The work of being a positive advocate when facing intersecting, socially constructed, and systemic barriers to living a fulfilling life can feel heavy and isolating. It is important to find creative ways to collectively advocate and share your message with people in elected positions and positions of power that impact accessibility and opportunities for autistic adults, people with developmental disabilities, and their parents and siblings. In this discussion, our panelists will share their own journeys and perspectives of navigating systemic barriers while engaging in positive advocacy with elected officials and within systems to affect positive change.
Panelists: Sherron Grant
Sherron Grant, M.Ed. is an educator, advocate for persons with special needs and the co-founder of Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support (formerly The Black Parents of Children and Adults with a Disability Support Group). Sherron is a caregiver and supports families, volunteers and advocates for persons living with various disabilities, to be recognized for their valuable contributions to society and emphasizes the benefit we all experience when eliminating barriers for others. Sherron is the 2020 recipient of the Community Living Toronto Jim Turner Award for Outstanding Voluntarism.
Charlene Davidson
Charlene Davidson is a sibling of a person who has a developmental disability. She was born and raised in Ontario and now lives in Ottawa with her husband and two children. Her brother also lives in Ottawa in independent living with supports. Charlene acts as an advocate for her brother and is a participant in the Sibling Collaborative, a group that unites and strengthens siblings by building networks of peer support and sharing experiences with each other, families, social service agencies, organizations and beyond. Charlene holds degrees from the University of Toronto, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. Charlene is also a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and was called to the Bar in 2008.
Courtney Weaver
Courtney Weaver is an individual (also self-advocate) who is very much engaged in the field of autism and accessibility. After obtaining a Masters in Critical Disability Studies at York University in 2017, she has consistently done a variety of work roles in the aforementioned field. A few of her current ones include office assistant to MP Mike Lake, Housing Through an Autism Lens (HAL) Solutions Lab self-advocate advisor and project coordinator for the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance’s (CASDA’s) Work from Home project.
Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.