In the Community

About MLPD

Together we can create an accessible and inclusive province for all Manitobans.

In the Community

About MLPD

Together we can create an accessible and inclusive province for all Manitobans.

MLPD is dedicated to making a fully accessible province where people with disabilities are provided the same rights and freedoms.

The Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) was founded in 1974 in the era of the civil rights movement. Originally known as the Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped (MLPH), MLPD began as a consumer-controlled organization with the goal of influencing the quality of services for people living with disabilities in the province of Manitoba. To learn more about MLPD’s past, in the form of oral history scroll below.

MLPD is dedicated to making a fully accessible province where people with disabilities are provided the same rights and freedoms.

The Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) was founded in 1974 in the era of the civil rights movement. Originally known as the Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped (MLPH), MLPD began as a consumer-controlled organization with the goal of influencing the quality of services for people living with disabilities in the province of Manitoba. To learn more about MLPD’s past, in the form of oral history scroll below.

Oral History

Founded in 1974 upon strategies and lessons learned from the civil rights movement, MLPD was originally known as the Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped (MLPH). MLPD began as a consumer-controlled organization with the goal of influencing the quality of services for people with disabilities in Manitoba.

Advocating for accessible transportation was one of the first major issues the organization tackled in the 1970s, as people with disabilities needed reliable transportation to participate more fully in the community. These efforts paid off, as MLPD was instrumental in creating the Handi-Transit service in Winnipeg.

Members worked hard to ensure that people with disabilities had a voice in the services and supports they need to live in the community. MLPD activists lobbied for an active role in altering the policies of the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities (now known as Manitoba Possible) to include consultation with people with disabilities. MLPD continues to work with provincial and municipal governments to advocate for effective representation of people with disabilities.

The MLPD Oral History Project is a collaboration between the MLPD, The University of Winnipeg Oral History Centre, and The Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (now known as Eviance).

The goal of this project is to highlight the efforts and accomplishments of some of our original members who lobbied for the rights and removal of barriers for people with disabilities in Manitoba. It will also preserve our history in a way that can be shared and studied.

Founded in 1974 upon strategies and lessons learned from the civil rights movement, MLPD was originally known as the Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped (MLPH). MLPD began as a consumer-controlled organization with the goal of influencing the quality of services for people with disabilities in Manitoba.
Advocating for accessible transportation was one of the first major issues the organization tackled in the 1970s, as people with disabilities needed reliable transportation to participate more fully in the community. These efforts paid off, as MLPD was instrumental in creating the Handi-Transit service in Winnipeg.

Members worked hard to ensure that people with disabilities had a voice in the services and supports they need to live in the community. MLPD activists lobbied for an active role in altering the policies of the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities (now known as Manitoba Possible) to include consultation with people with disabilities. MLPD continues to work with provincial and municipal governments to advocate for effective representation of people with disabilities.

The MLPD Oral History Project is a collaboration between the MLPD, The University of Winnipeg Oral History Centre, and The Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (now known as Eviance).

The goal of this project is to highlight the efforts and accomplishments of some of our original members who lobbied for the rights and removal of barriers for people with disabilities in Manitoba. It will also preserve our history in a way that can be shared and studied.

The goal of this project is to highlight the efforts and accomplishments of some of our original members who lobbied for the rights and removal of barriers for people with disabilities in Manitoba.

Interviews

A Call to Action: Jim Derksen

Length: 43 secs

Jim Derksen was the first Executive Director of the Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office. He was also a Provincial Coordinator of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities. Jim Derksen talks about his challenge to the MLPD membership to get out and speak about disability issues.

The Case for an Organization of Persons with Disabilities:
Clare Simpson

Length: 1 minute 44 seconds

Clare Simpson is currently an employee of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. She has been active in the disability rights community since the mid-seventies and involved with the program “In The Company of Friends” for 18 years.

Clare Simpson talks about the need for people with disabilities in Manitoba to have a voice which lead to the formation of the MLPD.

