Category: Community

Life is a lot harder than people like to admit. We have a nasty social habit of responding to every “How are you?” with a positive statement regardless of how awful we actually feel inside. Humour and comedy are effective tools for delivering hard truths that we cannot muster up with a straight face. This is especially helpful for those living with physical disabilities. For those afflicted with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, such as yours truly, it is a way to process dark thoughts. More than just softening the blow, comedy provides clarity and highlights the absurdities of hardship better than straight-forward statements ever could.

Life is heavy on presentation. We project a heightened, more idealized version of ourselves on social media. You dress well for work and social occasions even when you feel like garbage. I write articles meant to uplift and inspire after an anxious night of little sleep. Humour lifts off that veneer. It offers a look into the struggles of physical and mental disabilities in a way that allows people to connect on a stronger emotional level. There are different approaches to this. Affiliative humour is the kind we use to build relationships and put people we are with at ease. Self-enhancing humour is used as a coping mechanism, whereas self-defeating humour attempts to amuse others at your own expense. These all have their own pros and cons, but can be used effectively to convey feelings and connect with others.

Life needs more difficult truths out in the open. Comics with disabilities often employ self-defeating humour in a positive way. Ted Shiress is a comedian with cerebral palsy who uses comedy to go beyond simply being “disability inspiration” for abled-bodied people. Self-deprecating humour is his tool to get his way on stage alongside other professional comedians and shatter the perception that people with disabilities are worse at delivering jokes or getting an audience to laugh. He faces a dissonance: an audience ready to enjoy his act, while at the same time contending with the guilt of laughing at a disabled individual. He notes that in comedy, why you are saying what you are saying is more important than the subject matter. He strives to ensure his disability does not define him, but refuses to ignore it, comparing it to a tall comedian joking about being tall. Humour allows people to understand him better.

Life is chaos. We have no say over the condition of the bodies we are born with. Laughter and comedy empower us. Instead of denying, downplaying, or wallowing in misery, we can tackle our life’s predicament head on. Take a moment to think about your saddest emotions, darkest thoughts, and biggest challenges. More often than not, these are things that only surface when no one is around. Yet they are an integral part of our humanity and not a defect you face on your own. Jokes, anecdotes, and humourous musings not only soften the impact of sharing this side of ourselves with others, but also provide insight in how to address these seemingly insurmountable problems.

Life is horrifyingly beautiful. When we strive to show other sides of ourselves on social media, answer a “How are you?” in earnest, and find the style of humour that best suits how we want to express ourselves, we take bold steps against the disabilities and tragedies that life throws our way. We feel empowered, connected, and more self-assured. It is not only a helpful tool. It is a necessity of life.

Sources:

Counselling Connection. “Humour Makes Life Easier.” https://www.counsellingconnection.com/index.php/2009/08/04/humour-makes-life-easier/

Greengross, Gil. “The Relationship Between Humor and Depression.” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/humor-sapiens/201911/the-relationship-between-humor-and-depression

Shiress, Ted. “Disability and comedy: a personal perspective.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2013/sep/12/disability-comedy-personal-perspective

Organizer: RyeAccess

Title: ASL Classes Hosted by RyeACCESS at Ryerson University

Category: Education

Location : Toronto, Ontario

Date: January 14, 2020

Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/1815956615215061/

Description: ASL Classes Hosted by RyeACCESS at Ryerson University

 

Organizer: Disability Issues Office Manitoba

Title: The Accessibility Advisory Council’s Design of Public Spaces Consultation – Winnipeg

Category: Accessibility

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Date: January 15, 2020

Web site: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-accessibility-advisory-councils-design-of-public-spaces-consultation-tickets-84176952531?aff=eemailordconf&utm_campaign=order_confirm&ref=eemailordconf&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_term=viewevent

Description: The Accessibility Advisory Council’s Design of Public Spaces Consultation

by Disabilities Issues Office

Free

 

Organizer: CERIC

Title: Cannexus 2020 National Career Development Conference – Ottawa

Category: Employment

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Date: January 27, 2020 – January 30, 2020

Web site: https://www.edcan.ca/event/cannexus-canadas-national-career-development-conference/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4YaBtLeu5gIVS5yzCh1GuwdiEAAYAiAAEgKmK_D_BwE

Description: Cannexus, Canada’s largest bilingual National Career Development Conference, returns to Ottawa, Jan. 27-29, 2020, to help educators prepare students for the future of work.

