The Disability Justice Network of Ontario is a provincial disability organization that seeks to build a just and accessible Ontario, wherein disabled people can build the power, capacity, and skills needed to hold people, communities, and institutions responsible for the spaces they create. DJNO seeks to foster disabled community capacity through working collaboratively with local community members, movements and organizations to seek equity and justice for people with disabilities. Our work goes beyond current legislation to prioritize access, empowerment and liberation for people with disabilities, including the creation of sustainable support systems.
The DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN-RAFH) Canada is a national, feminist, cross-disability organization whose mission is to end the poverty, isolation, discrimination and violence experienced by Canadian women with disabilities and Deaf women. DAWN-RAFH is an organization that works towards the advancement and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities and Deaf women in Canada. Our overarching strategic theme is one of leadership, partnership and networking to engage all levels of government and the wider disability and women’s sectors and other stakeholders in addressing our key issues.
SSAO is an incorporated non-profit social advocacy organization formed in March, 2020 in response to the carnage in long-term care facilities during the pandemic. It is comprised entirely of volunteers from across the province who donate countless hours advancing the objectives of aging in place and creating inclusive, welcoming communities by writing Op Ed pieces for major newspapers, research and policy papers, editorials, letters and briefs to government, holding online educational events, and by engaging with the press and forming partnerships with other like-minded organizations. Many of its co-founders were leaders in advocating for the closure of large facilities for people with developmental disabilities decades ago. This has led to a strong organizational commitment to advocacy for the creation of non-profit in-home and community-based residential alternatives to institutions, and direct funding options to empower individuals and their families. With over 1200 members in Ontario, SSAO has become a strong voice for a new generation of older adults.
Home Care Workers Co-operative
HCWC is a woman only run and operated worker coop. We chose this pathway of ownership because we believe in gender parity, innovation, overall economic growth and female economic empowerment. HCWC puts people over profit. Period. As a not for profit worker coop, quality care for clients, and fairly compensated meaningful work for PSWs is what motivates us. A worker coop provides PSWs a democratic voice at the decision making table, and a real pathway to ownership. PSW members are the owners of HCWC, and therefore control and manage the capital of the coop. The membership decides on wages, bonuses, sick days, education funds. Those who are most affected by these decisions are the ones making them.
Reimagining Dementia
Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice is an international group of people living with dementia, carers/care partners, family and community members, dementia activists and allies, health professionals, advocates, artists, academics, policymakers, and others.
We share a vision of care and support that promotes inclusion, relationships, creativity, joy and the possibility of growth for everyone impacted by dementia.
Migrants Resource Centre Canada (MRCC) is a registered non-profit service institution that aims to empower migrant workers through service, information, and advocacy. Our mission is to help improve the lives of migrant and immigrant workers by advancing their rights and dignity while working and living in Canada. At MRCC, we uphold migrant workers as key actors while we maintain a support role in capacity building and cooperative action towards workers’ full participation into Canadian society.
Alessia Di Virgilio
Alessia Di Virgilio is a direct care recipient with experience receiving provincial funded care, self-directed care and institutional care. An activist and an advocate, Alessia believes in the potential and essential need for a transformative approach to care. Alessia’s currently completing their Master of Social Work at Laurier.
Towards Just Care 