CILT

Disabled Writers Drop In
2024-05-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
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

Wordplay: Creative Writing for Women, Trans, Non-Binary, Two-Spirit People with Disabilities
2024-05-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-05-14 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-05-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
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

Peer Support for Parenting with a Disability
2024-05-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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 people with Marginalized Gender and Disabilities Reading and Artist Talk
2024-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Celebrate National Accessibility Week with
Wordplay: Creative Writing for people with Marginalized Genders and Disabilities
a free open virtual reading event to showcase the work of program participants

Presented by The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto
and Vibrant Healthcare Alliance

When: Monday May 27th from 12pm-1pm
Where: Zoom

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscu-pqjosE9HxeMRvIRlLA-JuZg6dCAvU

If you need support with registration or have questions please contact
Lucy at 416-486-8666 ext.226 or lucyn@vibranthealthcare.ca

Access: Autocaptions will be turned on. ASL interpretation will be provided if need is confirmed by Wednesday May 22 at 12pm.
Please let us know about any other access needs when you register.

This event will be recorded.

Thank you for coming to support our writers who have spent the last six weeks together writing, revising and playing with words! We are excited to share our work with you!

CILT Peer Connect
2024-05-29 13:00 - 14:15, 2024-06-26 13:00 - 14:15 | Virtual
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.

Celebrating CILT through the decades!
2024-06-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Celebrating CILT through the decades!
Celebrating Independent Living Day Across Canada, & launching CILT’s 40th anniversary year.

Monday June 3rd 1pm-3pm
On zoom
Register in advance here.
More info contact robin.simmons@cilt.ca or call (416) 599-2458

We’ll spotlight the incredible work of our community, both past and present, as we continue to champion Independent Living as a relevant and evolving concept CILT’s impactful contributions to the community and examine the drivers propelling our movement forward.

Featuring:
Wanda Whitebird – Opening Ceremonies & Intro to Decolonization and Disability Justice
Wendy Porch – Opening remarks and Intro to CILT
Tracy Odell –The Birth of Independent Living
Fran Odette – Building Our Voices
Meenu Sikand –Cross-Movement Solidarity
Janet Rodriguez – Evolving Narratives
CILT through the Decades video shorts
Q&A and Group Discussion
With host David Meyers

We invite you to join us in this journey of reflection and help envision the future we want together, where we can chart a course for the future where intersectional, interdependent, Independent Living thrives.

Disabled Writers Drop In
2024-06-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Disabled Writer’s 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 from 2pm-3pm.

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.
-After writing we share lines or words to create a collective poem.
-Resource Wrap Up where we can share any opportunities, workshops, publication calls, events, etc. that might be of interest to the group.
-We end by 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 on Wednesday at 12pm.

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 Group for Parents with Disabilities
2024-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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 by 12pm 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

Disabled Writers' Drop-In
2024-07-03 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-08-07 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-05 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
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 from 2pm-3pm.

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.
-After writing we share lines or words to create a collective poem.
-Resource Wrap Up where we can share any opportunities, workshops, publication calls, events, etc. that might be of interest to the group.
-We end by 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 on Wednesday at 12pm.

Please contact rebecca.wood@cilt.ca with any questions or to register to receive the zoom link.

This program is available for Ontario residents.

In order to register you will be asked to provide your first and last name and what city you will be joining from.

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 Group for Parents with Disabilities
2024-07-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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

This program is available for Ontario residents.
In order to register you will be asked to provide your first and last name and what city you will be joining from.

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 by 12pm 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

Toronto’s 13th Annual Disability Pride March – July 13th
2024-07-13 13:00 - 17:00
Toronto’s 13th Annual Disability Pride March – July 13th

Date: July 13th, 2024

Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Location and route info: Queens Park to Grange Park. Marching 2 km from 110 Wellesley Street W to 80 Beverley St.

Accessibility: Accessible van, ASL interpreters, and Sighted Guides will be available. Email any access questions/requests to accesstdpm@gmail.com

Please wear a mask!