By Erin Rebello

Whether it’s been a twitter campaign against female sexual assault, a student walk-out for climate justice, a full-fledged teacher strike, a rally for disabled workers, 2019 sure seems to be the year of protests. You may have participated in a protest, or perhaps even several. To many, it seems like we have entered the era of protest. However, even though it may seem abrupt or out of the ordinary, protests have been going on for ages, but differently.

Protests have evolved greatly throughout the decades, changing and adapting as technology and the media change. Protests used to be characterized by large mobs of people, holding handmade signs and crying out for change. Though that can still be seen nowadays in rallies such as the Women’s March, or the March for our Lives, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by cyber protest. Take for example the #Metoo and #Timesup hashtags that allowed women to come together to fight against people in power who took advantage of them. You’ve also probably stumbled upon a few Instagram pages asking viewers to like and share their posts to spread awareness of certain issues.

Another thing that has drastically changed about the way people protest is the people who are protesting. In the past protests were led mainly by adults, however, these days, youth are also taking part in these fights for their rights. Consider Greta Thunberg, the teenage climate activist from Sweden who changed the conversation around climate change and environmental protection. Through her “Fridays for the Future” protest, Greta has been able to gain traction and spread awareness for her cause. Although children are usually portrayed as immature and powerless, in this era of protest, we can be heard and make waves in politics.

Being caught in the middle of certain protests (such as labour strikes) can be very difficult. During union strikes, workers either reduce the amount of work they complete, or stop doing their job altogether. It’s not fun to have mail delays or bus cancellations, and it can be easy to put all the blame on the workers, however, that simply isn’t fair. When looking at a protest, it’s important to consider the reasons a certain group is protesting. Is something wrong? Are they being mistreated? Is there illicit behavior involved? Take for example the 2019 Education strikes across Ontario. With drastic changes to class sizes, curriculum, eLearning quotas, and educator salaries, brought on by provincial government, the teachers’ unions of various schoolboard across Ontario have decided to go on strike or work to rule. Though this impacts students greatly, it’s still important for teachers to protest these changes and protect their rights. Not only that, but teachers are also protesting to protect the interests of their students.

In conclusion, although protest has been around for ages, new developments in how we protest, why we protest, and what we protest for have changed the way we view it. Although it may seem more annoying than helpful at times, strikes and protests allow people to voice their opinions and fight for their rights. And hey, maybe you’ll even find yourself participating in a protest.

By Erin Rebello

In this day and age where the world seems to never sleep, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle bustle of everyday life. Being a student only adds onto this mountain of stress, adding assignments, extracurriculars, and a social life to the mix. When trying to balance various commitments and responsibilities, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Sometimes it takes a little break to remind you that you’re not alone.

That’s where the art of self-care comes in. If you’ve kept tabs on the media lately, you’ve probably noticed the words “self-care” popping up a lot. In these past few months, the notion of self care has gained traction across various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. But what is it, really? In its purest form, self-care is the prioritization of one’s own needs; putting yourself first. Though it may seem fairly basic, and though you may feel like you already put yourself first, self-care is a lot deeper than that.

In our day to day lives, we often put our own needs and wants last without even realizing it. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter to finish a school assignment? Surprise, surprise- you’ve prioritized your schoolwork over your physical health. Ever skipped out on an outing with friends to pick up a shift at work? You’ve made another of your priorities clear. While prioritizing certain things in your life is in no way wrong, it just goes to show how easy it can be to put seemingly important tasks before our mental or physical health. Though you might have a workaholic mentality, taking a break is a crucial bit of selfcare advice that will help you prosper and also prevent burnout.

