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Our second annual Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion Celebration in recognition of the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities is on December 3, 2025 at Cedar Event Centre from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Check out our amazing speakers and performers that will be at Ability to Rise on December 3rd.

Spencer West
Keynote Speaker | 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Good evening, Friends, Allies, and Advocates,

I am reaching out to personally invite you to our first national virtual symposium on disability poverty, taking place on December 3rd, 2025, on the  International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

At this landmark event, we will also release our third annual Disability & Poverty Report Card.

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Minister’s Office
7th Floor 438 University Avenue
Toronto ON M5G 2K8

Contents
Arts
Disabled lives are NOT disposable - watch LIFE AFTER and spread the word!
Interview with Jenel Shaw, Executive Director ArtsAccessibility Network Manitoba (AANM)
Nerve to Write | Call for Submissions
Communications
We need your help to broaden access to the broadcasting system
Health

Contents
Arts 
OPEN CASTING CALL for Upcoming TV Series 
Human Rights 
'I had to be here': Former students tear down Tofino area residential school 
Invitation to BCOHRC's October 30 Systemic discrimination: What we can do educational session 
Note: 
Learning objectives 

October 9, 2025

Contents
Accessibility 
Comox unveils accessibility map to help residents navigate with ease 
Arts
H-Disability: A Disabled Artist’s Journey Through Art and Activism - An Exhibit by Wendy Elliott-Vandivier at the Barbara Bates Center 
LIFE AFTER returns to Canada - October 4th! 
Housing 

Dedication

This year’s Annual Report is dedicated to Laurie Beachell and Ellen Cohen. Laurie Beachell was CCD’s National Coordinator from 1984 until 2015. Laurie passed in December 2024. Ellen Cohen was a long-term member of the CCD National Council and she was one of the key leaders involved in the Charter challenge to the BC Mental Health Case. In the appendix, you will find a write up about Laurie that was published in the Winnipeg Free Press and a write-up about Ellen Cohen.

Everyone has a career origin story, a foundation of experiences upon which their current employment rests, the reason why they do what they do.

Today, I am known as an inclusion and belonging specialist. My voice is heard in many spaces, my perspective sought after, and my storytelling skills acclaimed.

by

the Canadian Civil Society UN CRPD Delegation

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of Ellen Cohen, a lifelong advocate for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. Ellen passed away in Geneva, Switzerland, where she was part of the Canadian delegation of disability rights and civil society organizations participating in the United Nations review of Canada’s implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Her passing is a deep loss to the disability community in Canada and beyond.