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National disability initiative working group

National Disability Initiative: A 5-year project supporting Canadians with disabilities

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identifier for the National Disability Initiative, featuring the text “National Disability Initiative” in blue text, surrounded by 10 small circles in different colours

The National Disability Initiative Working Group is a 5-year initiative that was established in December 2024, thanks to The Slaight Family Foundation’s historic $30 million gift in support of Canadians with disabilities. Led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and Rick Hansen Foundation, the working group includes representatives from 11 grantee disability organizations and 4 community members with lived experience.

The National Disability Initiative Working Group will guide the collective impact of The Slaight Family Foundation’s transformational investment and collaborate to advance and amplify disability inclusion, accessibility and equity. The working group will also help facilitate cross-organizational partnerships and capacity building among all grantees. This philanthropy-funded effort does not replace any other national or regional network, coalition, committee or council focused on disability inclusion or accessibility.

Logos for all 11 National Disability Initiative grantee organizations, arranged in 1 row of 2 and 3 consecutive rows of 3
Logos for all 11 National Disability Initiative grantee organizations. From top to bottom: Holland Bloorview, Rick Hansen Foundation, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, CNIB, Canadian Women’s Foundation, Easter Seals Canada, Empowered Kids Ontario, Inclusion Canada, March of Dimes Canada, Ontario Disability Employment Network and Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
National Disability Initiative Working Group Members
  • Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Co-Chair
  • Hugh O’Reilly, Co-Chair
  • Ben Akuoko, Community Member with Living Expertise
  • Jay Baldwin, Community Member with Living Expertise
  • Alexis Holmgren, Community Member with Living Expertise
  • Jackie Palmer-McPherson, Community Member with Living Expertise
Leads
  • Doramy Ehling, CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation
  • Sandra Hawken, President and CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
  • Emma Evans, Officer, Engagement, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
Grantee Partner Representatives
  • The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work - Maureen Haan, President & CEO
  • CNIB - Kat Hamilton, Director, Advocacy and Campaigns
  • Canadian Women’s Foundation - Karen Campbell, Vice President, Community Initiatives
  • DAWN Canada - Bonnie Brayton, CEO
  • Easter Seals Canada - Rob Eatough, President and CEO
  • Empowered Kids Ontario - Jennifer Churchill, President & CEO
  • Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital - Joanne Maxwell, Vice President, Experience, Transformation and Social Accountability
  • Inclusion Canada - Krista Carr, CEO
  • March of Dimes Canada - Lesley Smith, Executive Director/Vice President, Skills Development and Employment
  • Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) - Amy Widdows, CEO – Interim
  • Rick Hansen Foundation - Matthew Shaw, Head, Accessibility Practice
  • Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility - JoAnn Bentley, Director, Accessibility Services
Holland Bloorview Foundation Supporting Staff
  • Mary Dickie, Philanthropy Writer, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
  • Jessica Coriat, Assistant, National Disability Initiative & Engagement, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
  • Brooke Bokser, Coordinator, Philanthropy, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
  • Dayna Bleeman, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
  • Christine Hill, Director, Engagement & Belonging, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation