The Disability Collective

More chances to work with us this season! As part of the Canada Summer Jobs program, we are hiring for two positions: Development Strategy Coordinator Location: Toronto, Canada Position Type: Full-time contract, 40 hours per week Contract Dates: June 29 - August 21, 2026 Wage: $27.20/hour Working closely with the Artistic Director and leadership team, the Development Strategy Coordinator will assess current fundraising practices, identify new opportunities, and develop a clear, actionable roadmap for revenue generation. This role will also provide hands-on support with grant writing, prospect research, and fundraising planning during a key period of organizational growth. Production Coordinator Location: Toronto, Canada Position Type: Part-time contract, 30 hours per week Contract Dates: June 22 - August 28, 2026 Wage: $27.20/hour Working closely with the Producer and broader TDC team, the Production Coordinator will play a central role in coordinating logistics, technical needs, and on-site execution. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in live event environments, is highly organized, and is committed to accessibility and disability-led work. These positions are funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 – 30 at the start time of employment, and are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person under refugee protection with a valid SIN. For full job descriptions, please visit thedisabilitycollective.com/jobs. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. [Image Description: A blue-toned hiring graphic from “the disability collective” overlays a blurred photo of people at what appears to be a market or community event. Large white text in the centre reads “WE’RE HIRING". Beneath are two listed positions inside outlined, rounded rectangles: “Development Strategy Coordinator” and “Production Coordinator". Another outlined box asks applicants to send their cover letter and resume to “[email protected]". The design features rounded borders and a clean, modern layout]

We want to create a space for your voice! We are currently accepting written submissions for our bi-monthly newsletter (every other month). This includes blog posts, opinion pieces, poetry, and more. To submit, visit the link in our bio! [Image Description: A promotional graphic with a faded newspaper print, blue background. At the top, “the disability collective” appears in white inside a rounded rectangle. In the centre is a simple white line drawing of an envelope with a letter inside. Below, the text “OPEN CALL FOR” appears in white, followed by “NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS” in large pink capital letters]

We're bringing back a well-loved series... it's time for Crip Tips! Throughout this series, we'll break down different topics surrounding disability and accessibility. First up: What is an ambulatory wheelchair user? An ambulatory wheelchair user is defined as an individual who uses a wheelchair for mobility due to chronic illness, pain, fatigue, etc., but can walk, stand, or transfer, often for short distances or limited times. Our Artistic Director Emily is an ambulatory wheelchair user. Here's what she has to say about her experience: "I can walk short distances, but my wheelchair is what allows me to fully show up in the world, without pain, without limits, and without constantly weighing the physical cost. It gives me the freedom and independence to participate in way that actually work for me." Disabilities can exist on a spectrum - you should never make assumptions! Trust that someone is doing what works best for them. Your only job is to be as inclusive as you can. Have an idea for a Crip Tip topic? Send us a DM! [Image Description for Image 1: A bold, pink-toned graphic from The Disability Collective features a person seated in a wheelchair with both arms raised triumphantly, smiling with visible excitement. The entire image is overlaid with a gradient of deep pink to lighter pink, creating a high-contrast, empowering visual style. Centred near the top is The Disability Collective logo, followed by large text reading “CRIP tips” and a subtitle “THE QUESTION”. Below, a darker pink text box contains the question: “What is an ambulatory wheelchair user?” The design emphasizes energy, pride, and curiosity, combining advocacy with educational intent]

