On October 18th-19th 2012 OCASI brought together the Accessibility Training and the Positive Space Initiative in London, ON for a two day conference to discuss issues facing newcomers living with disabilities who also identify as being a member of the LGBTQ community.
The training was a great opportunity to discuss various intersectionalities we encounter within the settlement sector and bring greater attention to this group of individuals. The OCASI team along with with frontline workers, managers and Executive Directors had an opportunity to discuss what we can actively do in the settlement sector to support these individuals. Key elements of the training and discussion focused on: understanding barriers to services, exclusion and stigma that affect newcomers seeking assistance from the community because of being labelled as a person with a disability as well as being a member of the LGBTQ community.
For more information about the project and how you can create a welcoming and accessible space, please visit us at: http://wiki.settlementatwork.org/wiki/Welcoming_and_Inclusive_Communities:_Accessibility_Project