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Past Events

The Disability Artisan Market graphic, featuring a light blue background with white clouds. The graphic reads “The Disability Artisan Market” in cursive blue font above a light pink booth with various crafts inside.

[Image Description: The Disability Artisan Market graphic, featuring a light blue background with white clouds. At the top are the words “The Disability Artisan Market” in a cursive blue font. At the top left and right corners are multicoloured tassel banners. At the bottom left and right corners are green trees, and at the bottom is grass. In the centre of the grass is a light pink booth with a multicoloured tassel banner on top. In the centre of the booth are various crafts, and underneath is a string of lights. Below are The Disability Collective and the Wagner-Green Centre for Access and Inclusion logos. To the left and right of the booths are several shopping bags in pink, blue, and purple]

The Disability Artisan Market

Sunday, August 27
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dufferin Grove Park
875 Dufferin Street, Toronto

After the incredibly successful inaugural Disability Holiday Market in December 2022, The Disability Collective and the Wagner-Green Centre for Access and Inclusion are thrilled to present The Disability Artisan Market!  This event will feature work created solely by disabled artists. Stop by to shop arts and crafts made by local disabled artists and enjoy food & drinks from community vendors!

The Disability Artisan Market will allow disabled artists to showcase and sell their work in a fun and community-driven environment. This family-friendly event will be a fun and exciting opportunity for the community to come together to experience and engage in art.

Join us for FREE on Sunday, August 27 at Dufferin Grove Park!

ASL interpreters and ASL volunteers were available. Sighted guides were available.

The CripCab graphic, featuring a pastel pink and purple background with a Y2K computer feel. In the top left corner, there is a geometric rainbow shape with the words “The Disability Collective” layered on top of it. The centre of the graphic reads “Pride Made Accessible, CripCab, A Queer and Disability-Led Cabaret” inside multiple layered shapes made to look like a retro pastel computer browser. The bottom of the graphic reads “PWYC (Pay What You Can) Tickets, June 21, 2023, 8 PM, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, thedisabilitycollective.com”.

[Image Description: The CripCab graphic, featuring a faded pastel pink and purple background with a Y2K computer feel. In the top left corner, there is a geometric rainbow shape with the words “The Disability Collective” layered on top of it in thin black text inside of a white box. In the centre of the graphic is a large white box made to look like a computer browser. The top of the box reads “Pride Made Accessible” in black font in a red box intended to look like the address bar. The centre of the box reads “CripCab” in bold black font with a pastel purple shadow. Layered on top of the box in the bottom right corner is another box layered with yellow and red squares, made to look like an additional browser tab that reads “A Queer and Disability-Led Cabaret” in black font. Below and to the left is a small white curved shape that reads “PWYC (Pay What You Can) Tickets” in black font, and just below that in the centre is a white oval with a green shadow that reads “June 21, 2023, 8 PM” in black and orange font. The bottom of the graphic reads “Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, thedisabilitycollective.com” in black font]

CripCab

Wednesday, June 21
8 PM EDT

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street, Toronto

Introducing CripCab, a new variety show celebrating queer and disabled performers as part of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre’s 2023 Queer Pride Festival! Join us in-person at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre or online via livestream at thedisabilitycollective.com on Wednesday, June 21 at 8 PM EDT as we celebrate the intersectionality of queer and disabled identities!

Be sure to stay tuned as we announce the lineup for the show!

As their Emerging Company in Residence, we are thrilled to be back at Buddies to create a safe and inclusive space for queer disabled folks in our community!

ASL interpretation was provided.

The Write Us In graphic, featuring a selection of newspaper clippings in the background. There is an off-white box in front of the background with the words “Write Us In”, “the intersection of disability and queerness in literature”, “a virtual reading and Q&A with disabled and queer writers”, “April 20, 2023 - 8 PM EDT”, “Pay What You Can”, and “thedisabilitycollective.com/tickets” in a typewriter font”. To the right are three dark blue polaroids featuring the two writers and one host.