Disability Activism in Rural Manitoba: Derek Legge

Length: 2 minutes 49 seconds

Derek Legge originally became involved with the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities in 1975, where he started the first branch of the MLPD in Brandon, MB. After moving back home to Winnipeg in 1977, he began working in the area of employment and disability, eventually becoming an Intake Officer at the Manitoba Human Rights Commission in 1987 until retirement in 2004. He received the CCD Award in 2003 for initiating a number of access-promoting projects over the years.

Derek Legge talks about his reasons for getting involved in starting the first branch of the MLPD in Brandon, MB.

Getting Involved: Paula Keirstead

Length: 44 seconds

Paula Keirstead is an individual and systemic rights advocate primarily in the areas of disability, women’s issues and poverty and has addressed these issues at the local, provincial, national and international levels. Presently she works at Legal Aid Manitoba as a Community Advocate with the Poverty Law Unit.

Paula Keirstead talks about how getting involved in the MLPD made her more comfortable with the fact she had a disability.

Becoming Provincial Coordinator: Dave Martin

Length: 29 seconds

Dave Martin is the Senior Advisor on Disability Issues with the Province of Manitoba. From 1983 to 2000, he was the Provincial Coordinator of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities.

Dave Martin talks about becoming the provincial coordinator of the MLPD.

Getting Involved: Doreen Demas

Length: 1 minute

Doreen Demas is a member of the Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Global Network and the Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Caucus. Doreen Demas talks about her involvement with the MLPD.

The Struggle for Control: Jim Derksen

Length: 3 minutes 24 seconds

Jim Derksen was the first Executive Director of the Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office. He was also a Provincial Coordinator of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities.

The Quest for Accessible Transportation: Jim Derksen

Length: 2 minutes 28 seconds

Jim Derksen was the first Executive Director of the Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office. He was also a Provincial Coordinator of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities. Jim speaks about the struggle to gain accessible transportation in Manitoba.

We thank the following individuals and organizations for participating in this important project.

Acknowledgements

Steering Committee

Mary Horodyski, Archival Studies Student at University of Manitoba
Heather Bidzinski, Head of Collections at Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Sharon Reilly, Past Oral History Program Coordinator at Canadian Museum for Human Rights. (Retired)
Nolan Reilly, Co-Director of Oral History Centre, University of Winnipeg
April D’Aubin, Executive Secretary of Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities
Kent Davies, Audio Technician at Oral History Centre, University of Winnipeg
Kimberly Moore, Program Coordinator at Oral History Centre, University of Winnipeg
Susan L. Hardie, Executive Director at Canadian Centre on Disability Studies

Interview Transcription Completed By:

Joana Ambira
Quinton Sanderson
Cassie Bodnar
Evan Wicklund
Kathy Cote
Emily Ternette
Courtney Eagle
Alexandria Kazmerik

Supervision Provided By:

Michelle Owen
Susan L. Hardie

A Very Special Thank You to the Following Contributors:

Allen Mankewich, Canadian Center on Disability Studies
Jennifer Sande, Provincial Coordinator, Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities

Acknowledgement of Funders

Manitoba Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection, Heritage Grant Programs
Allan Simpson Memorial Fund
University of Winnipeg Oral History Centre
Canadian Centre on Disability Studies

Interviewees:

Jim Derksen
Paula Keirstead
Doreen Demas
Derek Legge
Dave Martin
Josie Concepcion
Clare Simpson
Emilly Ternette
Brian Stewart

Provincial Council

Jennifer Breddam

Jennifer is the Chair of the MLPD Provincial Council. She is a social justice advocate at heart and endeavours to incorporate the values of inclusivity, equity, and authenticity into her life and work. Jenn holds an Advanced Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies, minoring in Indigenous Studies from the University of Manitoba. Additionally, Jenn is a Burns Leadership Institute Fellow and has studied multilateral diplomacy leadership at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Having built a successful career as a labour relations professional, Jenn has turned her attention toward social development and community-building work. She is passionate about this field, with a particular interest in the intersection of human rights and the world of work. Beyond her leadership role with MLPD’s Council, Jenn is actively involved with other social justice organizations, such as the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties (MARL), among other volunteer commitments close to her heart.

