-29 13:00 - 14:30
CILT Peer Connect

Wednesday March 29, 1pm-2:30pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:30pm

Where: Over zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 291 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

Disabled Writers' Drop In
2023-04-14 14:00 - 15:00
Disabled Writers’ Drop In: A monthly virtual meet-up for Disabled Writers
Friday April 14th
2pm-3pm EST

Each meet up will have:
-Opening go around sharing the “rose and thorn” of our writing this month
-20 minutes of writing time together, a prompt will be given but you are welcome to bring anything you like to work on
-Depending on the size of the group, optional sharing of a few lines of your writing (no formal feedback, we will listen to each other’s words and can use the reaction buttons)
-Closing listening to a poem
This monthly meet up is a chance for Disabled writers to connect and write in community. Emerging and experienced writer’s welcome. Whether you write all the time or are wanting to find ways to incorporate more writing into your life this is a chance to spend an hour together and make some room for our writing.
To register email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

CILT Peer Connect
2023-04-26 13:00 - 14:30
CILT Peer Connect

Wednesday April 26th, 1pm-2:30pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:30pm

Where: Over zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 291 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

Disabled Writers' Drop In
2023-05-26 14:00 - 15:00
Disabled Writers’ Drop In: A monthly virtual meet-up for Disabled Writers
Friday May 26th
2pm-3pm EST
Each meet up will have:
-Opening go around sharing the “rose and thorn” of our writing this month
-20 minutes of writing time together, a prompt will be given but you are welcome to bring anything you like to work on
-Depending on the size of the group, optional sharing of a few lines of your writing (no formal feedback, we will listen to each other’s words and can use the reaction buttons)
-Closing listening to a poem
This monthly meet up is a chance for Disabled writers to connect and write in community. Emerging and experienced writer’s welcome. Whether you write all the time or are wanting to find ways to incorporate more writing into your life this is a chance to spend an hour together and make some room for our writing.
To register email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

CILT Peer Connect
2023-05-31 13:00 - 14:30
CILT Peer Connect

Wednesday May 31st, 1pm-2:30pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:30pm

Where: Over zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 291 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

Independent Living Day Across Canada at CILT: Challenges and Successes
2023-06-05 10:00 - 11:00
Zoom Invite “Independent Living Day Across Canada at CILT : Challenges and Successes”
Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) invites you to celebrate Independent Living
Day Across Canada: Challenges and Successes On Zoom!
Description: This celebration is to show the great achievements, benefits, challenges, and
successes of Independent Living in Canada specifically in Toronto. Independent Living Across
Canada Day is a day, we can promote the awareness of Independent Living to our
communities as one powerful voice. We will have community speakers talk about the impact
of Independent Living on their lives.
When: Monday June 5, 2023 10:00-11:00 AM Eastern Time (Canada)
Access Supports: ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning will be provided.
Register in advance for this meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtdO-spjkjEtKWjvrkvUUFIPgygElbGY81
This celebration will be an engaging discussion on:
1) Brief History of Models of Disability
2) About Independent Living at Centre for Independent Living in Toronto
3) Challenges and Successes
4) Impact on Independent Living and Consumer Stories
5) Question and Answers
6) Resources
If you need assistance with registering, please e-mail robin.simmons@cilt.ca 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 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.
Workshop Facilitators:
John Mossa, Independent Living Skills Coordinator, Centre for Independent Living in Toronto
Wendy Porch, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Living in Toronto

Disabled Writers’ Drop In
2023-06-16 14:00 - 15:00
Disabled Writers’ Drop In: A monthly virtual meet-up for Disabled Writers
Friday June 16th
2pm-3pm EST
Each meet up will have:
-Opening go around sharing the “rose and thorn” of our writing this month
-20 minutes of writing time together, a prompt will be given but you are welcome to bring anything you like to work on
-Depending on the size of the group, optional sharing of a few lines of your writing (no formal feedback, we will listen to each other’s words and can use the reaction buttons)
-Closing listening to a poem
This monthly meet up is a chance for Disabled writers to connect and write in community. Emerging and experienced writer’s welcome. Whether you write all the time or are wanting to find ways to incorporate more writing into your life this is a chance to spend an hour together and make some room for our writing.
To register email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