[Image Description: The Write Us In graphic, featuring a selection of newspaper clippings in the background. There is an off-white box in front of the background with ripped edges. At the top of the box are the words “Write Us In” in white font. Each word is in a separate dark blue box. Below are the words “the intersection of disability and queerness in literature” in blue font. Underneath are the words “a virtual reading and Q&A with disabled and queer writers” in white font inside of a light blue box. The box has a light shadow and two yellow pieces of tape on the left and right of the box. Below beside a small calendar icon are the words “April 20, 2023 - 8 PM EDT”, the words “Pay What You Can” beside a small circle with a dollar sign, and the words “thedisabilitycollective.com/tickets” beside a small ticket icon in blue font. All text is in a typewriter font. To the right of the off-white box are three dark blue polaroids featuring the two writers and one host. Underneath each photo in the polaroid is their name in white font inside of a light blue box. At the top is a vertical portrait of Allison Blevins, a smiling white queer woman with a pearl necklace and bracelet. She is wearing a gray cotton v-neck dress with three-quarter sleeves. Green trees are visible in the background. In the middle is a portrait of Travis Chi Wing Lau, a Chinese American gay man wearing brown colored glasses and stud earrings. He is wearing a wine-colored suit jacket with a black shirt. In the background is fall foliage. At the bottom is Dustin Brookshire, a smiling person wearing a black shirt with the words “Barbie” in pink font. He is standing in front of a bookcase]

Write Us In

The Intersection of Disability and Queerness in Literature

Thursday, April 20
8 PM EDT

Online

ASL
Interpretation

The Disability Collective is thrilled to host Write Us In: The Intersection of Disability and Queerness in Literature, a virtual reading and Q&A with disabled and queer writers! Join us on Thursday, April 20th at 8 PM EDT to take part in this interactive event featuring authors Allison Blevins and Travis Chi Wing Lau, moderated by Dustin Brookshire.

ASL interpretation and captions were provided at this event.

The CRIPtonite graphic, featuring a dark background with small white stars and faded shades of pink and purple. In the top left corner are the words "The Disability Collective" in white font surrounded by a thin white box. In the top right corner in a small circle are the words "Pay What You Can Tickets" in white capital letters. In the centre is a large white, pink, and purple iridescent triangle with the words "CRIPtonite, A Drag & Burlesque Variety Show" inside it. "CRIP" is in bold capital white letters with a pink border and "Tonite" is in a lowercase cursive blue. Underneath the triangle, the graphic reads "Saturday, March 25 - 8 pm”, “In Person: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre”, and “Online: “Livestream Available”. In the bottom right corner is an image of the sign for interpreter with “ASL Interpretation” written underneath it, and in the bottom left corner is an image of a face mask with “Masks Required” written underneath it.

[Image Description: The CRIPtonite graphic, featuring a dark background with small white stars and faded shades of pink and purple. In the top left corner are the words "The Disability Collective" in white font surrounded by a thin white box. In the top right corner are the words "thedisabilitycollective.com" in white font. Underneath in a small circle are the words "Pay What You Can Tickets" in white capital letters. In the centre is a large white, pink, and purple iridescent triangle with the words "CRIPtonite, A Drag & Burlesque Variety Show" inside it. "CRIP" is in bold capital white letters with a pink border and "Tonite" is in a lowercase cursive blue. Underneath the triangle, the graphic reads "Saturday, March 25 - 8 pm" in white font inside of a pink box, and "In Person: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre" and "Online: Livestream Available" in blue font. In the bottom right corner is a small image of the sign for interpreter with "ASL Interpretation" written underneath it in white. In the bottom left corner is a small image of a face mask with "Masks Required" written underneath it in white]

CRIPtonite

Saturday, March 25
8 PM

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street, Toronto

Introducing CRIPtonite, a new drag and burlesque show featuring disabled performers! Join us in-person at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre or online via livestream at thedisabilitycollective.com on Saturday, March 25 at 8 PM as we celebrate the intersectionality of queer and disabled identities!

