The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) is calling for feedback on The Law and Persons with Disabilities within the next week; deadline for feedback is Wed., May 2, 2012.  They are hoping to hear from all those individuals and organizations who may either use or be affected by the Draft Framework, including policy-makers, community organizations, service providers and persons with disabilities themselves.

Please report:

• Whether the principles on which the Draft Framework is based are meaningful, and can help improve laws, policies and practices as they affect persons with disabilities,

• What you would like legislators and policy-makers to understand about the circumstances and experiences of persons with disabilities when they are making or implementing laws, policies or practices,

• Any suggestions for making the framework easier to use or more effective.

Submissions can be in writing, by phone, or in person. For more details, see their website.

On Tue., May 1 and May 8, a two-part series to introduce you to the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace — feminism, peace work, activism working in Canada for over 50 years.

•  May 1, Part I: Learn the history of Canadian Voice of Women for Peace and view our riveting documentary “VOW, The First Thirty Years.” Janis Alton and Lyn Adamson, with other long-time VOW activists, explain our role in working for peace and disarmament in Canada.

•  May 8, Part II: Details of VOW’s current and future work. Become a part of history and learn how to create change and a better future for everyone.

Both parts are 7:30–9 pm at Friend’s House, 60 Lowther Ave., Toronto

For more information, http://vowpeace.org/events/view/introduction-to-canadian-voice-of-women-for-peace, or contact VOW office at 416-603-7915, info@vowpeace.org

Social Planning Toronto’s May Research and Policy Forum

“The End is Near – Future of Affordable Co-op and Nonprofit Homes”

Wed., May 23, 6-8 pm
Northern District Public Library, 40 Orchard View Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Room 224 ABC
(one block north of Eglinton subway station, west of Yonge)

Long-term federal operating agreements with housing co-ops and nonprofit housing providers are coming to an end, which raises important questions about the future viability of co-ops and nonprofit housing, and the capacity of these housing providers to maintain affordable housing for low- and modest-income individuals and families.

What will the future bring? In the face of a long-term affordable housing crisis, how do we ensure that we don’t lose the affordable housing we already have?

Speakers:
• Tom Clement, Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto
• Mercedeh Madani, University of Toronto Master of Science in Planning Student
• Keith Ward, Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association

All are welcome. Please register as space is limited; contact Mary Micallef at (416) 351-0095 x251 or mmicallef@socialplanningtoronto.org

Due to illness, the Older Women’s Network office hours will be irregular for the next few weeks.
Please call (416-214-1518) before visiting.