Voices of ABLE2

Voices of ABLE2 - Episode 6: Behind the Match — Building Meaningful Connections with People with Disabilities

In this episode of Voices of ABLE2, Director of Programs Thony Jean‑Baptiste, and Social Worker Azra Alibhai talk about the care, insight, and intention behind ABLE2’s Matching Program. They share how Friends and Allies are thoughtfully paired, why these relationships matter, and the powerful impact of connection in addressing loneliness and isolation. Transcript available here.  [https://www.able2.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VOA-Ep-6-Behind-the-Match-transcript-FINAL.pdf]   Thank you to Voices of ABLE2's Presenting Sponsor Sequence Marketing [https://sequencemarketing.ca/], for helping us make inclusion heard.  Do you have a story to share or know someone who should be featured? Contact us at events@able2.org [events@able2.org]. Do you want to be the first to know about new podcast episodes and updates about ABLE2’s programs, services and events? Subscribe here [https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/HGNIQkH].

Voices of ABLE2 - Episode 5: The Justice Gap — Understanding Legal Barriers for People with Disabilities

Access to justice is a fundamental right, but for many people with disabilities, the legal system can feel complex, intimidating, and out of reach. In our latest episode of Voices of ABLE2, we’re joined by Frank McNally, founding partner of McNally Gervan Law, former President of Reach Canada, and current ABLE2 board member, who brings both legal expertise and lived experience as a hard-of-hearing individual. Frank talks about why navigating the legal system can be overwhelming for people with disabilities, and why access to justice must be inclusive, empathetic, and accessible for all. Whether you’re a frontline worker, a family member, or someone navigating the legal system yourself, this episode offers insight into how we can work toward a more inclusive and equitable justice system for all. Transcript available here. [https://www.able2.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/VOA-Ep-5-The-Justice-Gap-Transcript.pdf]   Thank you to Voices of ABLE2's Presenting Sponsor Sequence Marketing [https://sequencemarketing.ca/], for helping us make inclusion heard.  Do you have a story to share or know someone who should be featured? Contact us at events@able2.org [events@able2.org]. Do you want to be the first to know about new podcast episodes and updates about ABLE2’s programs, services and events? Subscribe here [https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/HGNIQkH].

Voices of ABLE2 - Episode 4: Redefining Strength– Life After Disability

Voices of ABLE2 Episode 4: Redefining Strength– Life After Disability After a life-altering brain injury ended her Olympic equestrian career, Claire Smith was forced to confront profound changes to her body, identity, and sense of self. In this episode of Voices of ABLE2, Claire reflects on grief, adaptation, and the long process of coming to terms with life after disability—including later living with dystonia. Drawing from her memoir Falling Into Now, Claire shares how resilience showed up in unexpected ways, how relationships shifted after her injury, and how learning to accommodate disability became part of everyday life. Her story challenges narrow ideas of strength and success, centering lived experience, choice, and the importance of community support in navigating life’s transitions. Transcript available here [https://www.able2.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/VOA-Ep-4-Redefining-Strength-Transcript.pdf].   Thank you to Voices of ABLE2's Presenting Sponsor Sequence Marketing, for helping us make inclusion heard.    Do you have a story to share or know someone who should be featured? Contact us at events@able2.org [events@able2.org]. Do you want to be the first to know about new podcast episodes and updates about ABLE2’s programs, services and events? Subscribe here [https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/HGNIQkH].

Voices of ABLE2 - Episode 3: Nothing About Us Without Us — Centering Lived Experience in Building Inclusive Communities

For far too long, decisions about accessibility, inclusion, and community design have been made without the people most impacted by those decisions. In this episode, disability advocate, entrepreneur, and speaker Michael Lifshitz joins us to discuss why lived experience must be at the center of every conversation about disability and why “Nothing About Us Without Us” remains a vital call to action today. Drawing from his 50 years of lived experience with disability, Michael shares real-world examples of what happens when decisions are made without consulting the community — from inaccessible infrastructure to representation that exists only on paper. He also reveals the difference it makes when leaders genuinely listen, include, and act on the insights of people with disabilities. This honest and insightful conversation explores barriers that still limit meaningful participation, the importance of representation in media and public life, and practical ways allies can amplify disability voices to drive real change. Transcript available here. [https://www.able2.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Voices-Ep-4-Michael-Lifshitz-Transcript.pdf] Thank you to Voices of ABLE2's Presenting Sponsor Sequence Marketing [https://sequencemarketing.ca/], for helping us make inclusion heard.  Do you have a story to share or know someone who should be featured? Contact us at events@able2.org [events@able2.org]. Do you want to be the first to know about new podcast episodes and updates about ABLE2’s programs, services and events? Subscribe here [https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/HGNIQkH].

Voices of ABLE2 - Episode 2: Navigating the Wait — A Mother and Daughter’s Journey Through Ottawa’s Housing Crisis

For many families, finding safe and affordable housing is a challenge — but for people with disabilities, the wait can stretch into years. Joelle and her mother Patti have been on Ottawa’s social housing waitlist for more than a decade. Ten years of searching, hoping, and wondering when Joelle will finally have the chance to live independently. In this episode, Patti shares her fears about aging without knowing her daughter’s future is secure, while Joelle speaks openly about the frustration of being ready for independence but still waiting for a place to call her own. Their story sheds light on the harsh realities of being on a waitlist for a basic necessity such as housing— and how ABLE2’s Housing Support Program is helping them move toward stability, confidence, and hope. Transcript available here.  [https://www.able2.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Voices-of-ABLE2-Ep-2-Joelle-Patti-Transcript.pdf]   Thank you to Voices of ABLE2's Presenting Sponsor Sequence Marketing [https://sequencemarketing.ca], for helping us make inclusion heard.  Do you have a story to share or know someone who should be featured? Contact us at events@able2.org [events@able2.org]. Do you want to be the first to know about new podcast episodes and updates about ABLE2’s programs, services and events? Subscribe here [https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/HGNIQkH].