Featuring an incredible selection of disabled drag and burlesque performers, CRIPtonite will be a night to remember! Be sure to stay tuned as we announce the lineup for the show!

As their Emerging Company in Residence, we are thrilled to be working closely with Buddies to create a safe and inclusive space for queer disabled folks in our community!

ASL interpretation was provided.

The Disability Holiday Market graphic, featuring a white background with cream-coloured snowflakes. At the top are the words "The Disability Collective & Wagner-Green Centre for Access and Inclusion present" in capital letters. Below are the words "The Disability Holiday Market" in a cursive font. Below are the words "Sunday, December 18, 2022", "Artscape Wychwood Barns", "Crafts | Food & Drinks | Gifts", and "Free Admission", all in capital letters. All text is in blue. At the top left and right corners are bunches of flowers in red, cream, and grey colours. At the bottom left and right corners are green evergreen trees. At the bottom is a layer of cream-coloured snow. In the centre of the snow is a blue booth with snow and a sprig of holly on top. The roof of the booth has dark blue vertical lines on it. In the centre of the booth is a kinara, mittens, a snow globe, a cake on a cake stand, a plate of jelly donuts, a menorah, and a dreidel. Underneath is a string of lights.

[Image Description: The Disability Holiday Market graphic, featuring a white background with cream-coloured snowflakes. At the top are the words "The Disability Collective & Wagner-Green Centre for Access and Inclusion present" in capital letters. Below are the words "The Disability Holiday Market" in a cursive font. Below are the words "Sunday, December 18, 2022", "Artscape Wychwood Barns", "Crafts | Food & Drinks | Gifts", and "Free Admission", all in capital letters. All text is in blue. At the top left and right corners are bunches of flowers in red, cream, and grey colours. At the bottom left and right corners are green evergreen trees. At the bottom is a layer of cream-coloured snow. In the centre of the snow is a blue booth with snow and a sprig of holly on top. The roof of the booth has dark blue vertical lines on it. In the centre of the booth is a kinara, mittens, a snow globe, a cake on a cake stand, a plate of jelly donuts, a menorah, and a dreidel. Underneath is a string of lights. Below are The Disability Collective and the Miles Nadal JCC logos. Below the booth are the words "thedisabilitycollective.com". To the left and right of the booths are stacks of wrapped presents in blue, white, and yellow hues. Beside the presents on either side are groups of people smiling and enjoying the market]

The Disability Holiday Market

Sunday, December 18
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street, Toronto

Introducing The Disability Holiday Market, presented by The Disability Collective and Wagner-Green Centre for Access and Inclusion! This brand new event will feature work created by disabled artists while celebrating the diversity of the holiday season in Toronto. Stop by to shop arts and crafts made by local disabled artists, participate in community-building events such as a card making station, and enjoy food & drinks from community vendors to keep you warm and cozy!

The Disability Holiday Market will allow disabled artists to showcase and sell their work in a fun and community-driven environment, while celebrating the holiday spirit. This family-friendly event will be a fun and festive opportunity for the community to come together, experience and engage in art, and enjoy the holiday season.

An ASL interpreter and ASL volunteers were available. Sighted guides were available. A quiet space was available for folks to take a break from the market. Sensory and fidget toys were provided.

The What Happened to You? graphic, featuring a sky blue background with white clouds. In the centre is a yellow donation bin. At the top of the donation bin are the words "The Disability Collective" in black font inside of a thin box. Below is the word "presents", also in black font. In the centre of the donation bin are the words "What Happened to You?" in capital letters in red font on top of off-white textured paper with tape on the top left and bottom right corners. Below the box are the words "Created by Nikki Charlesworth" in capital letters in black font. Three puppets peek out of the top of the donation bin. On the left is Noodles, a yellow non-binary puppet wearing red overalls. In the middle is Little Red, a red puppet girl in a patchwork dress. On the right is Bo, a blue puppet boy wearing a polka dot two-piece. At the bottom of the graphic is green grass with trees and flowers coming out.