CILT Peer Connect
2023-06-28 13:00 - 14:30
CILT Peer Connect

Wednesday June 28th, 1pm-2:30pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:30pm

Where: Over zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: rebecca.wood@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 291 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

2SLGBTQ+ Pride and Disability Justice Conversation
2023-06-29 13:00 - 14:30
The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) invites you to a virtual discussion about 2SLGBTQ+ Pride and Disability Justice.

Description: Through a couple of short videos and a panel conversation among three disabled speakers from 2SLGBTQ+ communities, this event will explore liberation and protest roots that have led up to present day Pride celebrations. We will also discuss how Disability Justice is enabling Queer, Trans, BIPOC disabled folks to centre communities that have often been excluded within mainstream Pride.
When: Thursday June 29, 2023, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern Time (Canada)
Access Supports: ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning will be provided.
Register in advance for this meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qd-mhqzMsHNbIe9seO1OGVNrLeWkmF4W9

The session will be an engaging discussion on:
1. Overview of early 2SLGBTQ+ organizing and beginnings of Pride,
with 2 short videos
2. Panel discussion with three Queer disabled community members about their Pride activism and its connection to Disability Justice. Here we will explore why 2SLGBTQ+ Pride is political as well as celebratory.
3. Question and Answers
4. Resources
If you need assistance with registering, please e-mail robin.simmons@cilt.ca 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 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 Peer Connect
2023-09-27 13:00 - 14:15
CILT Peer Connect

Wednesday September 27th, 1pm-2:15pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:15pm

Where: Over Zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: robin.simmons@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 293 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

“Truth and Reconciliation Week with Indigenous Elder Wanda Whitebird”
2023-09-29 13:00 - 14:30
Zoom Invite “Truth and Reconciliation Week with
Indigenous Elder Wanda Whitebird”
Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) invites you to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Week on Zoom!

Description: Elder Whitebird will bless the event, share teachings on Truth and Reconciliation and answer audience questions. Learn more about:
-Indigenous Peoples, their lands, and 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
When: Friday September 29, 2023, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern Time (Canada)
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 robin.simmons@cilt.ca 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 Peer Connect
2023-10-25 13:00 - 14:15
CILT Peer Connect

Wednesday October 25th, 1pm-2:15pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:15pm

Where: Over Zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: robin.simmons@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 293 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023: History and Community Action
2023-12-04 13:00 - 14:30
Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) and Community Partners are pleased to invite you to our virtual celebration of the
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023: History and Community Action
Description: This celebration is an annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons which was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations (UN). The Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The celebration 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”. Community speakers will talk about Community Action Projects in Toronto.
When: Monday December 4, 2023, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern Time (Canada)
Access Supports: ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning will be provided.
If you require any access accommodations, please let us know in the Access Accommodation section of the registration by Nov 28, 2023.
Register in advance for this meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuf-uqpjIsHNEnd8-WBsTalXAXRACwt0GL
This celebration will be an engaging discussion on:
1) Brief History of United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day
2) United Nations IDPWD’s Theme 2023
3) Community Action Projects
4) Question and Answers
5) Resources
If you need assistance with registering, please e-mail robin.simmons@cilt.ca or call 416-599-2458 ext. 293. Please note, you will not be able to join the session without registering first. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

CILT Peer Connect
2023-12-05 13:00 - 14:15
CILT Peer Connect

Tuesday December 5th, 1pm-2:15pm

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual peer support opportunity for a cross-disability group of adults. In every session we:
-Check in
-Connect around a particular topic
-Consult and connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
The group focusses on wellness strategies and will often try out different stress reduction activities together like yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

This group operates within the independent living philosophy. Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided.

When: Last Wednesday of each month, 1pm-2:15pm

Where: Over Zoom.  Please register to receive the link.

