Neurodiversity and Disability Resources

Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes

Have you ever made a dinner reservation and had to ask if the table would be accessible by wheelchair? How about if the menu is available in Braille? Have you ever been excited to watch a new show on tv, only to find there is no closed captioning? Have you ever tried to order something online, but were unable due to a lack of website accessibility? Now, think about your workplace. Have you made the decision to not disclose your “invisible” disability in fear of discrimination and stigma? Is there an absence of accessibility leadership leaving you unsure of where to go to discuss your accommodation needs?

Maybe you have taken your privilege for granted as an able-bodied, neurotypical person without any disabilities. Maybe accessibility and equity are topics that you haven’t spent much time thinking about. However, a large proportion of Canadians don’t have the option to simply ignore these issues. 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older (8.0 million people) have one or more disabilities that have limited them in their daily activities (2022 Canadian Survey on Disability), making these issues a reality and how they are forced to navigate this world.

To create a truly accessible society where everyone can thrive requires action from every one of us. Simply doing nothing and maintaining the status quo will perpetuate the harm that neurodiverse and persons with a disability experience in their communities, at their places of employment, and throughout all aspects of their lives. We must all take an active role in advocating and prioritizing equitable access and opportunities. We all can make the world a more accessible and equitable place, and the time to start is now.

Notes:
* This resource page largely focuses on Canadian content.  
** This resource page was last updated in 2024. If you are unable to access a resource using the link or platform provided, please reach out to us directly and we would be happy to help.

Articles to Read:

Videos to Watch:

Podcasts to Subscribe to:

Books to Read:

Films and TV Series to Watch:

  • Able: A Series (documentary series) – Available to rent*

  • Atypical (Dan Romer) – Netflix

  • CODA (Sian Heder) – Available to Rent

  • Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (James Lebrecht, Nicole Newnham) – Netflix

  • First Stories: Two Spirited (Sharon A. Desjarlais) – National Film Board

  • Going Blind (Joseph Lovett) – Available to access via film webpage

  • Heart of Invictus (Orlando von Einsiedel) – Netflix

  • Is There Anybody Out There? (Ella Glendining) – CBC Gem

  • I Am Sam (Jessie Nelson) – Available to Rent

  • My Beautiful Broken Brain (Lotje Sodderland, Sophie Robinson) – Netflix

  • My Left Foot (Jim Sheridan) – Available to Rent

  • Life and Limb, Gabrielle Union and Henry Louis Gates Jr. – BET

  • The Peanut Butter Falcon (Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz) – Netflix

  • Push (documentary series) – CBC Gem

  • Rising Phoenix (Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui) – Netflix

  • The Terry Fox Story (Ralph L. Thomas) – Available to Rent

  • The Theory of Everything (James Marsh) – Available to Rent

  • When I Walk (Jason DaSilva) – Available to Rent

  • While Cane Journeys (documentary series) – CBC Gem

*For titles that are available to rent, check out if they are available on your preferred streaming service (e.g., Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Youtube, etc.

For ideas on additional documentaries to watch, check out the National Film Board’s page on “People with Disabilities” and Autism Research Institute’s “37 Movies Featuring Autism”

Organizations to Follow on Social Media:

Terms to Know:

To be an ally, it is integral that you have a comprehension of the proper terminology. Check out the resources below to learn more.

Spaces for Mental and Physical Health:

The spaces provided above are a limited example of what exists. If you need help finding any specific resources for mental and physical health, please contact us directly and we would be happy to provide assistance.