Register for ARCH Disability Law Centre’s Human Rights Day Panel Discussion
People with intellectual, developmental and cognitive disabilities have the right to live in their communities, make choices about their lives and access the supports they need. Yet, many people continue to face long waitlists, limited housing options and barriers to accessing the services and supports they need.
Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes the right of people with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others.
Join ARCH Disability Law Centre on Thursday, December 10th at 4:00 p.m. for a Human Rights Day panel discussion about recognizing people with disabilities as rights holders, rather than recipients of charity or assistance. This panel will explore the importance of having control over decisions about one’s own life, being heard and respected, having choice in the services and supports received, and ensuring people with disabilities have a say in shaping the systems that affect them.
Moderators:
- Michael Gottheil – ARCH Disability Law Centre’s Senior Counsel
- Jessica Field – Community Outreach and Education Coordinator
Panelists:
- Dr. Dustin Galer – Award-winning writer, biographer, and historian.
- Tara Gibson – Respecting Rights member and disability advocate.
- Dr. Natasha Spassiani – Scientist with the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Presenter Bios
Dr. Dustin Galer
Dr. Galer is an award-winning writer, biographer and historian with a doctorate in History from the University of Toronto. His professional background includes experience in social services, research and policy development. His work explores disability history and disability rights in Canada. His latest book, Blame: Death, Disability, and the Search for Justice for Guy Mitchell, examines the life and death of Guy Mitchell and raises important questions about accountability and the responsibilities of organizations and systems supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
Tara Gibson
Tara Gibson is a volunteer with ARCH’s Respecting Rights project, where she helps educate people with intellectual or developmental disabilities about their decision-making rights. She also serves on the Bellwood’s Community Advisory Council, advising on issues residents face with housing and attendant care services. Living with Cerebral Palsy, a learning disability, and visual impairment, Tara brings passion and valuable perspective to disability rights advocacy.
Dr. Natasha Spassiani
Dr. Spassiani is a scientist with the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. She is an internationally recognized researcher in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Spassiani earned her PhD in Disability Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and has held academic appointments in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, including positions at Trinity College Dublin and Edinburgh Napier University. She holds an Honorary Research Consultant position in Intellectual Disabilities within the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland, where she contributes to advancing the delivery of both scheduled and unscheduled care for adults with IDD.
ASL interpretation and live captioning will be provided.
To register for this event please visit: ARCH’s Human Rights Day Panel Discussion Registration link