[Image Description: The What Happened to You? graphic, featuring a sky blue background with white clouds. In the centre is a yellow donation bin. At the top of the donation bin are the words "The Disability Collective" in black font inside of a thin box. Below is the word "presents", also in black font. In the centre of the donation bin are the words "What Happened to You?" in capital letters in red font on top of off-white textured paper with tape on the top left and bottom right corners. Below the box are the words "Created by Nikki Charlesworth" in capital letters in black font. Three puppets peek out of the top of the donation bin. On the left is Noodles, a yellow non-binary puppet wearing red overalls. In the middle is Little Red, a red puppet girl in a patchwork dress. On the right is Bo, a blue puppet boy wearing a polka dot two-piece. At the bottom of the graphic is green grass with trees and flowers coming out. Over top of the grass are the words "The Toronto premiere of a new, heart-warming piece of puppet theatre for children and their families" in capital letters in white font. Below this are the words "Join Nikki and her team for a puppet making workshop before the show!" in white font. At the top left corner of the graphic is the Arts Council England logo in black. At the top right of the graphic is the Roseneath Theatre logo in red]

What Happened to You?

Saturday, August 20th
& Sunday, August 21st

12:30 PM Workshop
2:00PM Show

Tarragon Theatre
30 Bridgman Avenue, Toronto

What Happened to You? is a new, heart-warming piece of puppet theatre for children and their families, coming to Toronto this summer from the UK! Created semi-autobiographically, puppet designer Nikki Charlesworth challenges the fundamental laws of traditional puppetry by making puppets that reflect her own disability, and moves as she moves.

What Happened to You? also features creative use of Audio Description, embedded into the original score, and integrated American Sign Language by a Deaf actor, which introduces children to enhanced access.

The Hack Your Wardrobe graphic, featuring a dark forest green background with a light green watercolour paint swatch on the right. At the top of the graphic are the words "Hack Your Wardrobe" in a white handwritten font. All other font is white and in sans serif. Directly underneath the title are the words "A Sustainable and Accessible Clothing Workshop". Below that is a white line, and below that are the words "Earth Day - Friday, April 22 at 6 PM EDT, thedisabilitycollective.com/tickets”. To the right are the words "with Sky Cubacub from Rebirth Garments”. To the right of this is a circular image of Sky, wearing a bright, multi-coloured outfit and smiling. At the bottom of the image are The Disability Collective, Rebirth Garments, and Canadian Green Alliance logos overtop a transparent white box.

Hack Your Wardrobe: A Sustainable and Accessible Workshop

Friday, April 22, 2022 at 6pm Eastern Daylight Time

​

Captions were provided at this event.

The Disability Collective and Canadian Green Alliance are thrilled to host Hack Your Wardrobe: A Sustainable and Accessible Clothing Workshop, led by Sky Cubacub of Rebirth Garments! Join us on Earth Day to take part in this interactive event.

Photo of Sky by Grace DuVal

[Image Description: The Hack Your Wardrobe graphic, featuring a dark forest green background with a light green watercolour paint swatch on the right. At the top of the graphic are the words "Hack Your Wardrobe" in a white handwritten font. All other font is white and in sans serif. Directly underneath the title are the words "A Sustainable and Accessible Clothing Workshop". Below that is a white line, and below that are the words "Earth Day - Friday, April 22 at 6 PM EDT, thedisabilitycollective.com/tickets”. To the right are the words "with Sky Cubacub from Rebirth Garments”. To the right of this is a circular image of Sky, wearing a bright, multi-coloured outfit and smiling. At the bottom of the image are The Disability Collective, Rebirth Garments, and Canadian Green Alliance logos overtop a transparent white box]

The Able to Disabled Screening graphic, featuring a pink watercolour paint swatch overtop of a linen textured background. On the top left is The Disability Collective logo and the word "presents", and underneath is written "a screening of Kim Kitchen's Able to Disabled: My Changing Landscape followed by a discussion and Q&A session with the artist". Our website "thedisabilitycollective.com" is at the bottom left corner. On the right is a circular photo of Kim looking up at the camera, wearing a purple, green, and coral sleeveless summer blouse. Underneath is written "Thursday, May 27 at 7 PM EST". All text is dark purple.

