DON'T FORGET OUR BOTTLE DRIVE TOMORROW   Join us on October 20th In The Spotlight is Ottawa’s only concert spotlighting the capacities and talents of artists with disabilities. The evening will be held at the Shenkman Arts Centre featuring performances by Lucas Haneman Express, Jacob Velazquez, Adrian Anantawan & Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli!

The Future of Inclusion in Ottawa: For those interested in accessibility for all people with disabilities

This event will be relevant for anyone interested in building more inclusive lifestyles and communities for people with disabilities. Such as healthcare workers, social workers, educators, community workers, recreation staff, parents, related professionals and university or college students.

Keynote speaker, Torrie Dunlap is the Chief Executive Officer of Kids Included Together, a national nonprofit organization whose vision is a world where inclusion is the norm, and not the exception. Torrie teaches inclusive practices to people and organizations that serve those with disabilities.

Faces of Citizen Advocacy
 

Jenna and Katie were first matched 10 years ago. Jenna was a cash-strapped student at Carleton University who found she had a lot in common with Katie. Back then, their outings consisted mostly of visiting the pet store to see the animals and then going for tea together.

Over time, the pair has gotten to know each other’s inner circle of friends and family and have developed a lasting bond that involves shopping, sleepovers and, in the summer, finding a patio for a pint of beer.

“What Katie needed from Citizen Advocacy was a girlfriend,” said Jenna “What I didn’t count on was how much I would get from my relationship with Katie. I have gained a true friend, a sister, and someone who supports me in all of life’s ups and downs.”