OARCID is the abbreviation for Organizing Accessibility Resources and Connections on Inclusion and Disability.
O.A.R.C.I.D started out as a passion project called I.C.E.E. (Inclusive Community Engagement and Experience) within the University community to bring awareness about the lack of actual inclusion and the ableism that is occurring on campus.
As the training and workshops gained momentum between universities in the city of Toronto, it was evident that this was an invaluable resource. However, the feedback from community members and our own learning and growth indicated that it is crucial to address inclusion, equitable opportunities, and autonomy that is accessible beyond the academic settings.
Business Lens
O.A.R.C.I.D was originally created to proactively train people with and without disabilities by Disabled people. Businesses/organizations will gain invaluable training about A.O.D.A and the intricacies of lived experiences. The training and support offered includes evidence informed practices using websites, tutorial videos, and written materials. They also teach proactive ways to create actively inclusive and equitable spaces that improves the quality of life and work for all people.
Many people are not aware of A.O.D.A (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) particularly if they have not been to post-secondary or involved with the Disability Community. Often people who are aware of A.O.D.A are not familiar with the personal and systemic barriers that Disabled people encounter daily. This lack of knowledge deeply impacts Disabled people, people who are managing disabilities but are undiagnosed, students, businesses, customer services, transportation, health care, front line services, employment, and in most cases access to critical information.
While A.O.D.A is a critical step forward in protecting the rights of Disabled people, it is only a start and we must do better!
Community Lens
This is our ultimate goal and what our business lens will be supporting.
This does not exist at the moment but we do offer some services for people in the community.
There are very few places to go to for support when you are a Disabled youth or an adult, as there are many medical informed services for children and youth, and there are services for adults regarding employment and medical needs. However, currently there are very few services or spaces that focus on disability services for youth and adults from a social and identity informed perspective.
Not everyone is connected to the Disability Community, which means Disabled people often do not know about their fundamental rights, or where to go for support. Disabled people must navigate the systems with their families or on their own believing what is offered to be in their best interest, or the only services available. However, this is often not the case.
We eventually want to have a space and services that is accessible, supportive, and promotes autonomy in all senses of the word.
oarcidservices.ca 