SBA Programming and Events
- American Sign Language 101 – Waitlist open
- SBA Levy Opt Out Hours (January 9 – 27)
- Crafternoon – Tomorrow
- Monthly Lunch
- Advocacy Committee Meeting
- The Muslims are Coming!
- Surviving Together Workshop
Community Events and Resources
- 2017 Indigenous Education Week
- New Colleges Student Voice Project
- First Do Less Harm
- 12th Annual Strawberry Ceremony
SBA Programming and Events
American Sign Language 101 – Waitlist is open
Interested learning American Sign Language and Deaf Culture? Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Trans People of the University of Toronto (LGBTOUT) and Students for Barrier-Free Access (SBA) will be offering a course that covers ASL basics, an introduction to Deaf Culture, and social justice signs. To learn more about LGBTOUT, please visit: https://lgbtout.wordpress.com/ and uoftsba.com
Classes will be Wednesdays from starting February 1st from 2pm to 4pm. Classes are free and will run for ten weeks. If you are interested and would like more information, please email sba@utoronto.ca and let us know how you heard about the class!
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SBA Graduate Student Union Levy Opt Out Dates
University of Toronto graduate students who wish to opt out of their levy agreement with Students for Barrier-Free Access (SBA) and receive a refund of the fees collected can drop by the SBA office at 215 Huron Street, room 924. Refunds for the fall term are $2 for full-time graduate students and $1 for part-time graduate students. Please bring your University of Toronto Student ID and proof of registration.
Drop in times for those wishing to opt-out are: Mondays-Thursdays between 11:30am-5:30pm and Fridays between 12:30pm-5:30 from January 9th to January 27th. Evening opt-outs are on Thursday January 12th, Wednesday January 18th, and Thursday January 26th between 5:30-7:30pm. If you wish to receive your levy refund during the evenings, please call our office number 416 967 7322 and we will let you into the building.
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QT2SBIPOC Discussion Night
Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) and the Centre for Women and Trans People (CWTP) at U of T invites you to join us for the first night of a new series of events that works to create space for community building, critical conversation, and support for Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (QT2SBIPOC).
As organizers of this space, we recognize that this event will be taking place on the territories of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca and the Mississaugas of New Credit. We are here because this land is occupied. As organizations located within the University of Toronto, it is our responsibility to acknowledge that we are all treaty people that live, work and organize on occupied land.
We also recognize that this University is a space that many of our community members experience violence, including the violence of settler-colonialism, anti-black racism, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, ableism, sanism, classism, Islamophobia and the violence of rape culture. Recent events on campus have highlighted the ongoing presence of these forms of violence. As a collective, we work to challenge these forms of violence in our communities and in our everyday practice.
We have a strong commitment to creating anti-colonial community space that rejects ableist and sanist ways of relating. We are committed to building meaningful and reciprocal relationships between Indigenous, Black, and POC communities and to acknowledge that this requires difficult conversations to be had. Through the QT2SBIPOC Discussion Night Series, we strive to hold a space for these conversations.
This meetings topic to be determined.
Date: Monday January 23rd, 2017
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: SBA Centre, 215 Huron Street, Suite 924, on the 9th floor.
Please note that the front doors to 215 Huron Street lock at 5:30pm. Event organizers will wait at the entrance to let people in from 5:45pm-6:00pm. If you arrive later, please call 416-967-7322 and one of us will let you in.
Wheelchair accessible. Accessible and all-gender washroom located on the same floor as the event room.
Please note that the SBA Centre is a scent-free space.
Snacks, including vegan and gluten-free options will be served.
If you require ASL to participate in the event, or if you have any other access needs please contact Nadia at sba.advocacycoordinator@gmail.com
***This is a QT2SBIPOC only space. As always, we appreciate the support we receive from our white allies by respecting this space and by sharing this event information with their networks.***
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Crafternoon
Join us for another crafternoon on Thursday January 26th, 2016 from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Bring your knitting and crafty things–or borrow some of ours and have a great time!
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Monthly Lunch
Join us for our next monthly lunch this coming Monday, January 30th from 12:30 to 2:30pm. We’re having Mamma’s Pizza! Gluten-free and vegan options! Please note that SBA is a scent-free space. All-gender, single user wheelchair accessible washroom on the same floor.
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SBA Advocacy Committee Meeting
Join Student for Barrier-free Access for our first Advocacy Committee meeting of the Winter Term!
Date: Thursday February 2, 2017
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Location: SBA Centre, 215 Huron Street, Suite 924, on the 9th floor
Access notes:
Please note that the SBA centre is a scent-free space.
An accessible and all-gender washroom is located on the same floor as the meeting room.
Snacks will be provided, including vegan and gluten-free options.
New members are very welcome! If you are interested in joining the Advocacy Committee and volunteering with us, please contact Nadia at sba.advocacycoordinator@gmail.com
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The Muslims Are Coming!
