A Richmond non-profit is hoping to break out of rigid workshop formats to raise awareness for Invisible Disability Awareness Week.
The annual Invisible Disability Awareness Week is kicking off on Monday, Oct. 16, and the Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) has planned a series of “relaxed, less rigid and short” events.
The theme for RCD’s events is “Listen, Believe and Support,” which stems from the lived experiences of those with invisible illnesses.
“I can say as a 24-year invisible illness warrior that these three words are what many who live with these illnesses spend years trying to attain,” said Dave Thomson, RCD community outreach coordinator.
He explained it is often difficult to get people to listen and believe without a visible disability, and it may be challenging to get support and empathy.
The three sessions will take place during lunchtime from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 16, 18 and 20. The events are in-person at the RCD Hub in Lansdowne Centre.
Monday’s event will focus on listening with a story-sharing session with Pain BC experts, while Wednesday will focus on believing those battling invisible disabilities through a peer support session with Self Management BC.
The last event on Friday is all about support and will be a meeting with BC Disability Directory editor and community advocate Spencer van Vloten.
To register, contact Thomson at 604-232-2404 or [email protected]. For more information, visit RCD’s website.
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