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Are you passionate about amplifying and celebrating Disabled artists? Want to get involved in the growing Canadian disability arts community? The Disability Collective is seeking Board Members who will help us take this groundbreaking, grassroots organization into our exciting next chapter!

We approach our work with joy and excitement, and are dedicated to celebrating disability and sharing our knowledge of accessibility in a positive and uplifting way!

We are seeking individuals who are familiar with disability arts and have experience with any of the following:
• Non-profit financial expertise
• Fundraising and donor relations
• Strategic planning
• Event planning
• Marketing
• Human resources
• Legal expertise
• Diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility in the arts

A full position description can be found at thedisabilitycollective.com/board.

If you would like to join a passionate and access-forward organization dedicated to creating opportunities and space for Disabled artists, please send a letter of introduction and a resume to Angela Sun, Interim Board Chair, at board@thedisabilitycollective.com. We will also accept audio/video recordings and/or a bio in lieu of the above.

If this application process is not accessible to you, please contact us at the email above to discuss other options.

The deadline for applications is Monday, June 15, 2026. Potential candidates will be interviewed by the current members of the Board.

[Image Description: A promotional recruitment graphic from “the disability collective” displayed on a deep magenta gradient background with soft blurred lights behind it. Centred in large bold white lettering is the message “CALL FOR BOARD MEMBERS”. Beneath, a rounded text box invites applicants to send a letter of introduction and resume to Interim Board Chair, Angela Sun, at board@thedisabilitycollective.com. At the bottom, the application deadline is listed as June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM. The overall design is modern and high-contrast with clean typography and subtle glowing effects]

We are looking for 10 disabled drag and burlesque performers to perform at the fourth edition of CRIPtonite. Artists will have a maximum of 10 minutes to showcase their work. Please submit a video example of your work.

All artists will be paid a $250 CAD honorarium for their participation in this event.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, June 26, 2026.

Visit the link in our bio or at disabilitycollective.com/submissions to submit!

We want to remove any barriers you might experience in the submission process, and we strive to meet all access needs to support every submission. For access support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at team@thedisabilitycollective.com.

ACCESS MEASURES:

- Deaf interpretation, audio description, and captions will be provided at both the in-person show and on the livestream.
- A venue guide and access guide will be available on our website closer to the event.
- Masks will be required for all audience members, artists, volunteers, and staff but may be removed temporarily for drinking and eating. Masks will be required in any public spaces in the venue, including the lobby and washrooms. Exemptions are always made for medical and access reasons. Air purifiers supplied by Safe Air Collective will be on in the lobby and theatre spaces.

[Image Description in comments]

The Disability Collective is seeking submissions from disabled artists of all art forms to join us for our artisan market at The Disability Arts Festival, taking place on Sunday, August 9th at Wychwood Barns!

This market will provide an opportunity for you to showcase and sell your work in a community-driven environment.

There is no cost associated with applying or participating in this event!

Please submit using the Google Form through the link in our bio or at thedisabilitycollective.com/submissions.

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.

We want to remove any barriers you might experience in the submission process, and we strive to meet all access needs to support every submission. For access support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at team@thedisabilitycollective.com.

ACCESS MEASURES:

- ASL interpreters will accompany all of our Deaf vendors and be available throughout the Festival to greet and support community members as needed.
- An audio described tour will be available.
- Sighted guides will be available to offer described tours of the Festival.
- A quiet space will be available for folks to take a break from the Festival. Sensory and fidget toys will be provided.
- Access and venue guides will be available on our website closer to the event.
- The Disability Arts Festival is an indoor/outdoor event. We will be highly encouraging all festival attendees to wear masks in indoor spaces, and we will have free KN95 masks at all Barn entrances. Exceptions will always be made for access reasons. As the Barns are a public space with folks living and working in the building, we will unfortunately not be able to enforce masking for this event; however, the Barn doors will be open to allow for natural air flow and additional air purifiers will be on throughout the space.

[Image Description in comments]

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 jobs@thedisabilitycollective.com.

[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 “jobs@thedisabilitycollective.com". 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 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 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 jobs@thedisabilitycollective.com. 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’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’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’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’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”]

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”]