TTC ACAT Invitation for Application

TTC ACAT Invitation for Application

The dates are;
Tuesday October 13 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Friday October 16 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
City Hall Committee Room 2

Invitation for Application
To facilitate community input into the planning, development, and implementation of accessible transit the Toronto Transit Commission has established the TTC Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation (ACAT).
Its role is to represent the needs and concerns of people with disabilities and seniors who use the TTC and to provide guidance and policy advice to the Commission on issues pertaining to the ways and means of improving conventional and Wheel-Trans services.
Positions on the committee are open to residents of the City of Toronto who have disabilities, as well as, seniors or others who have a knowledge of and an interest in accessible transportation issues. Applicants must be willing to make a commitment of a minimum of 15 to 25 hours per month, to attend meetings normally held during regular business hours.
Interested applicants must attend an orientation seminar at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, to obtain more information about the committee and its function. ACAT membership application forms will only be distributed to attendees at the seminars.
Those interested in attending the seminars who have any special needs, please call Debra at Wheel-Trans, weekdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at (416) 393-2462 or the TTY line at (416) 393-4555 or email to acat@ttc.ca

-- ARC23 - http://arcnwsptr.blogspot.com --

Adventures of the Disabled Village / Adventures in a Wheelchair Village

Adventures in a Wheelchair Village

This is for the able-bodied community. Hopefully it will give an insight in how difficult it can be to live life with an impairment.

***********************************************

Imagine a town full of physically impaired people, all wheelchair users. They run everything: the government, the shops, the factories, the schools, the television studio, the lot.

There are no able-bodied people, so, naturally, when the town is built the community decides that it is pointless to have ceiling ten feet high and doors that are seven feet high. "It's just a lot of wasted space that needs heating," they say. So the ceilings are built at seven feet and the doors at five feet. In every way they design the place the way they want it, and over the years these proportions are standardised by regulation.

One day a few able-bodied people come to stay. One of the first things they notice is the height of the doors. And the reason they notice this is because they keep hitting their heads. They come to stand out by the bruises they carry on their foreheads.

Some doctors, psychiatrists and social workers become involved. The doctors do extensive research and conclude in their learned reports that the disabled able-bodied suffer from "loss of or reduction of functional ability" and the resulting handicap causes "disadvantage or restriction of activity."

Working parties are formed. Many professionals and caring people are worried about what becomes known as the "problem of the able-bodied". Throughout the town there is a rapid growth of real concern. Specially strengthened helmets are distributed free to the able-bodied to be worn at all times. Orthotists design braces, which give support and relief while keeping the able-bodied wearer bent to a normal height.

Finding employment is a major problem for the able-bodied. One man, for instance, applies to become a television interviewer. But he must have a special medical examination when he applies for a job. The doctor, naturally, points out in the report that it would be rather strange to have a television interviewer with a bent back who wears a helmet all the time. Of course the man doesn't get the job and is advised to accept the limitations of his disability.

Finance, of course, becomes a major problem. Various groups of compassionate wheelchair users get together and form registered charities. Twice yearly they hold a collection day, and of course there is the annual telethon, and the "Miss wheelchair village" quest.

Upturned helmets are left in pubs and shops for people to drop their small change into. There is heartening support for organisations such as "The Society for Understanding the Disabled Able-Bodied". There is talk of founding Special Homes.

But then one day it dawns on the able-bodied that there is nothing actually wrong with them, just that society excludes them. They form a union to protect themselves and campaign against segregation. They argue that if ceilings and doors were raised, there would be no problem. But this is, of course a foolish suggestion. You cannot deny disability.

Adapted from Bruck, L. "The Adventures of the Disabled Village", Rehab. Digest, Vol. 10, Number 2, May/June 1975 page 15

Abilities Arts Festival - A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture

Abilities Arts Festival - A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture: "Abilities Arts Festival is a disability arts organization that promotes diversity, inclusiveness and the power of art as a means of enriching the cultural fabric of our communities. Through multidisciplinary, visual, film and performing arts festivals, workshops and special events, Abilities Arts Festival showcases artistic excellence by artists with disabilities. The festival uses dynamic and powerful artistic presentations by artists with disabilities to positively impact attitudes and to help ensure an arts and culture sector that is both inclusive of people with disabilities and one that is enhanced through their participation."

BBC NEWS | Health | Mother seeks girl's hysterectomy

BBC NEWS | Health | Mother seeks girl's hysterectomy: "Alison Thorpe, 45, from Essex, says 15-year-old Katie, who has cerebral palsy, would be confused by periods and they would cause her indignity."

