This free virtual series asks what it takes to build a vibrant, responsive and inclusive democracy in Canada. The objective of the series is to answer some of the biggest questions and concerns we have about democracy, political power, and our capacity for a just and effective response to societal challenges. At The Democratic Engagement Exchange, we bring together innovative community leaders, dedicated public servants, and leading scholars from across Canada.
Episode 2: Empowerment through Accessibility: Towards Inclusive Democratic Engagement for People with Disabilities
With Gary Malkowski, Former Ontario MPP
Co-presented by Ryerson University Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Presented in partnership with Elections Canada
DATE: Tuesday, February 9th
TIME: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
There is a systemic exclusion of people with disabilities from political participation. Equal access to exercising their right to civic engagement and political participation are among the barriers that people with disabilities face in our society. How do we build an inclusive democratic process that is reflective of the needs of people with disabilities?
Join us in conversation with Gary Malkowski, Canada’s first deaf parliamentarian and an advocate for people with disabilities. Gary Malkowski was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1990, where he was the first deaf parliamentarian to address a legislature in sign language. He has since been a tireless advocate for human rights and anti-discrimination. Gary will share his inspiring story and offer insights on how we can foster civic engagement for people living with disabilities.
This event will include live sign language interpretation.
About our speaker
Gary Malkowski is a former Canadian provincial politician. He represented the riding of York East in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1990 to 1995, as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP). He was Canada’s first deaf parliamentarian, and the first deaf person in the world to address a legislature in sign language.
Gary is an internationally recognized speaker and leader with an extensive track record in human rights, anti-discrimination, Deaf and disability advocacy work provincially and nationally.
Gary engages and entertains while challenging audiences to embrace diversity and inclusion, and values the ability of every person’s contribution. In a typical year, he addresses dozens of groups and hundreds of individuals on employability and civil responsibility as a person who is Deaf. Gary is married to Karen Walker and they currently reside in Toronto, Canada. Gary is a father to six children.
Please click HERE for more information about Gary's book.