Join us this month as we come together to celebrate the first annual 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.
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.