Becoming involved in a group or association

Becoming involved with an association is very important as it allows you to develop skills such as working in a group, organizing events, and project management. These skills will be valuable tools when you enter the workforce.

Becoming a member of an association and occupying a position within it allows you to not only demonstrate your abilities, but also to provide a way to actively defend the rights of individuals living with a disability. As you will see by reading the following section, there aren’t enough academic associations that represent people living with a disability. Most of the time, we see general student associations which serve as a liaison between the administration, the professional groups and the students.

However, you are the only one who knows your personal needs; therefore it is essential that you become active in the student union of your educational institution so that your voice may be heard. You may even be the one who will start an association for people living with disabilities in your school. Why not?

Below you will find a list of associations that you can turn to if you require more information, support, or if you want to obtain more information about your rights.

L’Association des Handicapés de l’Université du Québec À Montréal (ADEHUQAM) is a group of former and current UQAM students living with a disability. The objectives of this group are to unify its members as well as well as individuals or organizations that share their mission of defending the rights and interests of individuals living with a disability.

Le Regroupement des activistes pour l’inclusion au Québec (RAPLIQ) is a group that works for the inclusion of persons living with disabilities in Quebec, mainly regarding physical accessibility issues to transportation and public facilities.

The Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Student`s Society (SACOMSS) is a safe place for McGill University students that have been victims of sexual crimes.

Action des femmes handicapées Montréal (AFHM) is a feminist group that is a space for exchanges between women living with disabilities in Quebec and the francophonie. Women living with a disability can share their professional experiences and establish networks on the local, national and international level.

La Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec (FEUQ) is a group whose mission is to “defend the rights and interests of students” with government agencies, stakeholders in the field of education, and with civil society.

L’Association des étudiants HandicapéEs de l’Université Laval (ADÉHUL) is a student association at Université Laval that was created to allow students living with a disability to voice what is needed in order for them to succeed in their studies. It allows students the opportunity to accomplish gratifying goals and have an active university life.