This event is the first of a series which aims to create a critical conversation space for people who have some connection to Muslim identity including through family, history, and/or culture. People who identify as practicing, non-practicing, or something in between are all welcome.
Using short video clips of poetry, prose, comedy and documentaries, we will discuss the multifaceted experiences of growing up and living in migrant Muslim families/communities and the politics of being Muslim in our current times. Our conversation will centre the experiences of black and racialized Muslims and in particular the voices of queer, trans, disabled and mad people.
The Muslims Are Coming! is part of a monthly discussion series organized by SBA and CWTP.
Date: Wednesday February 8th, 2017
Time: 1:30-3:30PM
Location: 569 Spadina Ave (Accessible entrance via Bancroft Ave), Multifaith Centre / Koffler Building, Room 208, Main Activity Hall
Access Info: Wheelchair accessible building. Accessible, gender-neutral washroom on same floor as event. TTC tokens available. Video clips will have captioning or will be accompanied by written text of the dialogue. Family-friendly space. Please arrive scent-free. Snacks including vegan and gluten-free options will be served.
Allies, we appreciate your support in helping us maintain this closed conversations space for people who have connections to Muslim identity and by sharing this event info with your networks.
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Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students
Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) for a student-run orientation for disabled students and student advocates. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, full-time or part-time, new or returning, an international or transfer student, this orientation is for you!
Come meet other disabled students and SBA members, enjoy some snacks, and learn more about self-advocacy and resources for disabled students on campus.
Topics covered at the orientation:
– Know Your Rights as a disabled student – Presented by ARCH Disability Law Centre
– self-advocacy and navigating academic accommodations
– introduction to campus resources and services for disabled students
– introduction to Students for Barrier-Free Access’ resources and services
Date: Friday February 10, 2017
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: 246 Bloor Street West (Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social work) room 702, 7th floor
Everyone welcome!
Wheelchair accessible. Live captioning will be available.
Accessible and gender-neutral washroom located on the same floor as the event room.
Please note that this will be a scent-free space.
Light refreshments, including vegan and gluten-free options, will be served.
If you require ASL to participate in the event, or if you have any other access needs please contact Nadia at sba.advocacycoordinator@gmail.com
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Community events and Resources
2017 Indigenous Education Week
The 2017 Indigenous Education Week at the University of Toronto will be held from January 22nd to the 27th. Indigenous Education Week is a series of events for students, staff, faculty, and the community to participate in and learn about Indigenous knowledges, nationhood, and the diversity of Indigenous nations.
January 22nd
DIGGING ROOTS
3-4:30 pm
Great Hall, Hart House
Cost: Free
website: http://harthouse.ca/events/sunday-concerts-digging-roots/
January 23rd
INDIGENOUS STUDIES STUDENTS’ UNION – OPEN HOUSE – OFFICE OPENING
11am-1pm
Turtle Lounge, Centre for Indigenous Studies
Lunch will be served.
January 24th
HERE ON FUTURE EARTH: AN ARTIST TALK WITH JOI T. ARCAND
Moderated by Dr. Karyn Recollet
2:00 pm
Main Activity Hall, Multi Faith Centre
STORYING TOGETHER: SCREENING OF WEAVING THE SASH AND SHARING CIRCLE
6:30-9 pm
East Common Room, Hart House
website: http://harthouse.ca/events/storying-together/
January 25th
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT: HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. A SELF CARE WORKSHOP WITH OPENING FROM ELDER ERNIE SANDY
12:00 pm
Turtle Lounge, Centre for Indigenous Studies
Facilitator: Bonnie Jane Maracle, Learning Strategist
Presented by Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement
Register by emailing: sage@utoronto.ca
FROM BASRA TO STANDING ROCK: DECOLONIAL LOVE, HIP HOP AND SOLIDARITY. DISCUSSION WITH QUESE IMC AND YASSIN “NARCY” ALSALMAN
2:00 pm
Debates Room at Hart House.
Moderated by Dr. Audrey Hudson. Opening by Brianna Briskool Olson.
TOBACCO TEACHING WITH TRADITIONAL OJIBWE TEACHER/KOKOMIS JACQUI LAVALLEY
5:00 pm
Peace Lounge, 7th Floor, OISE.
Presented by the Indigenous Education Network.
website: oise.utoronto.ca/ien/events.html
January 26th
THE SEVEN CRIES OF CREE YOUNG PEOPLE: THE INTERGENERATIONAL IMPACT OF ST. ANNE’S RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL ON SURVIVORS. A TEACHING WITH ANDREW WESLEY
11:00 am
First Nations House Lounge
CLEARING A PATH: POETRY FOR A UNIFIED FUTURE. READINGS AND DISCUSSION WITH GWEN BENAWAY, LEE MARACLE, AND GREGORY SCOFIELD
2:00 pm
Debates Room at Hart House
January 27th
BEYOND THE BREAK: READING BY KATHERENA VERMETTE
2:00 pm
First Nations House Lounge
Moderated by Jamaias Da Costa. This event is followed by a closing reception.
