CIAP is Welcomed

On June 1, the Canadian Abilities Foundation and the Hon. Cam Jackson, Minister of Citizenship, officially launched the Community Information Access Project (CIAP) at Toronto’s People in Motion exhibition. CIAP, which provides online accessibility information on specific businesses and services such as hotels and restaurants, allows people with disabilities to find facilities that meet their needs.

In the minister’s address, he highlighted the importance of access and inclusion for all citizens, regardless of ability or disability, and encouraged people from communities throughout Ontario to become involved in this important project.

CIAP is a Volunteer Action Online initiative, funded by the Ministry of Citizenship, Government of Ontario. Whether it is for business or pleasure, CIAP should be everyone’s online guide to accessible Ontario.

To all the people who expressed an interest in volunteering for the CIAP project, we’re waiting to hear from you! CIAP is an ongoing project and we need your help to keep this important resource growing. We’re looking for motivated and dedicated people who live in Ontario and can volunteer for a few days a month. Get in touch with us at info@enablelink.org or contact Christine Staddon, Volunteer Coordinator, at christine@enablelink.org.

We are also recruiting people interested in forming CIAP groups in new communities.


CHATS AND MESSAGE BOARDS

Visit our Injured Workers’ Chat Room in the upcoming months! Take this opportunity to connect with others regarding your specific concerns. People can also tune in as observers on discussions around these important issues:
- Young Workers, September 17, 2:00 p.m. EST
- Barriers to Employment, October 15, 2:00 p.m. EST
- Seriously Injured Workers, November 13, 2:00 p.m. EST

Some of the other new features of Enablelink include a large selection of message boards. Whether you are interested in animals, education, travel or other topics, there are message boards available for you to share ideas and experiences and possibly provide inspiration to others in the virtual community looking to make new friends and find support. Check them out!


OTHER NEWS

Check out the latest publications by the Canadian Abilities Foundation. The "Violence Prevention Resource Guide for Women with Disabilities" is a popular new publication that lists organizations in Ontario providing support services to women with disabilities, and details about their accessibility. Our online version is searchable by region.

"Making a Difference: Profiles in Abilities," by Daryl Rock, features exceptional Canadians with disabilities who have made a significant contribution to their communities. Both these publications are available in print as well as on EnableLink. For more information on how to obtain your copy, visit www.enablelink.org.

The Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) is hosting its inaugural Public Forum on Knowledge Transfer, November 18 to 20, 2001, in Toronto. The focus of the forum will be the integration of prevention and disability management to get the best new and existing research into the workplace to reduce work-related injury and illness. Exhibitor and Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about these opportunities or how to register, visit the AWCBC website at www.awcbc.ca.