Teenage years are often thought of as a time for exploration, rebellion, and asserting individuality. This program explores that pivotal period of life through the lens of Disability.

Making Space: Stories of Disabled Youth in the GTA is a two-part online storytelling event series exploring the past and present experiences of disabled and chronically ill youth growing up in Toronto. Featuring personal narratives and artwork, this program is a space for recognition, solidarity, and celebration, exploring how the landscape for disabled youth has shifted over time.

This exhibit and event series is in partnership with ReelAbilities Film Festival of Toronto and the Miles Nadal JCC , and is curated by Ophira Calof.

Part One: Thursday March 11, 7-8:15pm EDT.

In the not so distant past, it was common for disabled people to live their lives in institutions. In fact, the last government run institutions for people with intellectual disabilities in Ontario did not close until 2009.

This storytelling event will bring to light stories from the 1960s-1980s as calls for deinstitutionalization and disability rights policy were gaining momentum, and an activist movement towards community living was gaining ground.

Featured storytellers include: Tracy Odell, Fran Odette, Frank Hull, Shahnaz Stri, Peter Park and Heather Willis.