Sudbury disabilities conference calls for inclusivity for all
The 13th annual Persons with Disabilities Breakfast and Conference was held in Sudbury on Thursday.
The event is in honour of International Day of Persons With Disabilities, which is celebrated on Dec. 3.
Dozens of people gathered at the Holiday Inn to listen to speakers share their stories and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
The event was organized by Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin, which offers services, programs and support for those living with disabilities.
“It’s about being included, being free, being part of the community and not being viewed differently,” said Ritchy Dube, executive director of Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin.
Pure Country 91.7 program director and on-air host Bryan Cooper was the keynote speaker. He shared his ongoing struggle with anxiety and depersonalization disorder, a condition that makes you feel as though your surroundings aren’t real.
“Mentally, I feel like I’m not fully present,” Cooper said.
“That’s the best way I can describe it. I’m able to function, I’m able to cope, but that is exactly what I’ve been dealing with for 10 years.”
He said that being open with those around him has helped him tremendously, and encouraged those in need to seek help.
“You’re not alone, as cliché as that sounds,” he added. “That’s what I’ve come to realize through all this.”
Another speaker was Amy Adair who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility. She works full-time at a long-term care home and volunteers with the Easter Seals in her spare time.
“I love what I do. My day is full of smiles,” Adair said.
While finding a job was difficult, she encouraged everyone to keep trying.
“Keep trying, keep fighting,” she said.
“There are companies, there are people willing to hire with disabilities.”
She said you have to find the right people to work with -- and work for.
“You have the right to live the life you want and work wherever you want with whatever education you have,” Adair added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.