To Register or for more information:

Email: robin.simmons@cilt.ca

Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 293 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service

Parenting with a Disability Peer Meetup – a partnership between CILT and Vibrant Healthcare Alliance.
2024-01-31 11:30 - 12:30
Register at https://PDNJanuary.eventbrite.com or by email at lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca or phone at 416-486-8666 ext. 226
Join CILT’s Parenting with a Disability Network and Vibrant Healthcare Alliance for an opportunity to share your parenting challenges and joys, offer support, problem-solving and celebration with other people who can relate to your experience parenting with a disability. This first meeting will also be a chance to identify common barriers and set the stage for an on-going peer support. We will begin with a circle time for you and your children to learn new songs, promote literacy and bonding with your child.
Wednesday January 31, 2024 11:30-12:30 over Zoom

11:30-11:45 Song Circle (ages 0-4yrs) and

11:45-12:30 Facilitated Discussion to connect with a cross-disability group of parents.

This program is facilitated by staff with lived experience from CILT’s Parenting with a Disability Network and Vibrant Healthcare Alliance’s Peer Support program.
If you would like to join for the discussion/peer support portion of this program only, please feel free to join in at 11:45am.
Please let us know about any access or zoom support needs when registering. Auto captions will be turned on. ASL-English interpretation will be provided if need is confirmed over email by Friday January 26th, or on Eventbrite by Sunday Jan 28th at 11am.
Participants can join by phone if necessary.
This program is presented by: Vibrant Healthcare Alliance and the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto’s Parenting with a Disability Network with generous funding from the United Way Greater Toronto, The City of Toronto, Ontario’s Community Health Centres and Independent Living Canada.

Intersections of Blackness and Disability: A Heritage to Celebrate a Future to Build
2024-02-26 13:00 - 14:30
Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) and Community Partners are pleased to invite you to our virtual celebration of
At the intersections of Blackness and Disability: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build

Description: Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. While the 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”, this event represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the lived experiences of Black and Disabled communities in Toronto.

Disabled speakers from the Black community will share their knowledge and experiences about the legacies of Black people with Disabilities, community resistance in Toronto, and answer the question: What would a Toronto that prioritizes Blackness and Disability Justice look like?

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join. Those of us who are not Black are encouraged to listen and learn from the expertise and vision of our speakers.

When: Monday February 26, 2024, 1:00-2:30PM Eastern Time (Canada)
Access Supports: ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning will be provided.

If you require any access accommodations, please let us know in the Access Accommodation section of the registration by Feb 21, 2024.

Register in advance for this meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcuypqzsjHdZUXwK5KEMHyeJ2fwLawQOj

Agenda:
1) Introductions to the Black History Month Theme 2024
2) Black Disabled community speakers: What does a Toronto that centres Blackness and Disability Justice look like?
3) Question and Answers
4) Resources

If you need assistance with registering, please e-mail robin.simmons@cilt.ca or call 416-599-2458 ext. 293. Please note, you will not be able to join the session without registering first. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

CILT Peer Connect
2024-02-28 13:00 - 14:15, 2024-03-27 13:00 - 14:15
CILT Peer Connect

CILT Peer Connect is a monthly virtual (over zoom) peer support gathering for a cross-disability group of adults, based on the Independent Living philosophy and Disability Justice principles. To register or for more info email Amanda.Dorter@cilt.ca or peers@cilt.ca,
Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 293 TTY: Dial 711 for Bell Relay Service
In every session we:
– Check in with one another about how we’re doing
– Connect with peers about issues and experiences related to disability
– Share strategies to navigate the world and to thrive
We may also bring in group wellness activities such as mindfulness, or invite speakers or bring resources together on topics of interest to the group.
This group operates within the independent living philosophy with the belief that we can take control of our own lives by exercising their right to examine options, make choices, take risks and even make mistakes.
This group is grounded in principles of Disability Justice, including the principles of anti-oppression and of interdependence.
Group guidelines and discussion topics will be sent out when you register. Please be ready to participate in activity and discussion.
Let us know about any access needs when you register. There is an option to join these sessions by phone. Automatic closed captioning will be provided. ASL requires advanced notice.

Disabled Writers Drop In
2024-03-06 14:00 - 15:00
Disabled Writers Drop In

This monthly virtual meet up is a chance for Disabled writers to connect and write in community. Emerging and experienced writer’s welcome. Whether you write all the time or are wanting to find ways to incorporate more writing into your life this is a chance to spend an hour together to make some room for our writing. Whether you use voice to text, a pen and paper, a brailler, typing or bringing someone with you to transcribe when writing, all methods of playing with words are welcome! This program occurs the first Wednesday of every month.
Each meet up has:
-Opening go around sharing the successes and challenges of our writing this month
-20-25 minutes of writing time together. A prompt will be given but you are welcome to bring anything you like to work on.
-Depending on the size of the group, optional sharing of a few lines of your writing (no formal feedback, we will listen to each other’s words and can use the reaction buttons). Sometimes lines or words are shared to create a collective poem.
-Reading a poem by a disabled writer.
Access:
Please let me know about any access needs you would like to share. Automatic Closed Captions will be turned on. ASL interpretation will be provided if need is confirmed one week before the scheduled session. Please contact rebecca.wood@cilt.ca with any questions or to register to receive the zoom link.

For more information about programs and resources related to writing and disability please join our facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ciltdisabledwriters

Peer Support for Parenting with a Disability
2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-04-10 12:00 - 13:00
Peer Support Group for Parents with Disabilities

Join CILT’s Parenting with a Disability Network and Vibrant Healthcare Alliance for an opportunity to share your parenting challenges and joys, offer support, problem-solving and celebration with other people who can relate to your experience parenting with a disability. This program is facilitated by staff with lived experience.

This group runs monthly from 12-1pm on the second Wednesday of the month over zoom.
Each session includes:
-A check in where people can share a joy and a challenge they have experienced since our last meeting
-Time to discuss
-A check out
To register: email rebecca.wood@cilt.ca
or call 416-599-2458 ext 291

Please let us know about any access or zoom support needs when registering. Auto captions will be turned on. ASL-English interpretation will be provided if need is confirmed one week ahead of the scheduled session. Participants can join by phone.

Join our PDN mailing list here: https://cilt.ca/about-us/mailing-list/
Join our PDN Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ciltpdn

Wordplay: Creative Writing for Women, Trans, Non-Binary, Two-Spirit People with Disabilities
2024-04-16 13:00 - 14:30
Wordplay: Creative Writing for Women, Trans, Non-Binary, Two-Spirit People with Disabilities

Presented by The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto and Vibrant Healthcare Alliance
A 6 Week Series
WHEN: TUESDAY APRIL 16 – MAY 21, 2024
TIME: 1:00-2:30 PM
WHERE: OVER ZOOM
This 6-week program will explore writing as a form of creative self-expression rooted in the ways that lived experience of Disability inform how we write and what we write about. Each session will use a variety of writing prompts to welcome our minds and bodies into playing with words. We will play with different poetic forms, free writing prompts, journalling, and fiction writing. There will be opportunities for sharing work and giving/receiving supportive feedback. We will also have the chance to read and talk about writing by Disabled writers.
This program is suitable for beginner writers, or anyone interested in playing with words in a group of participants and facilitators with lived experience of Disability. Whether you use voice to text, a pen and paper, a brailler, typing or bringing someone with you to transcribe when writing, all methods of playing with words are welcome!
PARTICIPANTS MUST COMMIT TO ALL SESSIONS
AND COMPLETE A PRE AND POST EVALUATION
Peer Support groups/events operate under the Independent Living Philosophy and are committed to providing safer & inclusive anti-oppressive spaces.
ACCESS: Please let us know about any access needs when you register. Auto-captions will be turned on. ASL-English Interpretation will be provided if need is confirmed by Monday April 8, 2024, at 12pm.
To register and book a pre-evaluation.
contact Lucy: 416-486-8666 ext.226 / lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca
