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Effective Nov. 1, 2023, clients and families, visitors, vendors and staff are required to wear a mask while moving throughout the hospital, including while in elevators, in spaces where clients receive care or participate in research. A medical grade mask will be available upon entry.

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As I Live and Breathe is a collection of short stories written by authors with lived experience of disability. The stories cover a wide range of topics and highlight how, even though disability is a deeply personal experience, there are common themes within the experiences of disability.

Information about project

This virtual writing project began in February 2022 and consisted of workshops focused on writing styles, utilising writing exercises and prompts, peer critique and discussions that were grounded in current experiences of living in, and growing up as a young disabled person in Toronto. On December 1, the book will be launched in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event will also include an author reading and panel, as well as an exhibition featuring the participants' work.

Project lead 

Dolly Menna-Dack, clinical and research bioethicist, youth engagement strategy lead, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Artist facilitator, editor, curator, book design & photography

Mary Anderson, program manager, youth engagement strategy, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Book cover & illustrations

Lexin Zhang, writer & artist, youth leader, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the authors, our artist Lexin Zhang, Mary Anderson, Dolly Menna-Dack, the youth engagement strategy team, and the other incredible staff at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for their dedication and support of this project.