Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer and more robust lives, but what are the challenges of aging with a disability? The Bi pi maadzing zaagidwin teg jichaaming (Circle of Life in the Spirit of Love Project) team hosted a free webinar series to highlight the challenges and strengths of Indigenous people who have IDD and those who support them. The project was developed by Surrey Place, with funding from AIDE Canada.

This webinar series brings Indigenous voices from Northern Ontario to the forefront. Featuring perspectives from professionals, caregivers and self-advocates, the project presents a view of supporting or being an Indigenous adult aging with IDD. The research team developed three webinars to highlight the voices of those in the North, from the following groups: 

• Self-advocates and families who can speak to their lived experiences of aging with IDD; 

• Community support workers and caregivers who provide 1:1 support in Northern communities; 

• Professionals who engage in knowledge sharing and work with those diagnosed with IDD. 

To build these webinars, we did a call out for participants and spoke to a total of 40 people in Northern Ontario. We spoke with professionals, community supporters, frontline workers, self-advocates, and families. We hosted Gatherings, where we invited knowledge sharers to join us for a discussion on their lived experiences. These discussions were facilitated by an Elder, Dorothy Elie. When people were unable to join the group Gatherings, we offered one on one interviews. 

Webinars

Webinar 1 | Aging Matters: Indigenous Perspectives – Water Droplets: Perspectives from Professionals

Webinar 2 | Aging Matters: Indigenous Perspectives -  Trunk and Branches: Perspectives from Caregivers and Community Supports

Webinar 3 | Aging Matters: Indigenous Perspectives Roots: Indigenous Families and Self-Advocates

STORIES

Aaron’s Story: Self-Advocacy and Support in Sioux Lookout

Serena’s Story: Isolation, Dedication & Holding Identity

Joyce and Chris’ Story: An Indigenous Mother’s Advocacy

resources