Facebook | TTC WHEEL-TRANS USERS

Facebook | TTC WHEEL-TRANS USERS

TTC WHEEL-TRANS USERS
Type:
Common Interest - Travel
Description:
FOR REAL DISSCUSSION

Wheel-Trans provides door to door accessible transit service 7 days a week, weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and weekends and holidays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. within the City of Toronto. Regular TTC fares apply

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6392675492&ref=share

Toronto Transit Commission - Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation (ACAT)

Toronto Transit Commission - Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation (ACAT): "Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation (ACAT) The Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation (ACAT) reports directly to the Toronto Transit Commission. Its role is to represent the needs and concerns of people with disabilities and seniors who use the TTC and to provide guidance and policy advice on issues pertaining to the ways and means of improving conventional, Wheel-Trans and community bus services."

INVITATION FOR APPLICATION
To facilitate community input into the planning, development,
and implementation of accessible transit the Toronto Transit
Commission has established the TTC Advisory Committee on
Accessible Transportation (ACAT).
The TTC Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation
(ACAT) reports directly to the Toronto Transit Commission. Its
role is to represent the needs and concerns of people with
disabilities and seniors who use the TTC and to provide guidance
and policy advice to the Commission on issues pertaining to the
ways and means of improving conventional, Wheel-Trans and
community bus services.
Positions on the committee are open to residents of the City of
Toronto who have disabilities, as well as, seniors or others who
have a knowledge of and an interest in accessible transportation
issues and who are willing to make a commitment of a minimum
of 15 – 25 hours per month, during business hours, to attend and
participate.
Interested applicants are invited to attend an orientation seminar
at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, to obtain more
information about the committee and its function. Seminars will
be held in Committee Room 1 on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Committee Room 2 on Friday,
October 19th, 2007 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. ACAT membership
application forms will only be distributed to attendees at the
seminars.
Those interested in attending the seminars who have any special
needs should call the Wheel-Trans office, weekdays 8:00 am to
4:00 pm at (416) 393-2462 or the TTY line at (416) 393-4555 or
email to acat@ttc.ca.

Youth Drop-In (YDI)

Youth Drop-In (YDI)

For youth ages 16-29 with physical disabilities and their friends. A chance for young adults to, hang out, meet new friends and dance.

• Date: September 29, 2007
• Time: 7:00-10:00 pm
• Cost: $3.00
• Location: Earl Bales Community Centre
  4169 Bathurst Street (Bathurst & Sheppard)
• Future YDI Dates: November 24, 2007

DJ, games and snacks will be provided, and attendant services are available.
Raffles will be held for a variety of gift certificates, proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of a piece of equipment for the new centre

Event organizers include SB&H, Bloorview Kids Rehab, Anne Johnston Health Station, The Gage Transition to Independent Living and City of Toronto Forestry & Recreation (North District).

Radio - CBC.ca

Radio - CBC.ca

. HIDDEN CITY:

One way to get a different perspective on any city is to see it through
the eyes of people who have disabilities. What's it like to get around
if you need a wheelchair, if you're blind, or if you suffer from mental
illness? What kind of help is available, from sidewalk ramps and
"singing traffic signals" to clinics and support services? This week on
Hidden City, host Nick Purdon looks at the disabled city. Head out with
him - and see the city in a whole new way. That's on Hidden City,
Saturday morning at 9:30 am (10 NT) on CBC Radio One.

Steve Munro’s Web Site � Blog Archive � Wheel Trans Woes

Steve Munro’s Web Site � Blog Archive � Wheel Trans Woes: "the Wheel Trans system. For years, this “service” has been a distant second class operation within the TTC. It has all the earmarks of a service provided by the City not because it wants to, but because it has to. There are long-standing problems with the vehicles and with the dispatching system, some of which are only now being addressed."

'No easy fix' for Wheel-Trans - TheStar.com - living -

TheStar.com - living - 'No easy fix' for Wheel-Trans: "Welcome to the nightmare known as paratransit in Toronto, a system that every year carries 2.1 million passengers who cannot use regular subways, buses and streetcars to get where they need to go"

Broadcaster, disabled advocate named Ontario's lieutenant governor

Broadcaster, disabled advocate named Ontario's lieutenant governor: "Onley, 57, who has worked for Citytv since 1984, has been a vocal champion for the disabled. He himself was partially paralyzed from the neck down at age three by polio, and uses leg braces, a cane and a motorized wheelchair to get around."

