Spring into Learning – May 2

Spring into Learning 2026: Rethink Dis-Ability

• What: Join us for our 2nd annual Spring Into Learning event. This year’s theme is: ‘Rethink Dis-Ability.’ Hear from a former Canadian Paralympian, a queer/binary/disabled Trent University professor, and social worker/community activist as they give their take on why it’s important to shatter our perceptions (and biases) about disabilities. If you are a caregiver, family member, community member, or professional with experience working with individuals with disabilities, this event is for you!  Join us for a day of hands-on learning, resources and guest speakers. Free event with lunch included (no child care available).
• When: Saturday, May 2, 9 am to 3 pm
• Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre (872 Dutton Road) in Peterborough
• To Join:  Fill in our online form here. You can also contact Hayley Hodges at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215 or hhodges@fivecounties.on.ca
• Spring into Learning 2026 features:
  • Keynote speaker Alec Denys (5-time Paralympian, sports enthusiast and accessibility advocate), who shares his personal story of suffering a life-altering injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down, and how his love of sports helped him discover new abilities.
  • Workshop facilitator Derek Newman-Still (a local author, academic and activist) speaks on the importance of resiliency in their own life to respond and correct presumptions from those who diss their disability.
  • Workshop facilitator Maureen Pollard (social worker and compassionate bereavement care provider) explains how to ‘re-think resiliency’ by offering simple strategies for self-preservation that caregivers can into action when stretched to the limit. The focus is on small, manageable steps toward well-being that are possible even when life is hectic.
  • Mix and mingle session with other participants
  • Takeaway resources
  • Lunch and snacks included.