So, what can you do to put yourself first; how can you practice the art of self-care? Listed below are a few examples of self-care that you can easily do to improve your lifestyle and overall wellbeing:

• Eat healthy foods and make sure to drink enough water. Though this goes without saying, proper nutrition is key to not only physical, but also mental wellness. Nutrient deficiencies can leave a person feeling constantly exhausted, meaning that improving your diet can significantly improve your lifestyle.
• Catch up on those Zzzz’s. I know how hard it can be to get enough sleep, and trust me, it’s something I struggle with ALL THE TIME. The recommended amount of sleep for a teenager is 7-9 hours, but most teens these days are lucky to get even 6. In my daily life, I’ve noticed that getting enough sleep allows me to feel happier and more energized (duh) during the day, and has allowed me to pay better attention in class.
• Try out a skincare routine! Self-care if about feeling good both inside and out, and cultivating a skincare routine can help with just that. Building on the bases of a good diet and sleep schedule, using certain products to nourish your face will help to keep it looking and feeling great. Try out moisturizers and toners to keep your face supple and smooth. Use face washes and scrubs to keep dirt at bay- this is especially crucial if you wear makeup often. Treat yourself every now and then to a refreshing face mask! The best part about skincare is the fact that you can substitute just about anything for something natural or DIY’ed.
• Treating yourself. After a long day of work, or a stressful school project, take time to put yourself back together. A treat doesn’t have to be something huge- it can be as small as a cup of coffee from your favourite coffee shop. Every now and then, consider rewarding yourself for your mini victories in life

It’s important to prioritize yourself and put your needs first, sometimes. Though you may be keen on powering through your work, taking a well-deserved break helps to keep you refreshed and motivated. By incorporating self-care into your daily life, you are able to keep a balance between your responsibilities and personal desires, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest.

Have you ever heard of the Paralympic and/or the Parapanam Games? These are two worldwide events where people who have disabilities can participate and show their skills! The Paralympic and Parapanam Games are incredible to watch on television, and even more incredible to watch in person! Attending and participating in events that concern disabilities is very important for many, many reasons.

We all love to feel accepted and included. It gives us a sense of accomplishment, and a feeling of worth. People who have different-abilities want to feel those things to just like anyone else! Acceptance, inclusion and worth. By supporting these events, we give disabled people these feelings, and trust me, they feel great!

Attending events where people with different-abilities are included also allows learning opportunities! Everyone is different. Everyone has their quirks. Everyone has different strengths and different weaknesses. By attending and participated in events that concern disabilities, you will learn about people who can do the same things as you differently, and you will learn about special populations! You will learn that even though people fall under the label “disabled”, they are not less and are not that different from the “typical” person.

A few examples of events that concern disabilities that you can attend are:

• Sporting events
• Chairity walks
• Youth centres
• Old age homes
• Autism Speaks fundraisers
• Races

Participating and engaging with people who have different needs is very important. It will give you important skills, and teach you new ways to do things that you never even thought of! It will also show you that you need to appreciate your life the way it is and give you a better understanding of how others do too!

On a personal level, I work with students in my school who have special needs as an everyday job and this job has given me some of the most rewarding, fascinating experiences of my life. Every day, I am learning new ways of thinking, new problem solving strategies and new information. I have made so many connections and relationships with people who I never would have met if I hadn’t put myself out there and attended events concerning special populations.

By Erin Rebello

Whether it’s a poor mark on a test or a falling out with friends, feelings of anger can really take a toll on the teenage mind. With an underdeveloped pre-frontal cortex, teenagers are prone to making regrettable decisions. This becomes even more true when emotions are involved. There are times when life seems too cruel to be real, but it’s all part of the human experience, and we must persevere. Though you might want to do nothing more than scream, cry, or punch a wall when you’re upset, there are a variety of different ways you can channel you anger into something more productive and beneficial to your situation.

When you’re mad, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a deep breath and evaluate the situation. Though you might want to stop thinking about it altogether, the best and most helpful thing to do is to take a look at what’s going on. It important to take a minute to consider what exactly you’re mad about and why you’re mad about it. Then, try to think of ways you can make your situation better. Rationalizing your emotions makes it easier to digest what’s going on and might help you realize that you’re mad about something that’s easily fixable.

If you just want to cool off and take your mind off things, I find that doing chores works surprisingly well. I take my anger out on the dust bunnies under my bed instead of the people who might have hurt me. Yardwork is also great because it gives you a change of environment and allows you to take in the fresh air. Another plus about doing your chores when you’re upset is that when you feel better and calmer, your errands are taken care of and you have more time to do things that you love.