[Image Description: The Able to Disabled Screening graphic, featuring a pink watercolour paint swatch overtop of a linen textured background. On the top left is The Disability Collective logo and the word "presents", and underneath is written "a screening of Kim Kitchen's Able to Disabled: My Changing Landscape followed by a discussion and Q&A session with the artist". Our website "thedisabilitycollective.com" is at the bottom left corner. On the right is a circular photo of Kim looking up at the camera, wearing a purple, green, and coral sleeveless summer blouse. Underneath is written "Thursday, May 27 at 7 PM EST". All text is dark purple]

A Screening of Able to Disabled: My Changing Landscape

Thursday, May 27th, 2021 at 7pm Eastern Standard Time

​

Captions were provided at this event. Kim's piece included ASL interpretation.

The Disability Collective is proud to present a screening of Kim Kitchen’s Able to Disabled: My Changing Landscape! Join us on Thursday, May 27th at 7 PM EST to collectively watch Kim Kitchen’s soundscape piece, followed by a discussion and Q&A session with Kim.

 

Able to Disabled: My Changing Landscape conveys insurmountable moments of grief, loss, and transformation amid testable adaptability and embrace. Anchored in her reality, the narrative emerges, depicting a vivid story and complexity within the composition. Through the art of shaping sound, Kim shares her process and insights of these life changing years. At its core, Able to Disabled: My Changing Landscape recounts a personal process of transformation, re-configuration of identity, and the work of letting go to then let in.

A green watercolour background. Overtop in white are the words “The Disability Collective, Cooking with Keze, An Earth Day Celebration. Below are images of stuffed eggplants and of spinach corn fritters

[Image Description: A green watercolour background. Overtop in white are the words “The Disability Collective, Cooking with Keze, An Earth Day Celebration. Below are images of stuffed eggplants and of spinach corn fritters]

Cooking with Keze: An Earth Day Celebration

​

Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 at 6pm Eastern Standard Time

 

Captions were provided at this event.

Join award-winning disabled chef, Keze Whitlow, for a virtual cooking class where she will teach you how to make two recipe from her upcoming vegan recipe eBook: Spinach Corn Fritters and Veggie Stuffed Eggplant! This class will take place on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd, at 6 PM EST to celebrate the positive impact that cooking plant-based meals can have on our planet.

​

This event will raise proceeds for The Disability Collective, as well as for Sundance Harvest, a year-round and ecological urban farm that’s rooted in food justice, located in Toronto, Ontario. Sundance Harvest runs a free urban agriculture mentorship program called Growing in the Margins, which nurtures and grows the farm projects of BIPOC, 2LGBTQIA+, and youth with disabilities from seed to harvest. To learn more about Sundance Harvest, visit their website.

The ART IS MOVEMENT graphic, featuring the words "The Disability Collective presents" at the top left, a turquoise paint swatch in the centre with the words "ART IS MOVEMENT" written in capital letters, and "a virtual showcase and fundraiser" written at the bottom right. All text is written in black. The background has a light texture with small lines and dots

ART IS MOVEMENT: A Virtual Showcase and Fundraiser

 

Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at 7pm Eastern Standard Time

 

ASL interpretation and captions were provided at this event.

An online celebration of disabled artists and creators.

Missed the showcase? Watch it now!

 

Want to support the artists? Donate now!

[Image Description: The ART IS MOVEMENT graphic, featuring the words "The Disability Collective presents" at the top left, a turquoise paint swatch in the centre with the words "ART IS MOVEMENT" written in capital letters, and "a virtual showcase and fundraiser" written at the bottom right. All text is written in black. The background has a light texture with small lines and dots]

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