Virtual live feed available on Facebook and Instagram @TorontoDisabilityPrideMarch

For more information, please visit TDPM: https://torontodisabilitypride.wordpress.com/

CILT Peer Connect
2024-07-31 13:00 - 14:15, 2024-09-25 13:00 - 14:15, 2024-10-30 13:00 - 14:15, 2024-11-27 13:00 - 14:15 | Virtual
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 rebecca.wood@cilt.ca or peers@cilt.ca,
Phone: 416-599-2458 ext 291 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.

This program is available for Ontario residents.
In order to register you will be asked to provide your first and last name and what city you will be joining from.

Foundations of Disability Inclusion
2024-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Foundations of Disability Inclusion

A 2 hour workshop delivered virtually by CILT’s Inclusion of Disability Equity and Access (IDE+A) Training team. This is an open workshop for anyone working in the nonprofit and health sectors in the GTA

Thursday August 15th, 2024
1-3pm over Zoom
Register in advance

Learning Objectives:

Recognize Accessibility as foundational DEI work.
Understand disability as part of human diversity.
Recognize rights, roles and responsibilities.
Explore ways to actively practice anti ableism.
Identify and apply disability justice principles.

Register in advance for this workshop. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvdu6qrzIrH91LwTHP6tVQ0pAfhfb0pokA
Space is limited.

Through grant funding by United Way Greater Toronto, CILT offers these IDE+A workshops at no cost.

Design of Public Spaces Standards in Ontario Webinar
2024-08-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
Live in Ontario? Care about the AODA?
Give the Ontario Government feedback on ways to strengthen accessibility of Ontario’s public spaces, submit the survey on the AODA Built Environment Standard.
The province has a survey out that asks for public feedback on ways to improve its standards for the design of public spaces. The survey is open until August 29th.
The GTA Disability Coalition is offering a virtual webinar that will overview Ontario’s existing public spaces standards and share recommendations that disabled Ontarians can give on improving several areas that impact their lives.

Date: Tuesday August 20th.
Time: 10:30am – 12Noon. EST.
Where: On Zoom.

Presenters:
Thea Kurdi, Built Environment Accessibility Expert.
Kate Welsh, CILT’s IDE+A Project Coordinator.

Link to the survey page: https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-improving-accessible-built-environment-standards

Link to registration and access details: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsduyvqjgvG9Qq7UTCG27wUDr09gTRGbZZ

For help with registering or for more info, please email: robin.simmons@cilt.ca or call 416-599-2458, ext.293.

ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning are provided.

Peer Support Group for Parents with Disabilities
2024-09-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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 we share a parenting joy and a challenge
-Time to discuss a monthly topic
-A short self-care exercise
-A check out

To register or for more information email PDN coordinator rebecca.wood@cilt.ca or call 416-599-2458 ext 291

When you register you will be asked to provide your first and last name and what city you will be joining from. This program is available for Ontario residents.

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 by 12pm at least 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

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
2024-12-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
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 2024: Amplifying the leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.

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.
This year’s official theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” The theme seeks to amplify the centrality of the leadership role of persons with disabilities, in all of these efforts – from the global to the local. Community speakers will discuss critical disability justice issues impacting disabled and Deaf communities and collective action work being done to address them.

When: Tuesday December 3, 2024, 1:00-3:00 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, 2024.

Register in advance for this meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArd-GoqzktHd39Pb88CZaSHweYyTXhSjvQ
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 2024
3) Remembrance and Tribute to Indigenous Elder & Disability Advocate -Wanda Whitebird
4) Community Action Speaker Panel:
· -Wellesley Institute, Researcher -Christine Sheppard
· -ODSP Action Coalition Co-Chairs -Trevor Manson and Andrea Hatala
· -Ingrid Palmer, REALIZE, Principal IDEAL Advocate (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Leading to belonging)
· -David Lepofsky, Chair, AODA Alliance (by pre-tape video)
· -Kate Welsh, Coordinator, CILT’s IDE+A Program
5) Question and Answers Segment
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. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
