Join us this month as we come together to celebrate National Episodic Disability Awareness Month! Throughout August, we’re dedicating our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for people living with episodic disabilities.
Discover the strength, resilience, and unique abilities of those affected by episodic disabilities. Together, let’s spread understanding and support by sharing stories, knowledge, and resources.
Realize is a leader in research and advocacy addressing the range of complex barriers to inclusion people living with episodic disabilities experience.
Join us for two special webinars this month in honour of Episodic Disabilities Awareness Month.
1. Episodic Disabilities at Work Webinar
In honour of Episodic Disabilities Awareness Month, and due to high demand, Realize is hosting a free session of our popular webinar (for workplaces) on Episodic Disabilities at Work.
August 8th 2024
1pm ET
on Zoom
Presented by Melissa Egan, Manager Episodic Disabilities and Education Initiatives at
Many employers still hold the view that disability is a limitation that is ongoing and more-or-less permanent. This may not be the case for those living with episodic disabilities who experience chronic health conditions characterized by fluctuating periods and degrees of illness and wellness. These periods can be unpredictable in duration, types of symptoms and frequency of recurrence. As a consequence, individuals may need workplace accommodations from an inclusive and disability-confident employer.
This 1-hour Zoom workshop is designed to provide an overview of episodic disabilities, information that promotes inclusion, best practices for workplace accommodations, and will include an opportunity to hear from someone with lived experience of working with an episodic disability.
Register now for the Episodic Disabilities at Work Webinar!
2. Youth, Episodic Disabilities, and Employment
Realize invites you to a dynamic webinar focused on examining exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by youth/young adults aged 15 to 29 living with episodic disabilities in the workplace.
August 22, 2024
1pm – 2:30pm EST
Hosted by Tess Kern, National Youth Episodic Disabilities Initiatives Coordinator at Realize
This event will feature a report-back on an ongoing environmental scan being conducted examining the current landscape of services and programs for youth with episodic disabilities, with a special consideration for employment programming and service provision.
A panel discussion will close out the event and bring together young people with lived experience to share their personal stories, challenges, and solutions, related to episodic disabilities and employment, providing invaluable insights and perspectives for both youth and employers.
Register for the Youth, Episodic Disabilities and Employment webinar!
Other resources for Episodic Disability Awareness Month
On August 16, 2023, we hosted a one-hour discussion about the changing landscape of episodic disability in Canada and the role Realize plays in affecting positive change for people living with episodic disabilities.
Realize as a Leader in the Episodic Disabilities Movement
Presenters:
Wendy Porch
Wendy Porch is the Executive Director of the Centre for Independent Living (CILT) in Toronto. She has been working in the field of accessibility, disability, human rights, and education for more than 20 years and is a life-long disability justice advocate. Before joining CILT, Wendy was Manager of Episodic Disability Initiatives at Realize.
Dr. Kelly O’Brien
Dr. Kelly O’Brien, PhD, PT is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, at the University of Toronto and Co-Director of the Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID. She is a physical therapist and clinical epidemiologist and holds a Canada Research Chair in Episodic Disability and Rehabilitation. Kelly has had a long association with Realize and our work on episodic disability and rehabilitation.
Tammy C. Yates-Rajaduray
Tammy Yates-Rajaduray is the Executive Director of Realize. Prior to joining Realize, Tammy was the National Program Manager of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Trinidad & Tobago Branch Office. She has extensive experience in Gender & Development and Sexual & Reproductive Health, including HIV/AIDS, having worked previously as a Program Officer with the Secretariat of the Caribbean Regional Network of Persons Living With HIV (CRN+).
The event was moderated by Melissa Egan,
National Lead, Episodic Disabilities, Realize.