The Persons Living with Disability(ies) Advisory Work Group (PLDAWG), has been working hard this year to raise awareness and bring an active voice forward within OSSTF/FEESO.

Our diverse group is comprised of 9 Federation members who live with disabilities and represent a wide array of physical and/or mental disabilities. Bringing this lived experience and abilities-focused lens to discussions, allows us to look at materials, actions, and learning within OSSTF/FEESO in a more fulsome inclusionary, equitable, and diverse way ensuring we are “Championing Accessibility, Celebrating Diversity.”

Currently, we are working on the areas where the Provincial Executive has asked for our advice such as:

• OSSTF/FEESO is currently reviewing and researching potential partnerships with organizations that have a demonstrated focus on accessibility and alignment with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards;
• how OSSTF/FEESO can support the work of the AODA Alliance (https://www.aodaalliance.org/), which “is a disability consumer advocacy group that works to support the full and effective implementation of accessibility standards in Ontario”;
• exploring the work the AODA Alliance is doing to determine the value for our members; and
• the specific financial and resource costs should OSSTF/FEESO decide to become part of the AODA Alliance.

We will continue working with other historically marginalized groups to examine AODA compliance within OSSTF/FEESO as it relates to the Provincial Standing Committee and Council application process.

Championing Accessibility, Celebrating Diversity
Ableism is the discrimination and prejudice against individuals with disabilities, often based on the belief that non-disabled people are superior or more valuable. It’s a system of oppression that assumes non-disabled standards are the norm and that those who deviate from them are less worthy or capable.

Persons Living with Disability(ies) Advisory Work Group Members (PLDAWG)

The PLDAWG is made up of a diverse group of individuals who have the following disabilities below. To highlight the beautiful array of diverse disabilities, please enjoy learning more about the disability, and see which famous Canadians are championing greater accessibility and informing fans in the process.