Accessibility Mapathon June 27th

Help make our city a more accessible place in time for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games!

The Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) at OCAD University  (http://idrc.ocad.ca/) has started a collaborative project with AXS Map (access map) (http://www.axsmap.com) to map the accessibility of stores and restaurants in regions hosting events for the 2015 PanAm and ParapanAm Games.We are using a simple process to rate businesses and public spaces on their accessibility to people with disabilities.  This information helps people with disabilities find accessible places, and enjoy our communities.

We are trying to map 1000 locations in Toronto BEFORE the games begin this summer. This is a HUGE undertaking and we could really use your help.

To help us meet our goal we are holding a Mapathon: a group effort to map as many locations as possible.

Where: OCAD Open Gallery, 49 McCaul St. Open Gallery

When: Saturday, June 27th  

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm – Introduction: learn about rating locations for accessibility and form teams.
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm – Mapathon: hit the streets to rate as many places as you can with your team members.
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm – Reception: join us for drinks, refreshments and prizes.

What you'll need: Please bring your smartphone if you have one with data/wifi connection, and download the AXS map app ahead of time if you can. If you don't have a smartphone, don't worry! We'll make sure to put you on a team with someone who does. You can join us on foot, by bike, or using any other mode of transportation of your choice.

If you have any questions, please email us at: dpereyra@ocadu.ca

Our New Home at Enables.Me!

To kick off 2015, we've moved all our blogs onto one platform with the name Enables.Me!

We're excited as our team grows to bring you stories and news on accessibility locally and around the world. Join us as we continue the journey at our new site!

Fashion Follows Form

Are you in a wheelchair? Do you have trouble finding clothes that fit you properly? Well I have a solution for you. There is a fashion designer who now has an adaptive clothing line. Her name is Izzy Camilleri. She designs clothes that are designed for a seated frame. Now, individuals who use a wheelchair don’t have to compromise when it comes to fashion. Her adaptive line is called IZ Adaptive. The clothes are for both women and men.

I myself have a few pieces. I love them. Not only do they look great, they are extremely comfortable. Every time I wear a piece, I get compliments. No one would ever know they were adaptive unless they looked closely or it was explained to them.

Her line of adaptive clothing ranges from t-shirts and jeans to dresses and suits.  Izzy’s clothes come in a variety of colours and patterns. For more information you can visit her website http://www.izadaptive.com She also has a store in the west end of Toronto.

The pictures included are: A leather biker jacket that separates for those with limited upper body mobility, a trench coat that is shorter in the back and longer in the front to make it easier to wear and jeans with an elastic in the back and made differently so it’s comfortable for a seated person.