Laurie Helgason

Laurie is the 1st Vice Chair and Representative for the Council of Canadians with Disabilities of the MLPD Provincial Council. Laurie acquired a disability in 1995 that required the use of a wheelchair. She then joined the Board of Women’s Health Clinic and the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba to try to make change for women with disabilities, positions which she held for 15 years. Laurie founded the DisAbled Women’s Network of Manitoba and ran it as Executive Director for 20 years. Laurie was also on the Board and chaired the City of Winnipeg Citizen Equity Committee and served on the Access Advisory Committee for 5 years. Laurie is an advocate for accessible transportation, having been involved on Transit Committees as well as direct action to increase visibility and acceptance of people with disabilities on transit. Laurie sat on the early board of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities and has been a member of the League for the last 30 years. Laurie is at heart an activist and advocate for all people who face challenges in human rights.

Bobby Mazur

Bobby is the 2nd Vice Chair of the MLPD Provincial Council. For 10 years, Bobby volunteered for the Health Sciences Centre MS Research Department to help research and approve the only medication available for his disease. Bobby advocates for the homeless, accessibility, and independence for the disabled. He has made many recommendations to Boards and companies on how to improve accessibility. Bobby is a Métis citizen, recognized by the Manitoba Métis Federation. Bobby is volunteering for MLPD, on his homeland of the Red River Nation, as a disabled Métis citizen. Bobby respects all, prides himself in welcoming all the travelers throughout this valley, and serves to assist and accommodate.

Isham Behl

Isham is the Treasurer of the MLPD Provincial Council. Isham is a Bachelor of Science student at the University of Manitoba, studying Computer Science, Data Science, and Film. Actively involved in campus life, Isham has held various leadership roles in over 30 student groups. Their extensive volunteer experience also includes work with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the University of Manitoba Student Union’s Accessibility Centre, and various national nonprofits. Isham is also dedicated to financial education and advocates for more affordable events, and resources for students.

Júlia Valença Schoen

Júlia is the Secretary and Representative for the Transit Plus Public Advisory Committee of the MLPD Provincial Council. During her study of Sociology at the University of Manitoba, Julia faced many new challenges that swayed her into disability studies. Now, the topic of disability rights, especially as it pertains to medical care, has become a core interest of hers and the reason why she jumped at the opportunity to work with the MLPD. She hopes to become more involved in community-based activism that she believes in and the MLPD will hopefully not be her only or last venture of the kind. In her free time she enjoys theater, films, reading, computer games and crafts like knitting, crochet, sewing, and embroidery.

Alexandréa Nadeau

Alexandréa is a Representative on the MLPD Provincial Council. Alexandréa is currently studying Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba. She has had the privilege of spending most of her life supporting and advocating for others. Some ways she has done this was by creating a leadership forum for young women in South-Central Manitoba, providing after school programming for young girls and non-binary folks through Indigo Girls Group (now Willow Youth Network), and advocating for gender equality in STEM through Pulsar collective. In addition to other advocacy experiences, she has had the opportunity to sit on a couple of boards, such as the United Way, and attend conferences, such as Forum for Young Canadians. Alexandréa is excited and honoured to continue the important work MLPD is doing striving for the inclusion and equality of persons with disabilities and to learn from the amazing individuals in the organization.

Jim Smith

Jim is a Representative on the MLPD Provincial Council. Jim is the able-bodied half of an inter-abled couple. Jim ran for a MLPD Council seat because he wants to give back to the community. Jim believes that while there has been a lot of progress in the disability community over the past 20 years, we have a long way to go to make our part of the world truly accessible and inclusive. Jim is hoping that as a part of MLPD, he can do his part in this and help move us forward. Jim is also a longtime member of Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba and a member of Spinal Cord Injury of Alberta. He is the past President of his church board and is on the Board of a Seniors Club in Southeast Winnipeg. Prior to his retirement, Jim worked in the property and casualty insurance field.

Erin Honke

Erin is a Representative on the MLPD Provincial Council. Erin Honke, a graduate of the University of Winnipeg’s Bachelor of Psychology program, is a passionate advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society. Leading by example, Erin inspires those around her to address social inequality, fostering inclusion, dignity, and respect. As a children’s counsellor at a family violence shelter in Winnipeg, she has shown unwavering dedication to supporting those who need it most. Erin is a valued member of MLPD, serving as a representative on the Provincial Council for several years and volunteering her time on the Fundraising Committee of Council. Her outstanding commitment to MLPD’s vision illustrates her determination to make a real and positive impact on the lives of Manitobans.

