Notes from the Field

December 3^rd was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is an important time for all of us, to celebrate the many remarkable contributions and achievements of persons with disabilities in our community. It’s also an opportunity for us to re-commit to identifying and addressing barriers to success for those in our lives facing challenges. This year’s theme is “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities.” It’s a meaningful reminder, of the importance of learning from folks with lived experiences and using those lessons, to build an accessibility lens for a strong future for everyone.

Moira Forster completed her summer 2023 Co-op Work Term with the Live Work Well Research Centre. This was her experience. 

As a third-year undergraduate majoring in Psychology, I sought out co-op positions for Summer 2023 that would immerse me in research-intensive environments. I was thrilled when I received an offer to join the Live Work Well Research Centre (LWWRC) as their Communications Co-Op student. My primary role was to assist in planning the Reimagining Livelihoods Forum, an event rooted in the Centre's partnership focused on disabilities and livelihoods. 

Abigail Mitchell (she/her) is a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Guelph and holds an MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy from U of G.  Originally from Mississauga, ON, Abigail is a proud bisexual woman who serves on the U of G Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Advisory Committee for Students and the Research Ethics Board. Her research focuses on domestic homicide, sexual femicide, and internet-facilitated child sexual abuse. 

Mike Ashkewe is an independent media producer residing in Guelph. As a sixties-scoop survivor, Mike advocates for indigenous and disability-related issues and shares his insights on a wide range of topics through freelance writing, podcasting, and more. He is also the executive producer of This Week in Geek and is a freelance reporter for the Guelph Mercury Tribune.

The Canadian Feminist Disability Coalition (CFDC) is a 30-month systemic change initiative interested in promoting equality for women and girls with disabilities by supporting them in their capacity and advocacy for leadership. Partnered with various organizations, such as the DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada (DAWN), the CFDC addresses the substantive gaps and barriers that currently exist in policy and practice for women and girls with disabilities.

On November 15, 2022, the Live Work Well Research Centre (LWWRC) hosted “Imagining a More Just University”, a panel event that explored how to create more just academic spaces by reducing barriers to access and ensuring equity for all. The panel was moderated by then-Acting Director of LWWRC, and the Co-Lead of the Displacements, Emergence, and Change Cluster, Dr. Leah Levac.

Collaborating with the Native Women's Association of Canada, we've produced a Shadow Report for the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It addresses 17 key issues faced by Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA people with disabilities. We recently interviewed Dr. Lynn Gehl, who worked as an Advisory Committee member on the report, to discuss the issues outlined in the report and more!

The Live Work Well Research Centre is thrilled to share the following interview with Siobhan Grant, Project Coordinator for the recently announced Canadian Feminist Disability Coalition. To learn more about this exciting project, click here!

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) started as a vigil in 1999 to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a Black, transgender woman who was brutally murdered in 1998. Started by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the vigil evolved into an annual day on November 20^th, commemorating all transgender people who have lost their lives to anti-transgender hate and violence since Rita’s gruesome murder.

Trigger Warning: The following blog post discusses sensitive issues including gender-based violence. The University of Guelph offers a series of Wellness Resources which can be accessed here.  

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