Try On a Disability (TOAD)

Langley Pos-Abilities Society has been in the community since 2010. We are a registered non-profit, volunteer-run organization. Our mission is to improve the lives of Langley residents living with disabilities.

We provide:

disability-awareness education for private or public organizations as well as the business community
an atmosphere of cooperation between other service organizations and ourselves, to ensure individuals with disability are aware of programs and funding which will further their independence and inclusion in society
quality assistive devices for those who would not otherwise be able to afford them, (funded by our program fees, grants and donations from individuals, local business and the service community
accessibility audits and certification for private or public organizations and local businesses

TOAD-Save-On-Foods — Companies can sponsor Try On A Disability events at schools.

We have developed several programs which promote understanding of and empathy towards persons with disabilities. Ideal as team-building exercises, employee or management retreats, seminars, in-services, or lunch and learn events, these activities are fun, interactive and eye-opening.

Zosia and her team came to our school with their “Try On A Disability” program and it was a big success. Zosia was wonderful to plan with and the organizers were patient, kind and supportive of our students as they went through the learning stations. Our students not only enjoyed the day with them but, more importantly, developed more empathy and a better understanding about life with a physical disability. We look forward to having Langley Pos-Abilities back at our school in the near future.” —Chris Wejr, Principal, James Hill Elementary School

I want to thank you and your team for doing such a great job at our training day with the TOAD program. Our team members have gained some very insightful information to assist with their daily work, bringing awareness in how we can serve our customers.
—Randy Nerling, Store Manager, Save On Foods, Walnut Grove
Read the full letter of thanks

Try On a Disability (TOAD) 1

This program includes an informative discussion entitled, “Person First, Disability Last”, followed by the opportunity to try on disabilities including various forms of sight impairment, arthritis, and stroke. Perfect for “Lunch and Learn”, or as a part of a in-service event, it introduces people to the kinds of disabilities common in the population and that many will face as a result of injury, disease and/or the aging process.

Time: 1 hours plus set-up time.
Cost: Available upon request

Overall the teachers and students were very engaged and learned a lot. Our older students said:
“this day changed how I think about people with disabilities”
“before when I saw someone who was different I wondered what was wrong with them or what had happened to them, now I know that they are just people”
“when I see someone who needs help I will just help them”
“I decided that I want to work with kids who need help when I grow up”
“I learned that fair isn’t about everyone getting the same thing. I used to think it wasn’t fair when some kids at my school got an extra break or got to use a computer. Now I know that they are just getting what they need and I get other things that I need”
Thanks for providing this opportunity for our staff and students!
Diana Wilk, Principal, Douglas Park Community School
The TOAD program allowed our team members to DO specific tasks while ‘taking on’ some of the day-to-day challenges experienced by those with special needs and disabilities, such as limited eye-sight or ‘living’ in a wheel-chair. As a first responder organization who provides emergency services to those displaced by disasters, the TOAD experience allowed our team members to better understand and be more cognitively aware of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and helped define how we can assist and empower evacuees during and after an emergency.
Ginger C. Sherlock, Emergency Program Coordinator
Langley Emergency Program | City & Township of Langley | Protective Services

Try On a Disability (TOAD) 2

Wheelchair Obstacle Course

For events with a space that can accommodate our wheelchair obstacle course (40 feet by 60 feet), TOAD 2 is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Participants negotiate a course that reflects governmental accessibility codes. What is “to code” is not without challenge, nor is it necessarily well-thought-out. Participants are provided with their very own “spotter” to ensure they complete the course safely. With “Person First, Disability Last”, TOAD 2 works well for retreats, in-services, or events allowing for longer periods of time so that a large group of people can participate.
Time: 2 or more hours plus time for set-up and take-down of equipment.

Time: 1-2 hours
Cost: Available Upon Request

Try on a Disability (TOAD) ULTRA

A combination of TOAD 1 and TOAD 2, this Pos-Abilities extravaganza is perfect for all day events.

Time: events of more than 2 hours plus time for set-up and take down of equipment.
Cost: Available Upon Request

I want to say thank you again to you and your team of volunteers for your TOAD presentation for FVRL staff. I found it insightful and thought-provoking. I especially appreciated the hands-on approach of the presentation. Experiencing some of the challenges associated with varying disabilities and discussion with your volunteers helped me gain an understanding of what true accessibility means and how can take steps to achieve it. Throughout the presentation and following, I was engaged with other staff in discussion of how we as a library can 1) make the library more accessible to all persons and 2) share what we learned for you with others in the community.
E.S., Fraser Valley Regional Library
Pos-Abilities did a two and half hour evening presentation for the Abbotsford Emergency Support Services (ESS) Team. The information provided was relevant to our role as ESS responders. We also participated in hands on stations that kept our team members engaged and interested. Each station demonstrated challenges that persons with disabilities face daily, this insight was extremely valuable. As a team we will apply what we have learned, and be a stronger and empathic team, because of it. Thank you
Sue Rai, Abbotsford ESSD

Langley Pos-Abilities Accessibility Audit

Let Langley Pos-Abilities assess your accessibility. After examining your workplace, you will receive a detailed report, and if needed, we will offer ideas to improve your score. There are many low-cost or no-cost ways to make your workplace a welcoming environment for people with disabilities. At no additional cost to you, we will revisit your workplace to evaluate your accessibility once adjustments have been made. Upon satisfactory completion of the examination, your workplace will be designated as “Persons with Disabilities Friendly”, and a certificate , suitable for framing will be awarded.

Time: 1-2 hours
Cost: Available Upon Request

Participants’ response to TOAD:

…Excellent presentation, demonstration and exercises
…very insightful
…eye-opening
…great presentation, Thank you!

To Book Your TOAD event, call:

Langley Pos-Abilities
604-961-0117
e-mail: zosia@pos-abilities.org