Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) — an opportunity to recognize Canadians with disabilities, while also raising awareness of the need for greater accessibility and inclusion in our communities. This year, Nellie’s is marking the occasion with a powerful art exhibit featuring the inspiring works of our Women on the Move clients.

Designed to address the gap in services for women with physical disabilities who have experienced abuse, our Women on the Move program relaunched in November 2023 with a new cohort of 25 women enrolled in the program, with a consistent 10 participants. The twice-monthly program provides an opportunity for women to come together and chat in a safe space with their peers. Co-led and developed by Lucy DaCosta, a long-time facilitator in the disability advocacy space, the program features educational workshops, special activities like healing art projects, and social outings to attractions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario.

While we’re only about six months into our revived program, the response has been overwhelming — we already have another 25 women anxiously waiting to join in. Our goal is to provide care to as many women who need this counselling, and then become a leading advocate in the disability sector by training staff in other shelters throughout the GTA as well. Women with disabilities are up to 10 times more likely to be victimized than able-bodied women, and the gap in services for these women is immense. We’re proud to be helping lead the change.

Throughout their sessions, Lucy encourages participants to acknowledge their strengths and celebrate their successes which don’t get recognized or validated living in an ableist society. One of the ways she accomplishes this is through expressive art projects, such as those being displayed at the Women on the Move Art Exhibition. “[Art projects] are very validating, and connect with you at a much deeper level than simple words ever could,” explains Lucy.

For this exhibit, the goal of the participants was to express their feelings, lived experience, and hope for change through art — while also bringing this conversation to a public space where people can learn about the experiences of those with disabilities.

Please join us at Metro Hall (55 John St. in Toronto) on May 28, 2024 from 1-6pm to view these inspiring projects — there will also be a special presentation and reception at 5pm. Attendant services will be provided. To RSVP, please email Lucy.