First Nations House is located at 563 Spadina Ave., on the Third Floor.
There is an accessible entrance via Bancroft Avenue and an elevator at the back of the North Borden Building. First Nations House has a gender neutral restroom. If you require specific accommodations, please contact Susan at 416.978.8227.
We would like to acknowledge our partners in IEW 2017: Indigenous Education Network, OISE, Hart House, the Multi-Faith Centre, Indigenous Studies Student Union, Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (S.A.G.E.)
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New College’s Student Voice Project
The Student Voice Project (SVP) is a 3 day Alternative Reading Week program focusing on art and mental health. It takes place the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Reading Week. (February 21-23) and is free of cost and includes meals.
The SVP program partners with community health organizations, the University of Toronto mental health program staff, and students interested in talking about mental health to critically engage with issues of mental health on campus. Over the 3 day project, students will learn from mental health professionals and activists, share lived experiences, discuss mental health issues and realities on campus, and work with artists to create a written or spoken word poetry piece, a visual art piece or a zine.
SVP is run out of the New College Office of Student Life and Leadership (SLL) in collaboration with U of T Health and Wellness.
Applications Due January 25th
Event February 21st , 22nd , 23rd
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First Do Less Harm
An exciting event presented by the Centre for Community Partnerships and the Canadian Harm Reduction Network.
First Do Less Harm: the Future of Canada’s Drug Policy. Come engage in a discussion with a panel of experts, including a person with current drug-use experience speaking on topics such as marijuana legislation, the opioid crisis, decriminalizing or legalizing all drugs, and more!
Sing up on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/events/771765186307960/
Open to all. Free food. Free admission.
Please help spread the word!
Tuesday, January 31 at 6 PM – 8 PM (followed by an informal networking opportunity from 8-9 PM)
Multi Faith Centre, 569 Spadina Ave.
Main Activity Hall (2nd floor)
Speakers:
-Trevor Stratton, Coordinator of the International Indigenous Working Group on HIV & AIDS (IIWGHA)
-Eugene Oscapella, Researcher, criminology professor, founding member of Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy
-Patricia Erickson, Professor of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Toronto and scientist emerita at CAMH
-Raffi Balian, Manager of COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Program South Riverdale Community Health Centre; author
-Dessy Pavlova, Vice Chair, Board of Directors Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy
Moderated by JOE FIORITO, Former Toronto Star Journalist and author
Presented by the Canadian Harm Reduction Network and the Centre for Community Partnerships
Sponsored by Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Hart House, Univesity of Toronto Students’ Union , Urban Studies Program, Innis College
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12th Annual Strawberry Ceremony
Strawberry Ceremony with Elder Wanda Whitebird begins at 12:30 at Police Headquarters, 40 College Street at Bay, Toronto
Please leave your agency, institutional and organisation banners at home and instead make signs in honour of women, girls, trans and two-spirit people who have died violent and premature deaths.
Singers, song keepers and drummers please bring your drums for the ceremony. Drummers from the organising committee, with the direction of Wanda, will be leading songs. Jingle dress dancers are also called to join on the march. Please contact us if you can participate so protocols can be observed.
We recognise that February is out of season for a ceremony involving strawberries, but the violence we are experiencing is also a disruption in our traditional ways of life.
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Accessibility info:
It might be COLD! Please dress for the weather and we will endeavour to keep ceremony to 1 hour.
Some tokens will be available
There will be a sound system
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Media and public attention to this issue has continued to grow since we gathered last year but Indigenous women are still going missing and being murdered. No More Silence has continued to work hard to create a community-owned database in collaboration with Families of Sisters in Spirit and the Native Youth Sexual Health Network in It Starts with Us – the collaboration has also produced these beautiful tributes: http://www.itstartswithus-mmiw.com/tributes
On February 14th we come together in solidarity with the women who started this vigil over 20 years ago in Vancouver’s DTES, and with the marches and rallies that will be taking place across this land. We stand in defense of our lives and to demonstrate against the complicity of the state in the ongoing genocide of Indigenous women and the impunity of state institutions and actors (police, RCMP, coroners’ offices, the courts, and an indifferent federal government) that prevents justice for all Indigenous peoples.
No More Silence began holding ceremony at police headquarters on February 14th 12 years ago. 5 years ago we formed the February 14th Organizing Committee in an effort to broaden community participation in the planning of the event – the committee is now made up of individuals and organizations including The Native Youth Sexual Health Network, Sistering, Maggies – Toronto Sex Workers Action Project and other feminist and Indigenous community organizations.
Please message us if you would like to volunteer, or add to the list of endorsements!
For more information:
Students for Barrier-Free Access 