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REPORT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING ON 

ETFO’S EQUITY AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMS

IV

societal, cultural and systemic stereotypes about women. Many concerns intersect race, socio-
economic status, sexual orientation, religious/cultural identity and differing levels of ability and mental 
health concerns.

Support for ETFO Locals’ Equity Work

ANTI-HOMOPHOBIA AND HETEROSEXISM INITIATIVES GRANT

This grant is provided to ETFO locals to assist with the costs of providing training on, awareness of 
and/or participation in events that address homophobia and heterosexism. In 2014-2015, nine locals 
accessed this funding support.

A BARRIER-FREE LOCAL WEBINAR

In February 2015, ETFO staff presented a webinar called A Barrier-Free Local, part of the new ETFO 
Local Leader Virtual Academy. The webinar focused on the role of ETFO in supporting locals around 
disability issues, terminology and definitions; how to plan accessible meetings and events; making the 
local office accessible; how to make information accessible; accommodations in the workplace and the 
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

DISABILITY CONNECTIONS INCENTIVE FUNDING

ETFO supports members in their efforts to increase awareness around disability issues and to educate 
students on the contributions of people with disabilities in their community and society. Funded projects 
this year include field trips and other assistance for particular special needs classes.

EDUCATION ON MENTAL HEALTH

At the May Representative Council, Dr. Ian Brown spoke to local leaders about positive mental health 
and how they can support members around mental health issues. Copies of the Policy on preventing
discrimination based on mental health disabilities and addictions from the Ontario Human Rights 
Commission were distributed to local presidents. The document has also been made available in an 
electronic version through secure services.

ENGAGING ABORIGINAL FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP 
(FORTHCOMING IN 2015-2016)

Engaging Aboriginal Families and the Community is a workshop that will provide participants with 
information on the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and issues and best practices for inviting Aboriginal 
peoples into schools and classrooms. The workshop will explore different elements in creating a 
welcoming environment that is culturally inclusive of Aboriginal students, families and community 
members. Participants will be provided some useful tools that they can implement in their practice.