Another way that people like to channel their frustration into productivity is through exercise. Slap on a pair of headphones and blast your favourite motivational tunes while you go through your workout. It’s scientifically proven that your brain releases endorphins, i.e. happiness chemicals, when you exercise. These chemicals make you happier and leave you feeling great after a powerful workout. You’ll also probably be too tired from your exercise to feel mad! Overall, why cry when you can get abs and feel happy at the same time?

Finally, a great way to get out the anger is through self-expression. By expressing your feelings, be it through writing, dance, painting, etc., you are able to separate them from yourself. For example, if you write a poem about why you’re feeling mad, chances are that it will help you rationalize the situation. In a way, self-expression allows you to leave your emotion on your canvas and step away from them. You might also find that your artwork and writing is more passionate and emotion-filled when you’re feeling a certain way, which helps you improve as an artist.

Overall, there are a lot of great ways you can turn your anger into something positive. Of course, there is a time and place for being upset, but sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and take a good hard look in the mirror. You are the only person that dictates your emotions; no one else can tell you how to feel. When it comes down to the facts, self-improvement only happens if you’re the one who decides to make the change.

Depending on the type of person you are, moving out can be a good thing, or a bad thing. This can be a very difficult decision and one that takes many factors to consider.

If your chosen secondary pathway is college or university, they are typically very expensive. By moving out, you are adding unnecessary expenses on top of the large fees you’re already paying for your education and transportation. Graduates typically underestimate the large amounts of money that are required to take care of your home by yourself.

Timing is key; make sure that you’re ready and mature enough to take on this commitment. It’s common to experience anxiety and sadness while moving out of your family home, but if you think about moving out you experience overwhelming fear, that may be a que to wait awhile before moving out. Your main deciding factor should be based on how you feel about moving out, because all that really matters is you. It’s your decision, and only yours. Many students feel pressured to move out at a certain age or after high school, but avoiding this pressure is important to being comfortable with moving out on your own.

The responsibility of moving out on your own is a responsibility a lot of students aren’t ready to take on. They don’t have the maturity to do simple household tasks like cleaning, groceries, etc. School and homework also take up the majority of a student’s time which makes earning money more difficult because they need to work a lot in order to earn said money to upkeep their living space.

independence is a huge reason why students move out after high school; the freedom

is something that they’ve never experienced before, and never had the opportunity to have at this level. By moving out, they feel free to do whatever they want. Some students take advantage of this fact, but it’s the main reason why students move out after high school, especially if they’re moving into dorms. They feel free since they no longer have to abide by any rules from their parents.

Moving out is also a great learning experience and gives students a glimpse into their future when they own perhaps a larger house. They learn about budgeting, all of the costs of owning a house, saving money, and more. This is great for people to learn at such a young age so by the time they are ready to own a full house themselves, they already know about these important things.

Along with this, students have said that by moving out after high school they feel as if they can start their own lives. They can invite their friends/partners over to their house, arrange their schedules, move in with roommates, etc. This comes to be very important as they have their own space away from their parents and they can begin their lives in “the real world” rather than being sheltered and protected by their parents.

Therefore, moving out after high school all depends on the situation and the type of person you are. After considering the pros and cons of your options, make the decision that feels right and that will benefit you the most.

Sources:

1. https://www.quora.com/Is-it-wise-to-move-out-after-high-school

https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/52391/moving-out-still-in-high-school

Everyone is different, and therefore, everyone learns a little bit differently!

Have you ever been stuck on a task that you were assigned by your teacher that everyone else seems to have down pat, but you just can’t wrap your head around? Well it might be because you learn differently than the way you are being taught… and that’s completely okay!

There are many different learning styles. Some are:

• Musical – meaning you learn best through music. You may memorize things through song.
• Verbal-Linguistic – meaning you learn best by words and explanations. You might prefer a page of words to explain how you feel as opposed to a page of pictures.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic – meaning you learn best by doing things. You may enjoy hands-on activities.
• Logical-Mathematical – meaning you learn best by logic and numbers. You may be great at math and/or science.
• Interpersonal (social) – meaning you learn best by being social and you tend to know and be able to read people well
• Naturalistic – meaning you learn by common sense and what comes natural to you. You may like “going by the flow”.
• Intrapersonal (self) – meaning you learn best by working by yourself. You may like to just “figure it out on your own”.
• Visual-Spatial – meaning you are aware of space and learn best by seeing things. You may prefer to be shown how to do something before trying it.

