/R E P E A T -- Faith, disability and inclusion panel/

Interfaith panel to challenge perceptions around disability and inclusion in religious communities

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2015 /CNW/ - Community Living Toronto, in partnership with March of Dimes Canada, will host a panel on the intersection of faith and disability, titled Faith, Disability and Inclusion – Breaking Down the Barriers. Our goal is to have a frank conversation about the perceptions, stigmas and attitudes regarding disability and inclusion across diverse faith-based communities.

When: Wednesday, December 9
Time: Doors open at 5; panel 6-8.
Location: North York Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 5100 Yonge Street, North York.

WHO:
Noah Cheses, Orthodox Rabbi at Shaarei Shomayim Orthodox Congregation
Cat Criger, Aboriginal Elder and Traditional Teacher from the First Nations People
Kevin Downer, Executive Pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
Rabia Khedr, Founder and Executive Director, Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities (CAM-D)
Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist and South Asian Disability Rights Advocate

Moderator: Michael Enright, Host of CBC Radio's The Sunday Edition

The panel will explore the different attitudes and actions toward people with disabilities including physical and intellectual, visible and invisible, across diverse faith-based communities, and how the various religious perspectives understand and practice inclusion. "It is important to respond to the diverse cultural and spiritual needs of individuals with disabilities," said Rabia Khedr, Founder and Executive Director of CAM-D. "Barriers have to be recognized and addressed looking beyond disability as a single dimension of the individual."

About Community Living Toronto

Since 1948 Community Living Toronto has been a grassroots leader in developing community-based services and supports for people with an intellectual disability and their family. One of the largest organizations of its kind in Canada, Community Living Toronto provides services and support to over 6,000 people and their families across Toronto. Our mission is to change the lives of people with an intellectual disability by giving them a voice, and supporting their choices where they live, learn, work and play. For more information visit: www.cltoronto.ca. This event is part of the ongoing diversity and inclusion work generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

SOURCE Community Living Toronto

Ilaneet Goren, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected], www.cltoronto.ca @cltoronto #InclusiveFaith