We're hiring! The Disability Collective is seeking an experienced and highly organized Stage Manager / Tour Manager for our upcoming tour of Dial 1 for UK. This role combines traditional stage management responsibilities with tour coordination, supporting both the artistic integrity of the production and the logistical needs of a multi-city tour. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining a smooth, accessible, and supportive environment for a diverse company of artists and collaborators. Location: Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver Position Type: Full Time, Contract Contract Dates: September 8 - 28, 2026 Compensation: $1,500 CAD per week ($4,500 CAD for total contract), plus $152 per day per diem, with travel and accommodations included Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT For more information and application details, visit thedisabilitycollective.com/jobs (link in bio!). [Image Description: A bold, pink-toned hiring graphic from The Disability Collective overlays a blurred stage performance scene with dancers in the background. Centered in large white text, it reads “WE’RE HIRING.” Below, it specifies the role: “Stage/Tour Manager (Dial 1 for UK).” Further down, it instructs applicants to send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. At the bottom, the deadline is listed as May 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM. The overall design features rounded edges and a vibrant magenta gradient, with a small arrow icon in the top right corner]

This week’s Substack from VWI Director, Chris, featuring @disabilitycollective #MentalHealth #Disability #DisabilityArts #VoicesWithImpact #TheDisabilityCollective

We’re thrilled to announce a collaboration between Voices With Impact and The Disability Collective! VWI and TDC are partnering to share mental health short films with The Disability Collective’s community in Toronto — because stories about mental health belong in the spaces where they resonate most. Voices With Impact’s Online Short Film Festival is available free and on-demand. Watch it wherever you like, whenever you like. VWI funds 10 short films on the topic of mental health each year. VWI is a film grant and a film festival, distributing funded films through Art Opening Minds’ social emotional learning programmes. The Disability Collective is the only fully disability-led multidisciplinary arts organization in Toronto. Dedicated to celebrating work created by disabled artists, TDC strives to de-stigmatize disability and challenge perceptions through paid opportunities, advocacy, and accessibility consultation. Together, we’re connecting film with community. [Image Descriptions in comments] @voiceswithimpactfest @disabilitycollective #MentalHealth #Disability #DisabilityArts #VoicesWithImpact #TheDisabilityCollective

We are officially seeking proposals for the 2nd annual DIScover Conference on October 14 and 15 at Meridian Arts Centre. This is a paid opportunity; rate information is available in the submission form. Through practical sessions and engaging discussions, the DIScover Conference equips arts organizations and artistic leaders with tools to foster inclusivity and elevate disability representation, setting a new benchmark for accessibility practices. This collaborative event aims to make Toronto’s arts community more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of its members. Sessions for the DIScover Conference fall under 1 of these 4 categories: Panel (60 or 90 minutes): A structured, live discussion where a moderator leads 3–5 experts in a conversation about a specific topic. Questions can be entirely pre-written, or panels can incorporate live questions from the audience in addition to prepared questions. Seminar (60 or 90 minutes): Informational lectures delivered by a single person or group of people that may include an audience Q&A. Workshop (60 or 90 minutes): A session that’s hands-on and interactive, led by a single person or group. Lightning Talk (10-15 minutes): Short talks introducing an idea, with 3 or 4 talks happening consecutively in one session. ACCESS MEASURES: -The building is fully accessible with ramps and elevators. -ASL interpretation will be provided. - Open Captioning will be provided. - A dedicated quiet space will be available. - Sighted guides available upon request. - A virtual option will be available. - We will be highly encouraging all conference attendees to wear masks in conference spaces, and we will be handing out masks to all participants. Exceptions will always be made for access reasons. As the venue is in a shared space we will not be able to enforce masks for non-conference participants. - Air filtration systems in conference spaces For more information and application instructions, please visit the link in our bio under 'Call for Proposals' or at thedisabilitycollective.com/submissions. SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY MAY 10TH, 2026 AT 11:59PM EDT. [Image Description in comments]

