Spring 2009

By Raymond D. Cohen

Quarterly Updates of Announcements, News, Programs and Technology from across the Canadian disability community.

The Australian indie band Rudely Interrupted has gained fans on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. In 2008, they played well-known venues around the world, and wrapped up the year with a historic gig at the United Nations on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Not bad for a group whose members only started playing together in 2006, and whose drummer's previous percussion experience involved banging on pots and pans as he listened to the radio.
By Jaclyn Law

It was midnight on January 11, 2009, and in the surreal glow of the full moon, Sarah Doherty, her twin sister Susan Gabriel, her friend Ellen Clemence and I, Sarah’s partner, left Kibo Camp, which sits at an elevation of 15,600 feet, in an attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. As if this were not challenging enough, Sarah was climbing the mountain with one leg. At age 13, she was sideswiped by a drunk driver while riding her bicycle. She lost her leg, but not her will to live a full and active life.

En-vi-sion: To picture in the mind; imagine what’s possible. Over the past two years, women living with disabilities and physical differences have taken part in “Envisioning New Meanings of Disability and Difference,” a series of arts-based workshops across Ontario that use the power of image and story to transform the way people see difference.

To the uninformed eye, the Community Snoezelen Room at Bloorview Kids Rehab in Toronto looks like a child's play space. Bright coloured mats cover the floor, a mirror hangs on the wall at floor level with strands of brightly coloured plastic dangling in front of it. In one corner, there is a large beanbag draped with long, plastic fibre optic strings. In another corner, there is a tall Plexiglas tube filled with water.
By Meike vanGerwen

Nutrition has a profound impact on one’s physical, spiritual and mental health. This is particularly relevant for someone living with a disability. Good health starts with a healthy digestive system. However, many health conditions significantly hinder one’s digestion, absorption and elimination functions, which can lead to common and recurring secondary health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, pressure sores, tendonitis, osteoporosis, neurological pain, constipation, bladder infections and obesity.
By Joanne Smith

Online Social Networks and Inclusion
By TYZE

From research and Knowledge to Livable and Inclusive Communities
By Canadian Centre on Disability Studies

For more information about CCD, please visit www.ccdonline.ca
By Council of Canadians with Disabilities

By DisAbled Women's Network Canada

An independent Living Approach to Education Savings
By Independent Living Canada

Advancing People with Disabilities in Entertainment, Arts and New Media
By Lights Camera Access

Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation's Consumer Outreach Committee
By Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation

By Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

The Case for Investing in Informal Supports
By Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network

From research and Knowledge to Livable and Inclusive Communities
By Canadian Centre on Disability Studies

Online Social Networks and Inclusion
By TYZE

For more information about CCD, please visit www.ccdonline.ca
By Council of Canadians with Disabilities

By DisAbled Women's Network Canada

An independent Living Approach to Education Savings
By Independent Living Canada

Advancing People with Disabilities in Entertainment, Arts and New Media
By Lights Camera Access

Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation's Consumer Outreach Committee
By Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation

By Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

The Case for Investing in Informal Supports
By Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network