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Some people are really good at sports, others prefer arts! It’s the same with learning. Someone who is “word smart” might be really good at memorizing large amounts of information that the teacher shares in a speech, whereas someone who is “picture smart”, may not be able to memorize everything the teacher said. However, if the teacher had shown a diagram to explain what they meant, the “picture smart” person might be able to perform better than the person who is “word smart”.

Since we all have different learning types, it only makes sense that we all have different learning paces right? It’s just like someone who is really good at basketball might take longer to perfect a painting than someone who is really good at painting!

Learning at your own pace is 100% okay, and even though it might seem like the whole class understands everything the teacher is saying, and you feel like you got lost back in 1952, I guarantee that you are not the only person who doesn’t understand.

Learning is essential because it is the foundation of everything we do. If you are a logical thinker, and your teacher only uses music to explain things, you might need to ask them for extra help to better suit your learning needs. It’s important that if you are having trouble with a topic being taught that you sp

Life can be hard if you have a disability, especially when you want to find work. With the right help, you can still succeed, even with all of the difficulties you may face. You are just as valuable and essential as anyone else, disability or not.

According to a government survey, about 22% of Canadians said in 2017 that they had a disability of some kind. Of the working-age people with disabilities, about 59% were employed, compared with about 80% of the people without disabilities. People with disabilities are more likely than others to live in poverty since they generally earn much less each month. This is unfair, unbalanced and needs to change.

Parents can work with you to try to find a type of work that is rewarding but still possible to do. Teachers can also help by working with you to find careers that are within your capabilities. For example, teachers or parents could urge a person with social anxiety to get into a job like writing, which involves a lot of time spent alone.

Sometimes, finding the right job just means looking for special equipment or tools. A magnifying glass and a large-screen computer, for example, could help a person with limited vision to work in an office. A voice-activated computer could help the person with a stiff wrist, and special lifting equipment could help someone with back or leg trouble.

Ongoing support is important for everyone, but especially for people with disabilities. This could be financial support, but it could also be emotional support or help with daily tasks. Friends and family can make themselves available to drive you to job interviews, help seek opportunities, or do anything else that might make it easier to find meaningful work. If possible, they could even help train the you in a skill that might make job-hunting easier.

One thing that needs to be pushed is the advocacy for equal inclusion from employers. Everyone has a right to a job, and fairness is key. We need to encourage companies to make accommodations and consider the needs of others- human rights are for all.

Governments have a variety of programs to help people with disabilities find work or to provide an income for students in training programs. It is a good idea to check government websites or to visit employment offices to see what kind of help is available.

Finding work with a disability can be difficult, but planning can make it easier. If you have a disability, you can already start on your strategies for getting the kind of job you want.

Bibliography:

Alberta Human Services. “Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities.” http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/documents/Edmonton-etcs-Disability-services.pdf.

Government of Canada. “Making an Accessible Canada for Persons with Disabilities.” https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-people-disabilities.html.

Government of Ontario. “Access Talent: Ontario’s Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities.” https://www.ontario.ca/page/access-talent-ontarios-employment-strategy-people-disabilities.

Morse, Alison. “Employment Strategies for Youth with Disabilities.” https://education.easterseals.org/employment-strategies-for-youth-with-disabilities/.

Organizer: Council of Canadians With Disabilities

Title: Empower U: Learn to Access Your Disability Rights Training on Canadian Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol (OP) – Toronto

Category: Education

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Date: November 1, 2019

Web site: https://www.neads.ca/en/about/events/index.php?id=2123

 

Organizer: CERIC

Title: Webinar: Accessibility and Universal Design in Career Transitions Programming and Services

Category: Employment

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Date: November 15, 2019

Web site: https://ceric.ca/events/free-webinar-accessibility-and-universal-design-in-career-transitions-programming-and-services/