CWDO expresses our deepest gratitude to all those who served our country and continue to do so.

We especially acknowledge our veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and our alliance with Courageous Companions, a registered charity which provides quality trained certified service dogs to military veterans and first responders.

Lest we forget our fallen, wounded and those living with the trauma endured in service to our country, and to us.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Service Dog is an informative blog by Sinead Zalitach, CWDO Board member.

If you are thinking about getting a service dog (or you know someone who is) do yourself a favour and learn from Sinead's experience.

Here's a chance to share your thoughts:

1. Flash Poll #3 How long do you have to wait for equipment repairs?
2. Flash Poll #2 The AODA - Has the government done enough?
3. Flash Poll #1 Who Should Act Disabled?

Ontario-wide News September 23, 2019 *NEW!*

Arts & Disability News August 2, 2019 *NEW!*

Missed a newsletter? See what you've been missing!

• Assistive Devices & Technology News August 1, 2019
• Accessibility News July 12, 2019
• Employment News June 5, 2019
• Toronto News January 22, 2019

Read recent past issues of all CWDO newsletters.

CWDO's Board for 2019-2020

CWDO has a new board in place for the coming year!

Tracy Odell takes on the President's position as we express our thanks to Michele Gardner, who is leaving the board after serving as President since June, 2017.

Thanks to Michele for her dedication to CWDO, and welcome Tracy to your new role!

Read the full bios of all CWDO's Board Members.

Read CWDO's Accomplishments Report (2018-2019)

"I wish I had known about this before!"

"Why can't somebody give me a user's manual?"

Welcome to CWDO's Guides for People Who Are Newly Disabled! Each guide is full of information to help you navigate this new world with more knowledge and confidence.

• The Ontario version has information that applies to the entire province.
• The Toronto version has additional content unique to Toronto as well as all the information included in the Ontario version.

"I have been disabled for a long time, but still I learned a lot from these guides."

CWDO would like to hear from you! What else should be included in the guide? Has information become out of date? We will make guides for other areas available as we receive information from our members. Just email CWDO at cwdo@tbaytel.net.

As this project unfolds over the next 18 months, we will build a comprehensive picture of Ontario programs, policies, services and activities that improve or limit the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities. The project focuses on several key areas of participation including employment, human rights, transportation, access and inclusion legislation, technology, international issues, and ending of life ethics.

Please refer to the links below to all of the reports.

• Read Report #1.
• Read Report #2.
• Read Report #3.
• Read Report #4.
• Read Report #5.
• Read Report #6
• Plain Language Summary

CWDO writes decision-makers to raise awareness and encourage positive change.

• NEW ! CWDO Response to the Information & Communication Standards Review 2019
• Submission on the Accessible Canada Act
• Submission on the 3rd AODA Review (2018)
• Submission on the 2nd AODA Review (2014)
• Letters to all Federal MPs in Ontario ridings on physician-assisted suicide
• Letter to Canada Post about phasing out door-to-door service
• Letter to Premier about the need for attendant supports in the workplace
• Letter about Direct Funding expansion, planned mergers and need to protect consumers
• Letter about the need for AODA complaint mechanism
• Letter to Greyhound about poor accessibility
  • Greyhound's response to CWDO