How a Spring Sprung a Multimillion-Dollar Idea: A Lesson in Creative Connections
This week is World Creativity and Innovation Week, and PMB wanted to offer some insights on generating creative ideas (with inspiration from some very talented people).
Insights &
Inflation. No friend to human services.
The current round of inflation was born out of the COVID crisis and caused by many issues (for example overseas supply chain challenges, healthy consumer bank accounts, consumers who despite inflation and global uncertainty still seem willing to spend, and wage increases to counter the Great Resignation, etc.). The February 2022 year on year inflation rate in Canada was 5.7% overall, a rate not seen since August of 1991.
Digital Inclusion – Worldwide Lessons during COVID
Last week we ran across a brand-new meta study on the digital inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities during COVID 19. This study reviewed 16 studies on this topic during COVID 19 (2020 – 2021) and also reached out to researchers worldwide to capture studies that haven’t been published yet. Given how many organizations had to switch on a dime to virtual service provision, it’s an important window into the effects of these efforts.
Pride and Influence
It had been a long time since I had spoken with Sam Forbes, a Community Living Toronto Influencer. We met virtually and had a wonderfully interesting conversation about what PRIDE means and how Sam would unlock inclusion in the community.
Interview with Judy Noonan
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a fellow Council member, Judy Noonan, who resides in Guelph, Ontario. We discussed positive changes to accessibility. I was also interested to learn about the experience Judy, and members from People 4 People, had using the WITHology method.
Accessibility is More than a Ramp
What do you need to do your job well? The accommodations a person requires to be successful at their job are as diverse as the people on the planet. The same job can be done in a variety of ways depending on a person’s needs.
People believed I could do it, so I believed in myself
As a person who has Down syndrome, I believe inclusive sport has grounded me with a strong foundation in life, allowing me to gain my goals over my lifetime. It has always been my philosophy to take small steps to reach the greater goal and to do a little bit everyday.
Who are the women in your life?
During this International Women’s Week, I have reflected on where I am today, and how I got here. I identify as a woman who has Down syndrome, as well as having invisible medical challenges as some of my intersectionalities. In many ways, I receive a lot of attitudes in society today related to my appearance.
Reach Out and Share
Who do you turn to? The Bell Let’s Talk Campaign started happening in 2011, to get people talking comfortably about mental health and mental illness. It is vital to share this topic because our mental health is just as important as our physical health. When talking about mental health, expressing emotions, talking through feelings with a person that you feel safe, then it is a way of coping with one’s stress
WITHinspiration Photo Project
This social enterprise is an opportunity for people with a disability to share their talents with the broader community and influence positive change in the supports they receive and in the human service.
WITHinspiration Exhibition
Join us while we showcase the artistic talent of photographers who have a disability in our 1-day-only free exhibit on June 2nd, 2022 at the Signal Brewery. Celebrate and experience the creative and thought-provoking photographs of PMB’s WITHInspiration Photo Project.
The Essentials on Co-Design for Human & Health Services
The term ‘co-design’ is surfacing in conversations, piquing people’s interests, and appearing on meeting agendas. What we are experiencing in our work is a strong desire by human and health services to learn more about the essentials