Breaking Out of the Box

 Photo credit: Ameesha Joshi and Anna Sarkissianset Everyone loves an underdog story. However, when Montreal directors and producers Ameesha Joshi and Anna Sarkissianset set out to make their first feature-length film, they had no idea it would become an award-winning documentary. The idea for With This Ring struck when Joshi attended the

11th Annual Ottawa Peace Festival: Canada Loves Peace

 On September 21st through until October 2nd the United Nations International Day of Peace and Nonviolence will be united during the 11th Annual Ottawa Peace Festival. The festival is part of the Canadian Peace Initiative and this year’s theme explores Canada’s natural peaceful intent and orientation. The hosting organization, the

What Real Inclusion Looks Like

 How community building to include kids of all abilities is important for everyone. Getting to be a valued member of their community should be the norm for all kids – but for kids with autism, it is too frequently not the case. Media stories are full of parental struggles to

Jaw Slinky: A Joel of All Trades

 All photos by Andre Gagne. “This is my Jeep,” the musician in shades said reaching for the door. There was very little time for pleasantries. Even with the sunglasses you could tell he was exhausted. I shuffled my photography bag over my shoulder and slid in expecting my shoes to

Positive Environmental Forecast from an Unlikely Place

 Sylvain Bouchard, Polyform’s representative, holds plastic crystals made of recycled waste. The company recycles 5 million kg of plastic waste annually. All photos by Damira Davletyarova. I don’t own a cottage, or a house, so it was the free tickets and mere curiosity that brought me to Ottawa’s Cottage and Backyard Show

Ten Medical Expenses You Didn’t Know Were Eligible for the Medical Tax Credit

 As Canadians we like to take pride in our publicly funded healthcare system, but the truth is many of us – especially those with or caring for someone with disabilities or chronic conditions – pay out of pocket for a wide range of essential health services.  Studies show Canadians pay

Three Things the Federal Government Can Do to Improve the Registered Disability Savings Plan

 Many of us in the disability community were pleasantly surprised when the Liberal party promised to create a National Disabilities Act that would safeguard disability rights, reduce systemic barriers and establish a foundation of opportunity for those affected by disability.  Canada is an outlier among developed nations for not having

How to talk to a child with autism

 Three easy steps for making sure all children are included in the holiday festivities by Kathleen O’Grady   The holiday season means most of us will be socializing with colleagues and neighbours, friends and family.  Chances are good this circle of friendly acquaintances and loved ones will include a child