Alan Levy

Alan is a Representative on the MLPD Provincial Council. Through out his career Alan’s goal has been to foster and celebrate organizational and societal diverse and inclusive workplaces with a sense of belonging; he has been committed in his organizational and academic work to build teams that reflect a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds and feel free to express their opinions, this includes his work with whistleblowing. Believing in his research on whistleblowing which only strengthens organizations to be better in their service to all customers and to society, whether in the private or public sectors. Alan holds a BA from the U of W, a Masters of Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto and a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall, York University. Alan’s conflict resolution work is what separates him from most leaders. Both as an academic and practitioner of conflict resolution models of testing practicality apply to some of the most difficult disputes in the country.

MLPD Staff

Melissa Graham
Executive Director

Melissa is a lifelong disability justice advocate based out of Winnipeg. She has over a decade of frontline experience, working for the Self-Managed Attendant Services Program in Ontario and other organizations in the disability sector. Melissa also holds her Masters in Social Work from the University of Toronto, and was working towards her PhD before accepting her position with MLPD. She has a long history in disability policy and research focused on intersectionality, decolonization, social justice and accessibility.

Melissa is well-known for her activist background, particularly as the founder and lead organizer for the Toronto Disability Pride March. She organized this annual event for 11 years while building relationships with other disability grassroots organizations nationally and internationally, and contributing to research on disability movement organizing. She has successfully passed the torch to other organizers to continue the march. She carries what she has learned from this work into the collaborative, social justice work of MLPD.

Debby McLeod
Accessibility Coordinator

I just want to say how happy I am working with MLPD. I have worked for all of my adult life in the Health Care Industry. The last 20 years before retirement I worked as the Critical Equipment Specialist in the Adult Emergency Dept. at HSC, and in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

I am recently new to the Disabled community. In November of 2020, I lost my left leg from below the knee due to a serious bone infection. I am finding new challenges and adventures every day with MLPD. I am constantly learning about the world of non-profit and funding. It takes me back to all the days of fundraising for my children for various sporting activities.

I look forward to continuing to learn with my new adventures in my new world and community. Thank -you for this opportunity.

Sheryl Peters
Projects Manager

Sheryl is a Winnipeg-based social researcher, non-profit programs coordinator, and artist. She has experienced life-long invisible disabilities. Her previous work focused on social equity, a social justice approach to autism and disability, health and well-being of women and older adults, person-centred health care, and decolonizing/community-based approaches to research and community work. Sheryl’s creative projects include digital video and community arts – most notably digital storytelling projects with Autistic people, their families and educators, and Indigenous women and girls.

Annual Reports

Founded in 1974 upon strategies and lessons learned from the civil rights movement, MLPD was originally known as the Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped (MLPH). MLPD began as a consumer-controlled organization with the goal of influencing the quality of services for people with disabilities in Manitoba.
Advocating for accessible transportation was one of the first major issues the organization tackled in the 1970s, as people with disabilities needed reliable transportation to participate more fully in the community. These efforts paid off, as MLPD was instrumental in creating the Handi-Transit service in Winnipeg.

Members worked hard to ensure that people with disabilities had a voice in the services and supports they need to live in the community. MLPD activists lobbied for an active role in altering the policies of the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities (now known as Manitoba Possible) to include consultation with people with disabilities. MLPD continues to work with provincial and municipal governments to advocate for effective representation of people with disabilities.

The MLPD Oral History Project is a collaboration between the MLPD, The University of Winnipeg Oral History Centre, and The Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (now known as Eviance).

The goal of this project is to highlight the efforts and accomplishments of some of our original members who lobbied for the rights and removal of barriers for people with disabilities in Manitoba. It will also preserve our history in a way that can be shared and studied.

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About MLPD

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Oral History

The goal of this project is to highlight the efforts and accomplishments of some of our original members who lobbied for the rights and removal of barriers for people with disabilities in Manitoba.