After an incredibly successful launch in 2025, The Disability Collective is thrilled to announce that the DIScover Conference is coming back in October 2026! Join us on October 14th and 15th at Meridian Arts Centre for this two-day leadership event bringing together arts professionals, accessibility advocates, and community members to focus on advancing accessibility and disability inclusion in the arts. More information on registration, conference hotel, accessibility, and more will be coming soon. For now, make sure you save the date! ACCESS MEASURES: -The building is fully accessible with ramps and elevators. -ASL interpretation will be provided. - Open Captioning will be provided. - A dedicated quiet space will be available. - Sighted guides available upon request. - A virtual option will be available. - We will be highly encouraging all conference attendees to wear masks in conference spaces, and we will be handing out masks to all participants. Exceptions will always be made for access reasons. As the venue is in a shared space we will not be able to enforce masks for non-conference participants. - Air filtration systems in conference spaces [Image Description: A promotional poster for The Disability Collective's 2026 DIScover Conference featuring a bold, modern design. At the top are accessibility icons representing ASL interpretation and open captioning. Below is the logo for The Disability Collective. Text below reads "SAVE THE DATE. MERIDIAN ARTS CENTRE - OCTOBER 14 AND 15. DISRUPT. DISMANTLE." in large text, with "DISCOVER 2026" in prominent white and purple font. Text underneath reads "A TWO-DAY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ON ADVANCING ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY INCLUSION IN THE ARTS". Below is the logo for the Canada Council of the Arts as a funder]

In March of 2021, The Disability Collective produced our first ever (virtual) event, 'ART IS MOVEMENT'. 5 years later, and we have grown into a full-time organization. We have been able to work with hundreds of disabled artists, producing year-round accessible arts events, and shape accessibility standards across the country through our consultation work. Our rapid growth only proves the need for this work in our community, and we look forward to another 5 years and more of making the arts a more inclusive space for all! [Image Description for Image 1: The host of CRIPtonite 2025, Theodore Walker Robinson, stands on a stage in front of a shimmering red tinsel curtain, speaking into a microphone and raising a sheet of paper in one hand as if making a toast or announcement. They wear a black outfit with a vest and necklace, and stage lighting casts pink and red tones across the scene. In the upper left corner, a white outlined box contains the text “the disability collective.” Large bold white text across the lower half of the image reads “CHEERS TO 5 YEARS,” indicating a five-year anniversary celebration] [Image Description for Image 2: A celebratory graphic with a vibrant red, glittery curtain background. Large white text at the top reads, "CHEERS TO 5 YEARS”. Below, three bold statistics are listed vertically: “28 Events Produced", “434 Paid Opportunities for Disabled Artists”, and “40+ Orgs Consulted For”. In the bottom right corner, a small boxed logo reads “the disability collective”]

Let's talk spoons! The “spoon theory” was a concept created by Christine Miserandino to represent a daily allowance of energy a person has each day. This visual helps people communicate where they are at, especially to people who do not have experience living with a disability or a chronic illness. Has the spoon theory helped you? Let us know in the comments! [Video Description: Laurie, a white female-presenting person with long brown hair wearing a Blue Jays team sweater and jeans, speaks to the camera about the "spoon theory"]

As we dive into preparation for our 2026 programming, we want to hear from you! At The Disability Collective, community is extremely important to us. Please help us determine what you would like more of this year and for the future by filling out our Community Data Survey. This survey is completely anonymous. One community member who fills out the survey will win a free TDC t-shirt! To enter, follow the link in our bio and click 'Survey'. Thank you all for your participation! We are excited to continue doing what we love. [Image Description: A promotional graphic with a deep pink overlay shows a theatre-style gathering. In the foreground, three people stand at the front of a stage facing an audience. One person gestures while speaking, and microphones and a lectern are visible. The audience sits in tiered seating, watching and listening; several people wear face masks, and at least one attendee uses a power wheelchair. Over the image, white text appears. At the top, inside a rounded rectangle, it reads “the disability collective.” Centred in large bold letters across the image is the message: “WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!” The overall design suggests a community forum or discussion inviting public input and participation]

Creativity is at its best when access comes first. We’re proud to collaborate with The Disability Collective, an organization that is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing artists with disabilities. Together, we’re working towards changing the ideas of disability in the arts and creating spaces where everyone can thrive in art. Whimble believes that access to care creates stronger communities, and partnerships like these can make inclusive communities a reality. #Whimble #InclusiveArts #TheDisabilityCollective #DisabilityArts