Mobilize March

Stairbombing Event at York University

Jeff Preston — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:46:46 +0000

Earlier this week I was invited to give a presentation on disability and creative activism at York University, followed by a guest lecture for graduate students in the Critical Disability Studies program. Both events were extremely well attended and I wanted to thank Kaley Roosen and the organizing team for putting together such a great event, as well as the York media outlets for such great coverage and the staff and students for making my visit so much fun.

Free Screening of “Idling: A Transit Story” @ Carleton University

Jeff Preston — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:40:14 +0000

As a part of “Social Justice Week,” Jeff’s documentary “Idling: A Transit Story” will be screened on Tuesday, November 2nd at Carleton University, followed by a short Q & A with Jeff.

“Idling” is an exploration into the world of accessible transportation in Ontario and chronicles Jeff’s marathon to Ottawa in 2008. The trailer for the doc can be seen on YouTube.

When: November 2, 2011 @ 6pm
Where: University Centre Atrium (4th floor), Carleton University
RSVP: Here on Facebook

Danielle from Fanshawe College

Jeff Preston — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:52:17 +0000

Jeff Preston has been a guest lecturer for my class in the DSW program at Fanshawe College three times.He is by the far the most quoted in class assignments and tests and has a tremendous impact on thestudents. Jeff challenges my student’s very definitions of rights, political activism and ability. His lectureis full of humour, attitude and truth and he shows students how to think more critically about rights andsociety’s obligation to accommodate all of its citizens. Jeff’s take no prisoner’s attitude inspires studentsto think longer and fight harder. Any forum where disability is being discussed would benefit from theinclusion of Jeff Preston as a speaker.

Danielle Cheyne

Part-time Professor, Fanshawe College

New Episode of Cripz — Starring Role

Jeff Preston — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 01:29:11 +0000

A lot has been made of the fact that most disabled characters on television and in movies are actually played by able-bodied actors. It’s a particularly tricky question because while you’d like to believe casting directors aren’t avoiding disabled actors simply because they don’t think they can perform, it’s been noted by many in the industry that there is a perception that disabled actors are more “expensive” than those without disabilities. This is because, rightfully so, it takes longer for these actors to do wardrobe changes and sets now need to be fully accessible to accomodate the actors needs.

The frustrating part though is that in an industry focused on “the right look and fit,” disabled actors are type casted into playing disabled character…except they can’t get those roles for reasons listed above.

That’s where this week’s episode of Cripz is coming from, in the first of a three part holiday series entitled “Starring Role.”

Students of SNSS

Jeff Preston — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:55:05 +0000

Sydney - “I thought Jeff was funny and I liked listening to him. He didn’t make it boring and had things we could relate to even though we didn’t have obstacles like being in a wheelchair. There weren’t things I didn’t like. He also changed the speech the second time around so that was good too. I thought the overall presentation was really enjoyable and I liked it.”

Alex - “Funny. Didn’t want him to stop talking. Made me want to do something about what he was talking about.”

Lauren - “I liked how he was funny and tried to connect with us, like commenting on Justin Beiber.”

Students in Mrs. Jana Bayer-Smith’s class at Stratford Northwestern Secondary School

OT Class @ UWO

Jeff Preston — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:04:57 +0000

Yesterday I faced the snowpocolypse to deliver a guest lecture at Dr. Klinger’s 2nd year OT Class on Representations of Disability and Media Activism. I’m pretty sure this is my 4th year speaking to the class and I absolutely love it–the students are so engaged and determined to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

Keep up the great work, together we can get people moving!

New Episode of Cripz — Harry Potter

Jeff Preston — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:17:22 +0000

Another fresh offering over at Cripz: A Webcomic, this week featuring a parody of the recently released movie, Harry Potter. I have to admit, I was never a real fan of the Harry Potter series, struggling to make it through the first 3 books before ditching them to re-read Lord of the Rings. Having said that, I understand why people love them so much and the movies are definitely well done and, above all, entertaining.

While the series is, of course, based in fantasy, I’ve always been left wondering where all the disabled wizards are? None of Harry’s classmates have physical disabilities and, aside from perhaps Luna, don’t appear to have social or intellectual limitations either. I guess it’s for the best though, considering all those stairways at Hogwarts. This week’s comic is really about that, the lack of access in schools, because it’s not a problem that just affects the fantasy world of Harry Potter. Right now in Ontario, there are tons of schools that don’t provide access for students with disabilities and school boards that relegate all students with disabilities, regardless of their intellectual abilities, to Developmental Learning Classes.

We need to do better and one of the easiest ways we can help the disabled population right now is by empowering our youth to get educated. Now is the time to make education accessible to everyone!

Jana from SNSS

Jeff Preston — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:52:49 +0000

Teachers from all grade levels will be amazed at how captivating Jeff is. I personally watched some of my most difficult high school students intently listen to Jeff and the message he shared. Jeff is able to connect with his audience through his story
telling and fabulous sense of humour. Not only do students come away with a new sense of the word “able”, but Jeff also challenges them to think about the labels they apply to themselves and others. Jeff is truly an inspiration and I feel honoured that
he came to my classroom. I can’t wait to see him again!

Jana Bayer-Smith
Teacher, Stratford Northwestern Secondary School

New Episode of Cripz — Rampway to Heaven

Jeff Preston — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:22:12 +0000

Clara and I released the new episode of Cripz: A Webcomic entitled “Rampway to Heaven” In this episode, Rhett is anxiously awaiting the announcement of the 2010-2011 high school football roster. Will he make it? Won’t he? Only one way to find out!

School Age Children with Disabilities workshop @ TVCC

Jeff Preston — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 16:48:32 +0000

This morning I returned to the Thames Valley Children’s Centre for another keynote presentation, this time at the School Age Children with Disabilities Workshop. Similar to my last visit to TVCC, my presentation was to parents of youth with disabilities to talk about the importance of self advocacy and education. It was a great crowd with tremendous conversation following the presentation. Looks like our next generation of youth with disabilities are being well positioned to become the advocates of the future because of some wonderfully supportive parents.