Broadcaster, disabled advocate named Ontario's lieutenant governor

Broadcaster, disabled advocate named Ontario's lieutenant governor: "David Onley, a Toronto-based television reporter, anchor and host, has been named lieutenant governor of Ontario.

He will become the Queen's 28th representative in that role, replacing James Bartleman, whose term ends on July 31."

Wheelchair Olympian Adams suspended for positive cocaine test

Wheelchair Olympian Adams suspended for positive cocaine test: "Canadian wheelchair athlete and Olympic champion Jeff Adams has been banned from competition for two years after testing positive for cocaine at the 2006 wheelchair marathon championships in Ottawa"

"The 36-year-old Paralympian said the positive test was the result of a contaminated catheter, used after an incident at a Toronto nightclub on May 21, 2006, seven days before the Ottawa race"

Wheelchair Bound Man Gets Stuck To Truck, Pushed For Miles

Wheelchair Bound Man Gets Stuck To Truck, Pushed For Miles: "A 21-year-old Michigan man was taken on a wild ride after his wheelchair got lodged in the grille of a semi-truck. The man was pushed at 50 mph for at least 4 miles before the motorists deluged the police's emergency service with calls"

ARC23 RADIO ep. 217 Disabled Meda

ARC23 RADIO ep. 217 Disabled Meda

click here

People in Motion - ability, environmental controls, ramp, access, van conversion, handicap, handicapped, disabled, disabilities, wheelchair, equal opp

Hey all...

I thought that I would pass this message along.

Disability conference and tradeshow coming up. Check it out if you can. Here is the info:

• EVENT: 18th Annual People in Motion - Disabilities Expo
• WHERE: Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Pl., Toronto [4 kms west of downtown Toronto and is accessible via the Gardiner Expressway or Lakeshore Boulevard.]
• WHEN: June 1, 2007 [10 am - 6 pm] and June 2, 2007 [10 am - 5 pm]
• COST: Free admission
• ACCESSIBILITY: Building is fully wheelchair accessible. Attendant care is provided [also free]
• CONTACT: 1 877 745 6555 OR www.people-in-motion.com for more information.

Also of interest, pro-disability employers on site, accepting resumes and doing on-the-spot interviews.

Please pass this along to anyone whom you think may be interested, or benefit.

People in Motion

Abilities Arts Festival | Festivals | 2007 Festival | Film | Call to Film Makers

Abilities Arts Festival | Festivals | 2007 Festival | Film | Call to Film Makers: "Abilities Arts Festival's is ten-day long, international multidisciplinary arts celebration that includes the visual and performing arts, film, a children's program and workshops and panels. It will be held in Toronto, Canada, October 25 – November 4, 2007. Abilities Arts Festival showcases artistic excellence and the talent, artistic vision, passion and creativity of artists with disabilities. Using the power of art both as a unifying and as a transformational media, the Festival seeks to engage people in the arts, while facilitating diversity, inclusiveness and participation by people with and without disabilities."

Abilities Arts Festival - A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture

Abilities Arts Festival - A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture: "Abilities Arts Festival is a disability arts organization that promotes diversity, inclusiveness and the power of art as a means of enriching the cultural fabric of our communities. Through multidisciplinary, visual, film and performing arts festivals, workshops and special events, Abilities Arts Festival showcases artistic excellence by artists with disabilities. The festival uses dynamic and powerful artistic presentations by artists with disabilities to positively impact attitudes and to help ensure an arts and culture sector that is both inclusive of people with disabilities and one that is enhanced through their participation."

Citizens With Disabilities - Ontario - Home Page

Citizens With Disabilities - Ontario - Home Page: "Citizens With Disabilities-Ontario (CWD-O) is dedicated to the full participation of all persons in the social, economic and political life of their communities. It actively supports and promotes the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of individuals to determine their own destinies. Key areas of activities are community development, social action, social development, referral, and member services. Its primary activity is to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and promote their personal participation in changing social and physical barriers that allow for full participation in the mainstream of society"

Washroom, disabled » gor[b]

Washroom, disabled » gor[b]: " This room is reserved for the use of staff and visitors with physical disabilities.

“Huh?” I thought to myself, “ONLY people with disabilities?” Not that I have strong feelings about the matter, but I’ve never heard of these washrooms being off-limits to the able bodied. And what prompted the signage? Were there complaints from people with disabilities who had to wait while the able-bodied used their johns? Is it poor form to use them at all? Or does our property manager just want to cut back on cleaning? I resolved to find out"