As we embark on the next phase of the Disability Partnership’s journey, we reflect on the foundational work that brought us to this point. Guided by the principle of “Nothing about us without us,” the Partnership began with a vision of collaboration and connection, fueled by the voices of those with lived experience. The 2019 strategic plan laid the groundwork for our network, focusing on key start-up activities such as establishing dedicated staff, creating a recognizable brand, building a sustainability plan, and ensuring our members could influence public and private sector agendas.
Now, in 2025, with renewed momentum and expanded membership, it’s time to ask ourselves and one another “What is our Why?”.
It’s time to recognize that disability impacts the lives of all Nova Scotians in unique ways that can change or differ based on the intersections of our identities (racial diversity, gender and sexual diversity, economic position, education, etc). The Disability Partnership staff and advisory team acknowledge that there is diversity in disability that has, historically, been overlooked, or worse, erased. The Disability Partnership recognizes that we have a key role to play in confronting and dismantling systemic violence and exclusion and in creating equitable spaces where ALL lived experiences are welcome. We are on a journey of (re)building trust with one another, with our colleagues, and in historically marginalized communities.
We invite you, our Foundational Members, to share your values, contribute your expertise and co-create our 2025 Vision Statement, Mission Statement and Guiding Principles.
What’s Happening?
The Partnership is hosting four virtual sessions in early February in hopes to connect with as many Foundational Members, Community Members, and Caregivers as possible. Each session will follow the same agenda and will include captioning, transcription, and recording. If you need other supports to participate (such as language translation services or a personal support worker), let us know by January 20, 2025. You can register on the session of your choice by clicking one of the links below.
Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 9:30am to 11:30am
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
We will begin by introducing ourselves to one another and the Coordinator will introduce “Accountable Space Guidelines” before moving into a short but impactful privilege activity. We will hold space for a brief discussion before we move into talking about “What is our Why?”, reviewing the breakout group instructions, and separating into breakout rooms.
One group will review the 2019 and 2023 Vision and Mission Statement and and the second group will review the 2019 and 2023 Guiding Principles. Each group will work together to develop new, meaningful, and equitable components for the Partnership Philosophy.
There will be an opportunity for both groups to present their ideas, answer questions and have discussion before the session closes.
Why Your Input Matters
We need as many voices as possible to make sure the plan truly reflects the community. Here’s why your participation is important:
- Nothing About Us Without Us: Our intent is to centre the lived experience of persons with disabilities and intentionally make space for persons of colour with disabilities, Indigenous persons with disabi.
- Building Connections: Your input will help build stronger connections within the provincial disability community by fostering collaboration, aligning efforts, and creating a shared vision.
- Planning for the Future: This process will strengthen the capacity of disability organizations and support staff by fostering common values, a shared agenda, collective impact, and unified steps toward reconciliation and deinstitutionalization.
How to Get Involved
There are several ways you can participate:
- Join a Zoom Session: Share your thoughts and ideas during one of our virtual sessions. Sessions start on February 1, 2025 and last no longer than 2 hours. If you need extra support to participate, let us know when you register.
- Send Us Your Feedback: Can’t attend a session? No problem! You can share your thoughts by email or schedule a one-on-one conversation with us.
- Spread the Word: Help us include even more voices! Share this opportunity with your community through email, social media, or by talking to others who might want to join.
Shape the Future of the Disability Partnership
This is your opportunity to uncover shared values, unpack privilege, recognize intersectionality, and create equitable and accountable spaces in our lives, workplaces, and communities. By sharing your experiences and perspectives, you’ll help us create a plan that reflects the diverse needs of disability organizations, persons with disabilities, and historically marginalized communities—fostering unity, inclusion, and lasting change. We can’t wait to see you!
